Children's Hospital Colorado

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

Best Children's Hospital by U.S. News & World Report Pulmonology 2021-2 Badge
Call

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.

Emily DeBoer, MD

Emily DeBoer, MD

Pulmonology - Pediatric, Pediatrics

Patient ratings and reviews are not available Why?

Nicole Linehan, CPNP-AC

Nicole Linehan, CPNP-AC

Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Patient ratings and reviews are not available Why?

Amy Wrenn, CPNP-PC

Amy Wrenn, CPNP-PC

Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Patient ratings and reviews are not available Why?

Steve Abman, MD

Steve Abman, MD

Pulmonology - Pediatric, Pediatrics

Patient ratings and reviews are not available Why?

Children's Colorado in the news

  • Colorado Public Radio
    Colorado vaping use still high
    January 16, 2024

    The Colorado teens who made our state rank first in underage vaping are now young adults, and show no signs of slowing down vape use. For years, there's been a big question around how addictive devices like vapes are for teens, and now the latest state data is reflecting that. “We're seeing increases in those young adults," said Heather De Keyser, MD. "They weren't able to stop."

  • Healio
    Late cystic fibrosis care negatively impacts infant weight, height
    August 22, 2023

    Delayed cystic fibrosis care contributed to reduced weight and height-for-age in infancy through age 5 years. Infants with cystic fibrosis who received care at 47 days old had decreased weight and height-for-age during infancy compared with infants who received care at 10 days old, according to results published in The Journal of Pediatrics.

  • Consumer Reports
    Expert advice for bassinet safety
    June 16, 2023

    When parents bring home their newborn, a bassinet is often the sleeping option of choice, but it can be overwhelming to decide which is best. Read the article for guidance on things to consider before purchasing.