Inhalationstherapie bei atemwegserkrankungen im kindesalter

In children with airway diseases the administration of drugs via inhalers is the most important treatment modality. The prevalence of respiratory problems, such as bronchial asthma or virus-induced wheezing in children is high and inhalation therapy is frequently prescribed. The following article gives an overview of the drugs used for inhalation therapy detailing mode of action and administration. It is known that errors are often made by children and parents when using inhalers; therefore, a special emphasis is placed on the correct inhalation technique, pitfalls and patient education. More advanced technologies have allowed the development of a new generation of medicines and inhaler systems and this process is ongoing. It is to be expected that more specific therapeutic options will be available in the future in particular for the group of patients with chronic airway diseases. Detailed education, tailored to the product is already a key element for effective use of these treatments and will be even more so in the foreseeable future.