Technology Appraisal Guidance No. 10
Source: National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
- For children under the age of 5 years with chronic stable asthma both corticosteroids and bronchodilator therapy should be routinely delivered by pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI) and spacer system, with a facemask where necessary.
- Where this combination is not clinically effective for the child and depending on the child's condition, nebulised therapy may be considered and in the case of children aged 3 to 5 years, a dry powder inhaler (DPI) may also be considered.
- Choice of device to be made within the pMDI and spacer range should be primarily governed by specific individual need and the likelihood of good compliance. Once these factors have been taken into account, choice should be made on the basis of cost minimisation.
The guidance shown above constitutes Section 1 of the full document. A copy of the full document and a summary of the evidence is available on the Internet at www.nice.org.uk/page.aspx?o=9807
Copies of the document can also be obtained by contacting 0845 003 7783 or emailing publications@nice.org.uk and quoting reference number 22197.
This guidance represents the view of the Institute which was arrived at after careful consideration of the available evidence. Health professionals are expected to fully take it into account when exercising their clinical judgement. This guidance does not, however, override the individual responsibility of health professionals to make appropriate decisions in the circumstances of the individual patient, in consultation with the patient and/or guardian or carer.
© Copyright National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. All rights reserved. This material may be freely reproduced for educational and not for profit purposes within the NHS. No reproduction by or for commercial organisations is permitted without the express written permission of the Institute.
Enquiries concerning the guidance should be addressed to: National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, MidCity Place, 71 High Holborn, London WC1V 6NA. email: nice@nice.nhs.uk
Guidance on the Use of Inhaler Systems (Devices) in Children under the Age of 5 Years with Chronic Asthma.
Issue Date: August 2000
Review Date: August 2003
