Asthma Spacer

[SpacerTeam]

Quick question. What exactly is the purpose of an Asthma spacer? Why is it so big and is it possible for smaller spacers to be invented in the future?

Could you guys also note down some problems you find with your spacer and write the type it is?

Thanks

[Hidden]

Hi I presume you have asthma yourself? They do make smaller spacers which fit into a handbag. Are you having problems with yours?

Spacers enables more of the meds to reach the lungs and it's a bit like a nebuliser.

[tigga61]

Spacers are large, empty devices (or tubes) that are usually made out of plastic. They help you get the best from your asthma medicine if you use a metered dose inhaler (MDI).

There are several different brands of spacer that fit different inhalers. They are all available on prescription, or you can buy them from a pharmacist.

If you, or your child, use a spacer, it’s easier to get the right amount of medicine straight to your lungs where it’s needed. This may mean you need to use less medicine overall. Using a spacer device can also reduce the risk of side effects from your medicine.

Your GP, asthma nurse or pharmacist should show you how to use your inhaler and spacer properly so that every dose is effective.

Spacers with facemasks can be used with babies or with younger children who find it hard to use an ordinary spacer with a mouthpiece.

[Hidden]

Hi SpacerTeam

There are a number of benefits of using spacers. Using a spacer with an inhaler makes it easier to take your asthma medicines and helps to get it straight to your lungs so it can work at reducing your asthma symptoms. Also it may mean you can use less medicine. This is because spacers slow the speed of the medicine coming out of the inhaler, so more of it gets taken down into your lungs, where it’s needed.

There's more information and videos on our website here: bit.ly/2rG6qtY

There are different types of spacers so you can talk to your GP or pharmacist about different versions and what you feel most comfortable using.

Hope that helps,

Dita

[Taztarr]

There was a programme on the radio a few years ago about the inefficiency of inhaler use. I can't remember the exact figures but seemingly over 70%ish of users use the wrong technique and of those who use the correct technique a similar percentage fail to get the complete dosage. By simply placing the inhaler in the mouth and pressing much of the medication just ends up sprayed across the back of the throat to harmlessly (and ineffectively) end up in the stomach. It was this research that led to finding a better method of delivery and the spacer is the result.

Using a spacer means that the dosage is mixed with air before being inhaled and more of the medication goes where it's supposed to.

Personally I just carry the inhaler with me when I'm out and about as an emergency reliever but use the spacer whenever I am laid up at home during my periodic bad episodes.