Information About Metered Dose Inhalers, Spacers and Nebulizers

Asthma spacers and valved-holding chambers make it easier to take asthma medication from an inhaler. They help the medicine get into the lungs, with less medicine ending up in the mouth and throat.

We strongly recommend students also have a written Asthma Action Plan that gives us direction on which medicines your child takes and how to take care of their symptoms.  Medication forms and a sample Asthma Action Plan are located here.

Here is a list of what to ask your child’s healthcare provider for this school year to help us take care of your child’s asthma at school.

• An up to date written Asthma Action Plan
• A rescue inhaler for school
• A spacer or valved holding chamber for school.
• Check with your healthcare provider or insurance company to make sure they will pay for two devices: one for home and one for school.

Asthma and Allergy Medication Drop Off
An adult should bring the medications to school unless your student has a health care provider attestation to carry and use their medication independently.  If you need to make special arrangements to drop off medication, please call the school health office.

Due to the hybrid instruction plan for grades 6 thru 12 this year, we are also strongly encouraging parents of asthmatic students in these grades to obtain a self-carry medicaiton order for inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors from the doctor's office.  These orders and medicaitons still need to be checked in by the school nurse.

Self-carry inhaler students will also be instructed to use their inhalers outside of the classroom in a distanced area or in a separate area of the school nurse's office which allows for a student to be spaced more than 6 feet from others to use their inhaler.

Self-carry epinephrine auto-injector students are still instructed to notify the nearest staff member or the school nurse that they may be experiencing an allergy emergency so that appropriate care can be provided. 

Asthma and Allergy Resources for School Personnel and Families

• Allergy & Asthma Network provides education, advocacy, and resources for schools and families. They have added resources specific to COVID and managing asthma, which includes webinars and downloadable posters.
• American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) is composed of allergist/immunologists, other medical specialists and allied health healthcare professionals dedicated to the practice of allergy, asthma, and immunology. They have specific resources related to COVID-19.
• American Association for Respiratory Care Guide to Aerosol Delivery Devices 4th Edition This guide contains information on different aerosol delivery technologies and aerosol. (2017)
• American Lung Association provides resources for students, families, and schools including Asthma Basics, Asthma Medication in Schools, Back to School with Asthma, letters to health care providers and Parents you suggested regarding medications (MDIs with spacers vs Nebs) and follow up technical assistance regarding Stock Medication programs (and the ALA’s Model Policy).
• American Lung Association- How to use a metered dose asthma inhaler with a spacer or valved holding chamber (video 1:18 minutes) and How to Clean a Nebulizer (video 2:10 minutes)
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America COIVD19 and Asthma Toolkit for Schools