1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Asthma

How to Use an MDI With a Mask

From , former About.com Guide

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

2 of 8

Tips for Using a Mask With a Child

Ideally, you want to make giving asthma medicine a positive experience for you and your child. Here are a few tips that may help your child get used to the metered dose inhaler mask:

  • Explain to your child how the mask and inhaler work and what they are for.

  • Make using the mask a game. For instance, you might get your child to pretend he or she is an astronaut on a space ship or a mysterious hunter in disguise. You may even be able to find a mask that looks like an animal's face.

  • Be sure to praise your child when he or she does use the mask, even if it's only for a short time.

  • If you find that your child continually fights using the mask as you place it over the nose and mouth, don't force the issue. Talk to your doctor about other options for treatment.

Explore Asthma
About.com Special Features

Conquering High Cholesterol

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Asthma
  4. Control & Prevention
  5. Asthma Treatment
  6. Metered Dose Inhalers
  7. Tips for Using a Mask With a Child

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.