Spacer : Techniques and Care

This post is only educational,kindly refer to your physician ,nurse or pharmacist for personalised advice.

Spacers are football- or tube-shaped chambers. Multi dose inhaler (MDI) make taking asthma or COPD medication easier .Spacers assist medication go to your lungs, reducing the amount that ends up in your mouth and throat, where it can cause discomfort or infections. 

Using spacers:

-All children ages 4–5 will need a mask connected to the spacer.  -All adults using a corticosteroid preventer medication (e.g. Flixotide, Symbicort) using an MDI/puffer, should ideally use one. - Anyone taking a relief medicine (e.g. Ventolin/salbutamol) during an asthma attack.

Some may ask why can't I just use a Nebulizer?

Latest research reveals a MDI with spacer works just as well as a nebulizer for managing asthma symptoms, especially during an asthma attack. A MDI with spacer is easier, cheaper, more portable, and has less side-effects.

Spacers

Spacers come in several sizes and brands. Ask your pharmacist, nurse, or asthma educator which spacer is best. Choose one that's easy to assemble and practical for daily usage.

Spacer tips

One puff per spacer at a time . <check out here for technique>

When you fire a puff into your spacer, the drug settles rapidly.

If you can't take one huge breath in, breathe in and out normally for 4 breaths (tidal breathing).Prior each puff of a  MDI ; the inhaler should be shaken.

Spacing

After a cold or respiratory illness, clean your spacer once a month. Your spacer may become foggy, but not moldy or brown.

Spacer cleaning:

-If needed, disassemble your spacer.

-Clean all parts in warm water with dish detergent

-Allow the pieces to air dry without rinsing. Drying with a cloth or paper towel might cause static buildup inside the spacer, making the medication stick to the sides.

If- necessary, clean the mouthpiece with detergent.

-Reassemble when dry.

-Replace your spacer every 6–12 months, you should check your spacer's construction (no cracks) and valve, replace if any are visible.

THE ABOVE VIDEO SHOWS ONE HOW TO USE AND CARE FOR HIS SPACER.