[Method for using inhalation chambers with facial masks in asthma. Evaluation in 60 children below four years of age].
Spacers with face masks are widely used for the treatment of asthma in young children. A poor inhalation technique may compromise the treatments efficiency.


METHODS
The inhalation technique of spacers with face masks was evaluated in a prospective study of 60 children below four years of age. A checklist of 12 items was used, each one being coded by zero or one, and a total score < or = 12 points was calculated.


RESULTS
Mean total score was 8.93 +/- 1.84 (extremes: 6-12). The canister was shaken before use in 48.3% of cases, one puff delivered when the child was breathing in 71.7% and the valve's mobility checked in 85%. The canister was shaken before the second puff in 13.3% of cases and two consecutive puffs individualized in 28%.


CONCLUSIONS
The usual mistakes are lacking to shake the canister and consecutive puffs' individualization. Medical partners and families education should be reinforced.
Vodoff
M V
MV
Service de pédiatrie 1, CHU Dupuytren, 2, avenue Martin-Luther-King, 87042 Limoges, France.
Gilbert
B
B
de Lumley
L
L
Dutau
G
G
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000336:Aerosols; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008397:Masks; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic
D000336:Aerosols