Asthma is a chronic disease affecting over 25 million people in the United States alone. Asthma causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, resulting in wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. While there is no known cure for asthma, it can be well controlled with proper treatment and medication management. One important tool that helps ensure asthma medications are delivered effectively to the airways is the asthma spacer.

What is an Asthma Spacer?

An Asthma Spacers, also known as a holding chamber, is a plastic or metal chamber that attaches to the mouthpiece of an inhaler. It holds the medication in its chamber briefly before the user inhales it. This allows the medication particles to slow down and separate before being inhaled by the user. Spacers reduce the need for perfect coordination that is required when using an inhaler alone. They make it much easier for patients, especially children, to use inhalers correctly.

How do Asthma Spacers Work?

When a person uses an inhaler with a spacer, they push down on the inhaler canister which releases the medication into the spacer chamber. The spacer holds the medication briefly as a mist or cloud instead of a fast moving narrow stream. This allows smaller medication particles to form which can then pass more easily into the lungs. The user then places the mouthpiece of the spacer in their mouth and inhales slowly and deeply. During inhalation, the medication mist or cloud gets drawn into the mouth and then into the lungs.

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