title: Asthma medications and how to use them.
abstract: Aerosolized medications for the treatment of asthma are now considered to be the delivery system of choice. Despite their popularity, traditional pressurized metered dose inhalers are associated with a variety of drawbacks. This article reviews the aerosolized drug delivery systems currently available, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Patient technique in the use of these agents is addressed. Special considerations in children and the elderly are discussed, with specific recommendations tailored to these age groups, followed by practical suggestions for general inhaler use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Pongracic
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000293:Adolescent; D000336:Aerosols; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010353:Patient Education as Topic
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents