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 (FEV1) and in forced vital capacity (FVC) than those using a facemask 30 min after inhalation (FEV1, 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.