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We compared the bronchodilator response to salbutamol (albuterol) delivered by a compressed air nebulizer through a mouthpiece and via a facemask in 18 asthmatic children, to determine the most appropriate delivery method. Patients using a mouthpiece had significantly better mean percent increases in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV[sub 1]) and in forced vital capacity (FVC) than those using a facemask 30 min after inhalation (FEV[sub 1]: 56.4 ± 32.6% vs. 28.9 ± 19.1%, FVC: 34.4 ± 26.4% vs. 7.5 ± 14.9%, respectively). Nebulized therapy plays an important role in the management of bronchial asthma in children and should be delivered by a mouthpiece whenever possible in cases of exacerbated asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]