First Aid > Glossary > Asthma Spacer

Asthma Spacer

An asthma spacer is a device that helps improve the effectiveness of metered-dose inhalers (MDIs). It holds medication for inhalation, allowing for deeper breaths without needing precise timing. This reduces the medication that settles in your mouth and throat, increasing how much reaches your lungs. Spacers come in various types, including large-volume ones and portable options. Proper use involves shaking the inhaler, ensuring a secure fit with the spacer, and taking several deep breaths. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for peak performance. You’ll discover more about spacers and their benefits as you explore further.

Quick Summary

• An asthma spacer is a device that enhances the effectiveness of metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) by holding medication for inhalation.
• It reduces medication deposition in the mouth and throat, ensuring more reaches the lungs.
• Spacers allow for long, deep breaths without needing precise timing for inhaler activation.
• They improve inhalation comfort and coordination, especially beneficial for children and older adults.
• Regular maintenance, including weekly cleaning, ensures optimal performance and longevity of the spacer.

Why Should You Take Asthma Spacer Seriously?

A spacer is an essential device that enhances the effectiveness of your metered dose inhaler (MDI) by holding the medication until you inhale it slowly through a mouthpiece or mask. This tube-like holding chamber connects to your inhaler, facilitating the easy intake of medication directly to your airways.

The primary purpose of a spacer is to improve medication delivery while minimising side effects. When you use a spacer, it helps to reduce the amount of medication that deposits in your mouth and throat, ensuring that more reaches your lungs, where it’s most effective. One of the key benefits of spacers is their ability to help patients, especially children and older adults, take long, deep breaths without the need for precise timing when releasing medication. This results in improved coordination and a more comfortable experience. Additionally, the use of a spacer can enhance medication delivery to the lungs rather than the mouth or throat, further optimising the treatment of asthma. Using a spacer can also facilitate comfortable inhalation for individuals who may struggle with traditional inhaler techniques.

Types of Spacers

Numerous types of spacers are available, each designed to meet varying patient needs and preferences. Large volume spacers, like the Volumatic, offer up to 750ml capacity but require priming or washing before use. Their cone shape allows medicine to remain static before inhalation, enhancing even distribution over multiple breaths. Using an asthma spacer can increase medication delivery directly to the lungs, ensuring better management of asthma symptoms. Additionally, proper use of spacers can improve medication effectiveness by up to 50%, making them a valuable tool in asthma management.

The E-chamber La Grande provides a 510ml capacity without the need for priming, catering to patients needing higher doses or those who struggle with inhalation coordination.

In terms of material design, spacers can be made from rigid polypropylene plastic, which guarantees durability and ease of cleaning. The AeroChamber Plus features various capacities and mask sizes to accommodate different patients.

Some spacers include antistatic chambers to prevent static build-up, guaranteeing efficient medication delivery. For example, the e-chamber La Petite has a 220ml capacity and opens apart for convenient inhaler storage.

Brands like the Able Spacer, with a 135ml capacity, prioritise portability, while the Space Chamber, offering 225ml with Cross Valve Technology, enhances inhalation efficiency.

Understanding these types can help you select the right spacer for ideal asthma management.

Proper Use and Care

Understanding the types of spacers is only the beginning; knowing how to use and care for them is equally important for effective asthma management. Proper inhaler technique ensures that the medication reaches the lungs effectively. One key aspect is to ensure that the inhaler counter is not at zero before use.

Here’s how to use a spacer correctly:

• Shake the inhaler: Shake it four to five times before use.
• Insert the inhaler: Place the inhaler’s mouthpiece into the spacer’s soft rubber ring.
• Create a seal: Gently fit the mask over the child’s face to ensure a good seal.
• Release the medicine: Press the MDI canister to release the medication into the spacer.
• Breathing: Keep the mask on for 5 to 10 breaths.

For spacer maintenance, follow these care tips:

• Clean the spacer weekly with warm soapy water. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance of the spacer.
• Soak it in a lukewarm water and dish detergent solution for 15 minutes.
• Rinse the pieces in clean water and air dry completely.
• Avoid using sponges or towel drying to prevent static buildup.
• Replace spacers every 12 months or when damaged.

Popular Questions

Can I Use a Spacer With Any Inhaler Type?

Imagine a gardener choosing tools; not every tool suits every plant. Similarly, you can’t use a spacer with all inhalers. Spacers enhance MDIs’ benefits, but DPIs and nebulisers don’t require them. Choose wisely!

How Do I Know When to Replace My Spacer?

You should replace your spacer if you notice signs like cracks, valve issues, or inconsistent medication delivery. Regular spacer maintenance, including cleaning, helps prolong its life and effectiveness for better asthma management.

Are there any side effects from using a spacer?

You might think spacers cause chaos, but they actually enhance medication delivery! With spacer benefits, like reducing side effects, and spacer safety through proper maintenance, they’re essential for effective treatment without the fuss.

Can Spacers Be Shared Between Individuals?

You shouldn’t share spacers due to spacer hygiene concerns. It risks individual health by spreading germs and leading to inconsistent medication delivery. Each person needs their own spacer for effective asthma management and treatment outcomes.

Do Spacers Work for Emergency Asthma Situations?

Yes, spacers enhance emergency inhaler usage, improving asthma attack response. They’re as effective as nebulisers, provide faster bronchodilation, and lower hospital admission rates, making them an excellent choice for acute asthma management.

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