Protective effect of albuterol delivered via a spacer device (Babyhaler®) against methacholine induced bronchoconstriction in young wheezy children

Nine young asthmatic children aged 2–5 years underwent methacholine challenge after placebo or albuterol administered by metered dose inhaler through a spacer device (Babyhalere®)* with a face mask in a double‐blind, cross‐over, randomized study. The methacholine challenge was performed using chest auscultation to define the provocative concentration of methacholine that causes wheezing (PCW). The PCW increased from a geometric mean of 0.28 mg/mL after placebo to 3.59 mg/mL after albuterol ( P < 0.0001). The protective effect of albuterol against methacholine‐induced bronchospasm was 3.7 ± 1.2 doubling doses. We conclude that administration of drugs from a metered dose inhaler through the Babyhaler® with a face mask is effective. Albuterol causes a major reduction in the bronchial hyperreactivity in young wheezy children shortly after administration. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1994; 17:281–284. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.