Spacer use
| Spacer use - part one |
|
Spacers (also called holding chambers) work with your metered
dose inhaler (MDI) to deliver inhaled medication more easily and
effectively. Spacers can also reduce side effects.
Spacers hold the "puff" of medicine between you and the MDI, so
that you can inhale it slowly and more completely. As a result,
more of the medicine gets into your airways.
|
| Spacer use - part two |
|
First, insert the MDI mouthpiece firmly into the oval opening at
the end of the spacer.
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| Spacer use - part three |
|
Hold your spacer and inhaler together and shake well, at least
four or five times.
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| Spacer use - part four |
|
Place the spacer in your mouth, and close your lips firmly
around the mouthpiece.
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| Spacer use - part five |
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Keep your body straight and your eyes forward. Exhale.
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| Spacer use - part six |
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Spray one puff of medicine into the spacer, and immediately
begin to inhale slowly for three to five seconds, taking a full
deep breath.
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| Spacer use - part seven |
|
Remove the spacer from your mouth. Hold your breath for as long
as you can for up to 10 seconds. Breathe out slowly.
If your doctor has instructed you to take more than one puff of
medication, repeat this procedure. Wait at least 15 seconds between
puffs.
|
Review Date: 5/21/2009
Reviewed By: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Division of Pulmonary and
Critical Care, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review
provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David
Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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