NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Homemade devices tohelp children take inhaled asthma medication more easily may bejust as effective as the commercial versions, according to a newreview of all existing studies comparing them.

But the commercial type should remain the first choice if theyare available, the study’s authors say, given the limitations ofresearch to date.

Called spacers, the devices make it easier for children tocoordinate inhalation with the release of beta 2-agonistmedication, which is used to treat asthma attacks. Spacers alsoallow for more of the drug to be delivered to the lungs and less towind up in the mouth and throat, thus reducing side effects.