New Nebulizers Law Might Save Children's Lives

New state legislation allows children with asthma to bring their nebulizers with them not only into the classroom, but also to have them nearby when playing a sport or participating in other after school activities.

Previously, students’ nebulizers were not allowed after school hours or outside of the school building. But Harvey Miller, MD, attending allergy, immunology and asthma specialist at Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, with help from local legislators, helped to get a law passed that allows children to carry their medication with them after school.

Somewhere around 4,000 people die of asthma attacks every year, Dr. Miller said, and he hopes this legislation will put lifesaving medication in the hands of the children who need it.

Nebulizers are machines that vaporize a liquid medication, allowing it to be inhaled to treat the affected bronchial airways.

“The effectiveness of the treatment really depends on delivery,” Dr. Miller said. “In my opinion, the nebulization of albuterol, the medication we use presently, is better delivered by a nebulizer and seems to get into the small airways best.”

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