A spacer is simply a “holding” device. Many people due to age (very young or very old), dexterity (poor hand-mouth coordination) or other conditions or situations that make using an inhaler difficult cannot get their medications into their lungs correctly. These “holders” come in a variety of sizes, and types. Some are simple tubes. Some have face masks in different sizes for children and adults and some have mouth pieces. Regardless of the type, their primary function is to allow the patient to inhale the necessary medication into their lungs in such a way as to get the drug’s full benefit.
Many spacers are designed to fit at the end of the inhaler. This allows the patient to put the necessary amount of drug into the tube and inhale without worrying about activating the inhaler and breathing at the same time (hand-mouth coordination). The patient can now inhale deeply and get the medication into their lungs more efficiently.
Dry Powder inhalers (usually steroid or steroid in combination with a bronchodilator) do not need spacers since there is hand-mouth coordination is not a problem. Steroids in a metered dose inhaler (MDI) however, can be used with a spacer. This also gives the added benefit of getting most of the steroid into the lungs and not on the tongue where it can cause fungal infections (to prevent this make sure to rinse your mouth with water after using this type or any type of inhaled steroid).
Regardless of the type of “spacer” you use, make sure to keep it clean according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
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