An inhaler (or puffer) is a medical device used for delivering medication into the body via the lungs. It is mainly used in the treatment of asthma. Inhalers are portable, handheld devices that are available in two types such as Metered dose inhalers (MDI) and Dry powder inhaler. To reduce deposition in the mouth and throat, and to reduce the need for precise synchronization of the start of inhalation with actuation of the device, MDIs are sometimes used with a complementary spacer or holding chamber device.
An asthma spacer, also called holding chamber is an add-on device used to increase the ease of administering aerosolized medication from a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). The spacer adds space in the form of a tube or chamber between the canister of medication and the patients mouth, allowing the patient to inhale the medication by breathing in slowly and deeply for five to 10 breaths.
Below are some tips to ensure the most effective use of an inhaler and spacer:
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A Step by Step Guide
Inspect the inhaler, spacer, and mouthpiece to make sure there is enough medicine left.
Before and throughout the delivery of the medicine, sit or stand with your back straight and your head in a normal position – not too far backward or forward.
Exhale as much air as possible from your lungs.
Spray one puff of medicine and inhale slowly over about 3-5 seconds, sealing your mouth tightly around the inhaler so air cannot escape. If you hear a whistling noise when you inhale, you are breathing in too fast.
Hold your breath for 10 seconds, counting in your head or using a timer on your watch or phone.
Remove the inhaler from your mouth and exhale.
Repeat by taking as many puffs as your doctor prescribes. Wait about 1 minute between puffs if using inhalers that contain albuterol.
Rinse out your mouth with water if you use an inhaled corticosteroid. This reduces the likelihood you will get an oral infection.