The danger lies not in the side effects of the medicine, but rather, in the delay in seeking medical attention. The same caution applies to rescue medication sprays. Because they relieve symptoms so well, some patients use increasing amounts of spray to treat escalating symptoms rather than seeking medical attention. Such action is extremely risky because by the time these patients seek emergency treatment there asthma is much more difficult to control. Treatment with nebulized medications is not a last resort reserved for desperate situations.
Inhaled medications are the best treatments for asthma.
They work well, quickly, safely, and generally have fewer side effects than medications taken by mouth. When infants require maintenance medication, the nebulizer is the way to go. However, even though some parents may feel that they would like a nebulizer in order to avoid an emergency visit, nebulizers are not appropriate for patients with occasional symptoms. Since the parents of mild asthmatics have little experience using the nebulizer they are not equipped to make judgments about treatment and are better off seeking medical attention when their child has increased symptoms. Whether an asthmatic is taking a rescue medication or a maintenance medication proper technique for using the spray is of utmost importance.