How does one tell if the AeroChamber isn't working and needs replaced.
For some time now, when I take my seretide 250 via AeroChamber, there is still a lot of powder left in the mouthpiece of inhaler case. Looks like it's not even reaching the spacer.
Is it me, not doing a hard enough sook, though goodness knows I'm trying, or the spacer at fault.
if there is a lot of powder in there still, do you see lines along the plastic. If so the medicine has gone static and needs to be washed in warm soapy water every week, i do that and i was told to replace mine every 6 months which i also do with peak flow just to make sure they keep in top form
I would Imagine that the spacer is not at fault if the spray does not appear to be reaching it. It sounds like the inhaler itself might need a good clean. Have you had the problem with multiple inhalers? Has your asthma control got worse since it started to happen? This could indicate that less of the drug is getting to where it needs to be!
The problem with plastic spacers is that they build up a static charge, you'll be able to see a residue on the spacer where the drug has been attracted to the spacer. Washing the chamber weekly in warm (not hot) washing up liquid before the first use and then weekly helps prevent static build up as well as removing any residue from your inhalers. You need to get a new aerochamber every 12 months according to the product literature, but replace it sooner if the rubber begins to perish or if the valve stops working properly.
If you've lost the little leaflet that came with it you can find all the information that was written on it (including how to use it, wash it and when to replace it) here (it's not the original but an NHS version, the information is the same though)
sheffield.nhs.uk/respirator...
and you can download a copy of the seretide evohaler patient information leaflet here
I've had inhalers that are less effective at delivering the spray as required, can clearly see it in a spacer the distribution and so used two inhalers as a compromise.
Regarding the spacers, washing is a controversial issue, monthly in warm water with washing up liquid and left to air dry is best and DO NOT RINSE OR WIPE DRY, but have seen some suggest don't wash them unless the valve in the mouth piece becomes clogged.
Thanks. Going to ask for another aero chamber as now coming up for two years old. Getting awfully difficult to clean all the dust out. Could do with long cotton buds like used to be available to clean video recorders.
PS Never thought about replacing the Peak Flow meter, too.
yes it is also good to change peak flow every year as i do, because they can also get dust and spit in, and is best to make sure that it working and in top form espically because of the little stick that moves
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