Children's Hospital Colorado

Our experts treat respiratory and sleep disorders from the common to the complex, helping children and families breathe easier.

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720-777-6181

The pediatric asthma experts at Children’s Hospital Colorado may prescribe an inhaled medicine that comes in a Flexhaler to treat for your child’s asthma symptoms.

Does my child need a Flexhaler?

Asthma is a chronic (long-lasting) condition that requires ongoing treatment as your child grows and develops. Controlling asthma symptoms can help your child avoid trips to the emergency department or urgent care, stay in school and participate in regular activities. Untreated asthma can lead to other medical problems.

Different children experience asthma differently. Children’s Colorado specialists meet with you to assess your child’s unique triggers and symptoms, make a diagnosis and discuss treatment options.

How does a Flexhaler work?

A Flexhaler is a hand-held dry powder inhaler.

The device delivers a medicine called budesonide to the lungs as your child inhales through it. Budesonide is a corticosteroid, a type of medication that relieves inflammation (swelling). It treats asthma by reducing swelling in the airways so your child can breathe easier.

A Flexhaler is a maintenance medication, meaning your child uses it daily to control asthma and prevent symptoms. Your child must use the Flexhaler regularly for it to be effective.

A Flexhaler is not a rescue or relief medication, so your child shouldn’t use it during a serious or sudden asthma attack. Use a quick-relief inhaler, like albuterol, if your child is having an asthma attack.

How to use a Flexhaler

It’s important for your child to learn how to use the Flexhaler correctly. The inhaler is easy to use, but it takes a bit of practice. The asthma specialists at Children’s Colorado will teach you and your child how to use it.

Watch the video or download instructions on how to use a Flexhaler (.pdf).

About the Asthma Program at Children’s Colorado

If your child has asthma, we’re here to support your family every step of the way. Turn to the Asthma Program at Children’s Colorado for asthma diagnosis, education and treatment, all tailored to your child’s needs.

Our pediatric asthma experts are part of Children’s Colorado’s Breathing Institute, the nation’s largest program focusing on children’s lung health. The asthma program at Children’s Colorado is accredited by the American Association for Respiratory Care’s Asthma Self-Management Education Program.

Contact the Asthma Program at Children’s Colorado

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 720-777-6181 or schedule an appointment online.

Get to know our pediatric experts.

Bridget Raleigh, FNP-BC

Bridget Raleigh, FNP-BC

Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Jordana Hoppe, MD

Jordana Hoppe, MD

Pulmonology - Pediatric, Pediatrics

Anna Hamilton, CPNP-AC

Anna Hamilton, CPNP-AC

Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

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Stacey Martiniano, MD

Stacey Martiniano, MD

Pulmonology - Pediatric, Pediatrics

Children's Colorado in the news

  • U.S. News & World Report
    Pediatric Pulmonology Clinic in our Breathing Institute ranked no. 5 in the nation
    June 15, 2021

    Our successful management of asthma, cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy in addition to our leading participation in clinical research contributed to our top U.S. News & World Report ranking.

  • CBS4
    Impact of child and teen vaping in Colorado
    August 29, 2019

    Public health agencies have identified hundreds of vaping-related respiratory illnesses across the country. Pediatric pulmonologist Robin Deterding, MD, explains the common symptoms in these cases and what all kids should know about the risks of e-cigarettes.

  • The New York Times
    The correct use of an asthma inhaler
    March 11, 2019

    William Anderson, MD, and co-director of the Multidisciplinary Asthma Clinic authored an innovative study on the correct use of an asthma inhaler. Incorporating seven critical steps, this study is one of the first of its kind.