Young children and infants are often incapable or unwilling to participate in drug delivery. A pMDI in combination with a non-electrostatic valved holding chamber and a face mask has been highlighted as the preferred inhaled drug delivery system for infants and young children. The design of NebuChamber^® makes it particularly suitable for children:

• Short periods of apnoea are common among young children, especially when a facemask is used. NebuChamber provides a delivery system, which accommodates the variable breathing patterns of children.
  

• The 250 mL volume, with a dead space of only 1 mL, allows for a more concentrated drug aerosol than with larger holding chambers. This enables easy inhalation by infants and young children with small tidal capacities.

The review by Bisgaard of systems for delivery of inhaled medication recommends the use of a pMDI with a valved holding chamber device and a face mask for infants and young children. It also highlights the need for non-electrostatic valved holding chambers to ensure consistent drug delivery.

Reference

Bisgaard H. Delivery of inhaled medication to children.J Asthma 1997;34(6):443-67.