There are many asthma treatment options depending on your child's age and preference.

Metered dose inhalers, which are commonly called puffers or inhalers, spray the medicine out so that you can breathe it deep into the lungs. Inhalers deliver medicine very quickly.

Inhalers are compact and light so they can be easily taken with you wherever you go. It's very important to use your inhaler the correct way to make sure the medicine gets deposited into the lungs, where it works the best. Incorrect technique can leave some of the particles from the medicine on your tongue or throat, where it won't help at all.

A spacer, or holding chamber, is an attachment that should always be used with your inhaler. The spacer holds the medicine in place so you can breathe it in easier.

First, remove the cap from the bottom of your inhaler. When you get your new inhaler from the pharmacy, you need to "prime" or "waste" it by spraying the medicine into the air four times.

Now, fit your inhaler into the opening at the end of the spacer. Shake the inhaler well for ten seconds. Turn your head to the side and breathe out. Close your mouth around the mouthpiece of the spacer.

Push down on the inhaler once. Now the medicine is inside the spacer. Right away, take a slow, deep breath. The goal is to not hear a whistling sound. If you do, this means that you're breathing in too fast.

Hold your breath for a count of 10. Now, slowly breathe out. Rinse your mouth out with water or brush teeth after using controller medicines such as inhaled steroids.

Many times, the correct dose of your medicine will be to inhale two puffs. If this is what is prescribed for you, then wait one minute after the first puff, and then follow all of the steps again.

Remember if you have questions, call your doctor's office, asthma care team or pharmacy.

To learn more about the asthma team and treatment options here at Nationwide Children's Hospital, visit: http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/al...