Asthma Spacers: An Essential Treatment Tool for Asthma Patients

 

What are Asthma Spacers?

Asthma spacers, also known as inhaler chambers or valves, are plastic tube-like devices that allow people with asthma to inhale medication from an inhaler more easily and effectively. They work by separating the inhaler from the patient's mouth so that the medication can be inhaled slowly and deeply into the lungs.

How do It Work?

They work by helping patients properly coordinate actuation of the inhaler with inhalation. When using a metered-dose Asthma Spacers (MDI) alone, it can be difficult to press down on the canister and inhale at the same time. This often results in much of the medication depositing in the mouth or throat rather than reaching the lungs.

They holds the inhaler apart from the mouth so you don't have to coordinate pressing and breathing. You simply place the open end of the spacer in your mouth, press down on the inhaler to release the medication, and take slow, deep breaths. The medication is held in the chamber long enough for you to inhale it properly into your lungs over 1-2 seconds.

Benefits

There are several important benefits to using it:

- They allow more of the medication to reach the lungs. Up to 80-90% can deposit in the lungs compared to around 50-60% without a spacer.

- Spacers are easier for young children and elderly patients to use effectively. Not having to coordinate pressing and inhaling simultaneously makes it more manageable.

- Inhaled medications work faster and more effectively when deposited in the lungs rather than the mouth/throat. Spacers help maximize this benefit.

- They reduce the risk of side effects. Less medication is absorbed in the mouth/throat so you're less likely to experience dry mouth, dysphonia, and Candida infections.

- Spacers promote correct inhaler technique which is important for good asthma control. They reinforce the proper steps to ensure treatment adherence.

When Should Asthma Spacers be Used?

The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) recommends the use of spacers with inhaled asthma medications for the following groups:

- Children under 5 years of age who are not yet able to properly coordinate using an MDI without assistance. Spacers can help caregivers administer treatment more easily.

- Anyone with difficulty coordinating inhaler actuation and inhalation, which is common in patients with severe asthma symptoms or during an acute exacerbation.

- Elderly patients over 65 years old may find spacers make medication use simpler and more effective.

- As needed for patient education. Occasional spacer use promotes correct technique for better long-term treatment adherence and control.

Compatibility with Various Inhalers

Asthma spacers are most commonly used with MDIs (pressurized metered dose inhalers). They can be used with most commonly prescribed MDI asthma medications such as albuterol, budesonide, fluticasone, and others.

Some asthma spacers are also compatible with dry powder inhalers (DPIs) like Advair Diskus and Symbicort that do not require coordination of actuation and inhalation. Using a DPI with a spacer is generally not necessary but can provide clarity on proper inhalation for some patients.

Types of Asthma Spacers

There are a variety of spacers available that differ in shape, size, and features. Two common types include:

- Aerochamber - These come in sizes for children and adults. They are lightweight and provide a chamber that holds medication for 1-2 seconds of inhalation.

- Vortex - These use a swirling chamber that helps disperse medication particles for full, deep inhalation. Some models have reminders to exhale gently into the device after inhalation.

Generally, healthcare providers choose a basic Aerochamber for most patients. More advanced vortex or electronic spacers may be recommended for certain groups like non-compliant teens or those with severe, difficult-to-control asthma.

Proper Spacer Care

To ensure optimal function and hygiene, manufacturers recommend the following care steps:

- Wash in warm water and allow to air dry after every use to prevent bacteria/fungal growth.

- Replace spacers every 6 months as plastic components may deteriorate faster with frequent cleaning.

- Do not wash the small parts or wash in a dishwasher which can damage components.

- Replace if cracks or leaks appear which can reduce medication delivery efficiency.

asthma spacers play an important role in successful inhaled asthma treatment. They maximize medication delivery to the lungs and promote correct technique - both crucial for asthma control. Patients of all ages can benefit from their proper use.

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About Author:

Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)