Inhalers and Spacers: Devices Used to Help Deliver Medications
An inhaler is a common device used to deliver medication to the lungs of people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. While inhalers are effective, using them correctly can be challenging, especially for children or older adults. A spacer is a device that can help make using an inhaler easier and more effective.
What is a Spacer?
A spacer is a medical device designed to improve the delivery of inhaled medications to the lungs, particularly for patients using inhalers (metered-dose inhalers, or MDIs). A spacer is a hollow, tube-like chamber that attaches to the inhaler. When a person uses their inhaler with a spacer, the aerosolized medication is dispersed into the chamber before it is inhaled into the lungs. The design of the spacer allows for better coordination between the release of the medication and the patient's inhalation, which is often difficult to achieve with an inhaler alone.
Spacers are commonly made of plastic or sometimes metal, and they come in various sizes and shapes. Some spacers are simple and unidirectional, while others are equipped with valves or masks. The purpose of these variations is to ensure that the medication is delivered effectively, especially in younger children, the elderly, or patients who struggle with the technique of inhalation.
There are different types of spacers, including valved and non-valved spacers. Valved spacers have a one-way valve that prevents exhaled air from mixing with the medication, ensuring a higher dose reaches the lungs.(alert-success)
Why use a spacer?
Using a spacer with an inhaler has several benefits, including:
1. Improved Medication Delivery to the Lungs
When using an inhaler without a spacer, a significant portion of the medication may be deposited in the mouth or throat, leading to inefficient delivery to the lungs. The spacer helps by holding the medication in the chamber long enough for the patient to inhale it slowly and deeply, allowing more medication to reach the lower airways where it is needed. This is particularly important in conditions like asthma and COPD, where the medication's effectiveness in the lungs is critical for symptom relief and control.
2. Better Coordination and Ease of Use
One of the challenges of using a metered-dose inhaler is coordinating the activation of the inhaler with the act of breathing in. Many patients, particularly children and the elderly, may struggle to perform this coordination, which can lead to less effective medication delivery. A spacer eliminates the need for perfect timing, as it allows the patient to release the medication into the chamber before inhaling it. This makes it easier for patients to get the full dose of medication, even if they have difficulty with the timing or technique of using the inhaler alone.
3. Reduced Side Effects
When using a spacer, less medication is deposited in the mouth and throat, reducing the risk of side effects like oral thrush (a fungal infection), hoarseness, or a sore throat. This is especially beneficial when using inhaled corticosteroids, which can sometimes cause these issues when not properly administered. By directing more of the medication to the lungs, spacers can minimize unwanted side effects in the upper respiratory tract.
4. Enhanced Medication Efficiency
Spacers can also improve the efficiency of inhaler use by ensuring that more of the medication is inhaled rather than being wasted in the air or deposited in the mouth. This means that patients may require fewer doses or less frequent use of their inhalers, potentially leading to better long-term control of their respiratory condition.
5. Increased Comfort for Children and the Elderly
For children, especially those who may have difficulty using an inhaler properly, spacers often come with a mask attachment that covers the nose and mouth, making it easier for them to receive the medication without needing to coordinate their breathing with the inhaler. This makes spacers an essential tool for pediatric asthma treatment. Similarly, elderly patients or those with limited dexterity may find spacers easier to use compared to standard inhalers, improving their overall treatment adherence.
6. Cost-Effectiveness
By improving the efficiency of medication delivery and reducing the chances of improper use or wasted medication, spacers may lead to more cost-effective management of respiratory conditions. Patients who use a spacer effectively may require fewer refills of their inhalers, potentially saving money in the long run.
Why using a spacer may be necessary?
Here are some situations where a spacer may be used:
A. For children: Spacers are often used in children to help them use inhalers properly. Children may have difficulty coordinating their breathing and pressing the inhaler at the same time. Using a spacer can help to slow down the medication delivery and make it easier for the child to inhale the medication.
B. For people with poor coordination: Some people, such as the elderly or those with physical disabilities, may have difficulty coordinating their breathing and pressing the inhaler at the same time. A spacer can help to slow down the medication delivery and make it easier for them to inhale the medication.
C. For people with severe asthma: People with severe asthma may have difficulty inhaling medication from an inhaler due to airway inflammation and narrowing. Using a spacer can help to slow down the medication delivery and ensure that more of the medication reaches the lungs.
D. For people who need high doses of medication: Some people with respiratory conditions may require high doses of medication. Using a spacer can help to ensure that more of the medication reaches the lungs, which can reduce the need for higher doses.
How do you use a spacer (For asthma)?
Using a spacer is simple, and the following steps can help ensure that you use it correctly:
1. Remove the cap from the inhaler and the spacer.
2. Attach the inhaler to the spacer.
3. Shake the inhaler and spacer together.
4. Exhale completely.
5. Place the mouthpiece of the spacer between your teeth and create a tight seal with your lips.
6. Press down on the inhaler to release the medication.
7. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth.
8. Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds.
9. Exhale slowly and completely.
10. If you need another dose, wait for 30-60 seconds before repeating the process.
It's important to clean your spacer regularly with soap and water and to replace it when it becomes cracked or damaged.
Learn more about Asthma and Inhalers.
Remember, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if a spacer is right for you and to get specific instructions on how to use it properly.(alert-warning)
Using a spacer with an inhaler is a simple and effective way to ensure that the medication reaches the lungs and is more effective in treating asthma symptoms. Spacers are particularly helpful for children and older adults, or anyone who has difficulty coordinating the timing of pressing the inhaler and inhaling deeply. By using a spacer with your inhaler, you can improve medication adherence, reduce the risk of side effects, and better manage your asthma symptoms. If you have any questions about using a spacer or inhaler, talk to your healthcare provider.
