Hello, I'm Dr. Emily, a pulmonologist specializing in respiratory medicine. I've been treating patients with lung conditions for over 15 years and am very familiar with the proper use of inhalers and spacers.

Let's talk about spacers and their role in inhaler therapy.

A spacer is a device used with a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). It's a hollow chamber that you attach to your inhaler, and it acts as a buffer between the inhaler and your mouth.

The primary purpose of a spacer is to improve drug delivery by allowing the medication to be inhaled slowly and deeply into the lungs. This is achieved through a few key mechanisms:

* **Increased time for medication to disperse:** When you use an inhaler directly, the medication is released in a fine mist that you have to inhale quickly. With a spacer, the mist is trapped inside the chamber, giving you more time to inhale it slowly and deeply.
* Larger particle size: Spacers allow the medication to disperse into larger particles. This is important because smaller particles are more likely to be deposited in the back of the throat and not reach the lungs, while larger particles have a better chance of reaching the smaller airways in the lungs where the medication is needed.
* Reduced throat irritation: By slowing down the inhalation process, spacers also reduce the amount of medication that gets deposited in the throat. This can help to minimize throat irritation and coughing that can occur with some medications.

Who benefits from using a spacer?

While spacers can be beneficial for everyone using an MDI, they are especially important for:

* Children: Children often have difficulty coordinating the act of inhaling with the release of medication from an MDI. A spacer helps them to inhale the medication more effectively.
* **People with difficulty coordinating their breathing:** People with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other respiratory conditions may find it difficult to coordinate their breath with the release of medication.
* People using inhaled corticosteroids: These medications are prone to causing throat irritation and hoarseness, and a spacer can help to reduce these side effects.

What to look for when choosing a spacer:

* Type of spacer: There are different types of spacers available, such as holding chambers and valved holding chambers. Valved holding chambers are generally considered more effective because they prevent the exhaled air from flowing back into the spacer, which can reduce the amount of medication that is delivered to the lungs.
* Ease of use: Choose a spacer that is easy for you or your child to use. Some spacers have built-in mouthpiece covers to prevent contamination, which is important for young children.
* Compatibility with your inhaler: Make sure the spacer is compatible with your specific inhaler.

How to use a spacer:


1. Shake your inhaler: Shake the inhaler well before each use.

2. Attach the spacer: Attach the spacer to your inhaler.

3. Breathe out: Breathe out completely.

4. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth: If you are using a holding chamber, place the mouthpiece firmly in your mouth, sealing your lips around it. If you are using a valved holding chamber, make sure the valve is facing towards your mouth.

5. Press down on the inhaler: Press down on the inhaler and take a slow, deep breath.

6. Hold your breath: Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds.
7.
Breathe out slowly: Breathe out slowly through your mouth.
8.
Repeat: Repeat steps 4-7 for the recommended number of puffs.

Remember: It's crucial to discuss with your doctor or pharmacist the right technique and dosage for using a spacer with your specific medication. They can guide you on the appropriate use and ensure you are getting the maximum benefit from your inhaler therapy.

Remember, always consult your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about using inhalers or spacers.

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People with asthma often use inhalers (also called puffers) to take their medications. A spacer (also sometimes called a holding chamber) is a device that makes using an inhaler easier and more effective. It attaches to the inhaler on one end and to a mouthpiece or mask on the other end.read more >>