Why Do We Need To Use A Spacer Or Chamber With Our Rescue Inhaler?

Dr. Cori Daines answers the question: 'Why Use A Spacer With Rescue Inhaler?'

ByABC News
May 15, 2008, 1:46 PM

— -- Question: Why do we need to use a spacer or chamber with our rescue inhaler?

Answer: Spacers or aerochambers are holding chambers that allow inhaled medicines to be turned into a mist that can be more effectively inhaled by the child. When you put an inhaler directly in a child's mouth, most of the puff of medicine lands in the back of the throat or in the mouth and is swallowed and is not effective for the child. When you use a spacer or an aerochamber, the child is able to breathe in the mist from the holding chamber directly into the lungs and it is not wasted in the back of the mouth. This makes the medicine much more effective.

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