Spacers (also called holding chambers) work with your metered dose inhaler
(MDI) to deliver inhaled medication more easily and effectively, and can reduce
side effects. They are useful for people of all ages.
When you use an MDI by itself, more of the medicine is left in your mouth
and throat, wasting your dose and causing an unpleasant aftertaste. Spacers
hold the "puff" of medicine between you and the MDI, so that you can inhale
it slowly and more completely. As a result, more of the medicine gets into
your airways.
Instructions
- First, insert the mouthpiece of your inhaler into the opening at the flat
end of the spacer.
- Hold your spacer and inhaler together and shake well, at least four times.
- Seal your lips tightly around the mouthpiece on the spacer.
- Keep your body straight and your eyes forward. Exhale.
- Spray one puff of medicine into the spacer, and immediately begin to inhale
slowly, taking a full deep breath.
- Remove the spacer from your mouth. Hold your breath and count to 10. Slowly
exhale.
If your doctor has instructed you to take more than one puff of medication,
repeat this procedure.
A tip for a better fit
A comfortable mask can be added to the spacer for small children or others
who have difficulty maintaining a good lip seal on the mouthpiece.
Review Date: 5/16/2007
Reviewed By: Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine; Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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