Abstract
Objective: to observe children underwent to inhalatory therapy during the use of spacers devices and describe the practice by parents about inhalatory therapy in asthma with spacers in children under five years old. Methods: cross-seccional study in a Pediatric Pulmonology Unit during August 2007 to July 2009. Observations were performed during the use of spacers coupled with metered-dose aerosols and a form was applied to parents. The sample was 50 children from both sexes and theirs parents. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results: 62% boys and 38% girls were enrolled. Fifty percent of the parents shaked the medication before the use; child in sitting position was adopted in 56% of the observations; 82% of parents did not observe child’s breathing during the technics; 22% did not coupled the mask in correct position. There were different intervals in inhaling time: 48% inspired during correct time; 52% of children inspired the medication in the spacer with closed mouth. 78% were calm during the observation and 22% were agitated, crying or sleeping. The drug was applied in the morning in 56% of children. 24% did not wash the mouth and 64% brushed the teeth after the use of the medication. The spacer is correctly washed in 44% and dried in 72% of observations. Conclusions: improve stimulus and knowledge about the administration of the inhalatory therapy with spacers are necessary aiming at to reach better medication effects.