Chauhan S, Gogtay J A
Medical and Research Department, Cipla Ltd, Mumbai.
Indian J Pediatr. 2001 Sep;68 Suppl 4:S17-22.
Asthma in younger children appears to be increasing in prevalence, whilst at the same time it is recognized that inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators are the mainstay of treatment for this condition. Presently the devices available for aerosol treatment of young children are mostly developed for use in older children and adults. However, an awareness of the need for delivery systems dedicated to use by young children is increasing. The devices available at present for aerosol treatment of young children comprises the nebulizer, metered-dose inhaler with spacer, and dry powder inhaler. The inhaler strategy found most useful at present can be summarized as follows: children younger than 2 years can use MDI+spacer+mask or nebulization, while children above 2 years can use MDI+spacer (without mask). Older children (3-4 years) can be easily taught the use of a Rotahaler.
年幼儿童哮喘的患病率似乎在上升，与此同时，人们认识到吸入性糖皮质激素和支气管扩张剂是这种疾病治疗的主要手段。目前，用于幼儿雾化治疗的装置大多是为大龄儿童和成人设计的。然而，对专门供幼儿使用的给药系统的需求意识正在增强。目前可用于幼儿雾化治疗的装置包括雾化器、带储雾罐的定量吸入器和干粉吸入器。目前发现最有用的吸入器使用策略可总结如下：2岁以下儿童可使用定量吸入器+储雾罐+面罩或雾化治疗，而2岁以上儿童可使用定量吸入器+储雾罐（不使用面罩）。年龄稍大的儿童（3 - 4岁）可以很容易学会使用旋转式吸入器。
