Almost Half of Young Asthma Patients Misuse Inhalers

FRIDAY, April 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Many children with asthma don't use their inhalers properly and don't get a full dose of medicine, researchers report.

They evaluated inhaler use among 113 children between the ages of 2 and 16 who were hospitalized for asthma. Such patients are at highest risk for complications and death from asthma.

At least one crucial step in inhaler technique was missed by 42% of the children. About 18% did not use a spacer device with their inhaler. A spacer is a device that's recommended for use with an inhaler to help the right amount of asthma medication reach the lungs.