.png)
.jpg)
Objective: This study examines parental behaviors related to aerosol medication and nebulizer use, considering the patients’ clinical and demographic variables’ impact on treatment out comes. Parental challenges in managing aerosol therapy may reduce drug delivery efficiency to the lungs.
Materials and Methods: A total of 124 children aged 0-36 months with early-onset recurrent wheezing who were receiving daily regular aerosol treatment were evaluated. Data regarding parental knowledge and attitudes regarding nebulizer use and sociodemographic variables such as age, smoking, educational levels, and employment status were recorded. Phenotypes and history of wheezing attacks in previous months were also evaluated.
Results: Adherence to aerosol treatment was 85%. While 60.5% of parents applied the mask tightly, 39% used the blow-by method. Aerosols were given during crying in 33.9% and dur ing sleep in 53.2% of cases. Only 44% cleaned the mask after each use; 13% never did, and 80.6% did not disinfect. Poor cleaning was linked to more wheezing attacks (P = .01). Among those exposed to tobacco smoke at home, 54.7% used nebulized salbutamol >48 hours in the past month (OR = 2.11, P = .054; 95% CI: 0.99-4.52). Device type, aerosol method, and phenotype showed no clinical impact.
Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the significant influence of parental percep tions, attitudes, and behaviors on the effectiveness of aerosol therapy in young children with early-onset recurrent wheezing. Improving the knowledge of both health care professionals and parents about nebulizer treatment steps can enhance the clinical outcomes of patients.
Cite this article as: Hepkaya E, Çelik SC, Çelik SŞ, Özgür F. Challenges in parental management of aerosol therapy: A single-center study of children with early-onset wheezing. Turk Arch Pediatr. Published online November 20, 2025. doi:10.5152/TurkArchPediatr.2025.25193.