What Is Cromolyn Inhalation Used For? (Cont.)

How Cromolyn Inhalation Works

Normally, air moves easily into and out of the lungs through a network of airways. If you have asthma, however, the inside walls of your airways are inflamed. When the airways react, a few things happen: the muscles around these airways tighten, inflammation inside the airways increases, and cells inside the airways produce more mucus. This narrows the airways and makes it harder to breathe.
 
Cromolyn inhalation is an asthma medication that belongs to a group of drugs called mast cell stabilizers. In response to allergens (substances that cause allergic reactions) and certain conditions, mast cells in the body (especially the lungs) release chemicals that cause the airways to react and tighten. By stabilizing the mast cells, cromolyn inhalation prevents the mast cells from releasing the chemicals, which prevents asthma attacks due to exercise, aspirin, cold air, and allergens.
 

Is Cromolyn Inhalation Used for Childhood Asthma?

Cromolyn inhalers are approved for asthma treatment in children five years of age and older. The cromolyn nebulizer solution is approved for children as young as two years old. Young children usually require help using cromolyn inhalation correctly. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about the best ways to treat childhood asthma.
 

Is Cromolyn Inhalation Used for Off-Label Purposes?

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend cromolyn inhalation for uses other than preventing asthma attacks. At this time, there are no universally accepted off-label cromolyn inhalation uses.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;