Many medications, most particularly for asthma and lung conditions, are taken via inhalation. The medication is delivered, in a measured dose, directly into the mouth.

Inhaled medications usually come with the inhaler, as part and parcel of the medication. The inhaler is placed directly between the lips. It is the inhaler which determines the dosage of medication that is inhaled through the mouthpiece.

An Aerochamber is a brand name for a particular type of spacer. It can be used with various different inhalers.

What is a spacer and why is it needed?

A spacer creates a chamber between the mouthpiece of the inhaler and the mouth of the individual. The aerosolized medication is then held within the chamber, unable to disperse, until the person breathes it in.

Some people who take inhaled medication find they can simply use the inhaler directly. This makes their medication easy to transport and administer when needed.

However, for a large number of others, there are reasons why they need a spacer. For example, an individual may struggle to inhale with sufficient force from an inhaler. A spacer allows the individual to breathe more normally, whilst still delivering the full dose. Aerochamber’s are a particularly popular spacer because they are relatively small and so still can be easily transported to administer inhaled medication when needed. Many other spacers require being put together and can be large and cumbersome.

How to use an inhaler and Aerochamber together

Aerochambers are designed to be quick and easy to use. As you would with a plastic inhaler, you remove the mouth cover from the Aerochamber device. With the mouth cover removed from your inhaler, you plug it into the other end of the spacer, fitting it snuggly into the rubber seal.

You can now shake the spacer and the inhaler together, as you would usually before use.

Keep your breathing normal, breathe out and then put the mouthpiece of the Aerochamber between your teeth and close your lips around it. Depress your inhaler once. The medication is then released into the chamber. You may be able to see it as a vapor or mist. Keep breathing normally through the mouthpiece.

If you are able to breathe more deeply, do so, but do it slowly. You want to continue breathing in this way for around 5 seconds. If you experience a whistling sound, you may be breathing too quickly; simply slow down.

After 5 seconds, hold your breath, if you can, for another 5-10 seconds. This helps to deliver the inhaled medication to where it needs to go. You can then resume breathing normally.

If you require more puffs of the medication, repeat the process.

Why is a spacer beneficial?

Spacers are widely used because they can really help you get the best from your metered dose inhaler (MDI). They make it easier, especially for children, those who are frail, or if you struggle to breathe deeply. It’s also believed that spacers ensure that you get exactly the right dosage to your lungs.

Many people find that the combination of trying to press their inhaler to deliver the medication and inhaling deeply at the same time is hard. You also need to breathe slowly, and ideally deeply, when the dose is being delivered in one fast puff. With a spacer, the dose is, as its name suggests, spaced out. This makes it easier to breathe more slowly.

Additionally, because the spacer spaces out the medication, you will inhale more of it. You don’t accidentally breathe any out. It’s a more efficient delivery method.

There is also evidence to suggest that using a spacer, like an Aerochamber, reduces the risks of side effects for those taking preventer medicine. Spacers are much more efficient at ensuring the medication goes to the lungs, and isn’t dispersed elsewhere. As such, side effects, such as oral thrush, are less likely to occur.

Using an Aerochamber with children

Aerochambers are particularly beneficial for supporting children as they take their asthma medication. Younger children find the process of using the Aerochamber easier, and for all children who dislike the puff of medicine directly into their mouth, this problem is resolved. Wriggling children make it notoriously difficult to ensure they’ve taken the correct dose!

With younger children, you can seat them on your lap, facing away from you, to help them use the Aerochamber. Explain the process to them and count the seconds for them. If they need more than one puff, have a break of around 30 seconds between each one.

We always recommend that you brush your child’s teeth, or encourage them to rinse their mouth with water, after they’ve taken inhaled medication. This will help to reduce the likelihood of side effects.

Aerochambers with masks

Aerochambers with masks are designed for use with babies and young children. Even though the Aerochamber makes it easier for parents and their caregivers to deliver MDI’s to children, obviously babies and young children are unlikely to be able to follow the instructions to ensure a measured dose is delivered.

Aerochambers with fitted masks are the solution. Once again, the baby or child can sit on your lap. You may find it helpful to recline them slightly. Tuck their arms out of the way or they will likely try to pull the mask away. Keep cuddling them and reassuring them as you do so. You then place the mask over their mouth and nose, and tilt their chin up slightly. Press the inhaler down and simply sit with them, chatting, smiling or singing, for a slow count of 10.

Keeping your Aerochamber clean

It’s absolutely vital that you keep your Aerochamber or other spacer clean. When it is new, you should also clean it before your first use too. Aerochamber’s come with cleaning instructions. As with most spacers, you can wash it in warm water and detergent. Use a soft cloth, and don’t scrub the inside of the chamber as this can prevent the full dose of medicine being administered. Do not use a dishwasher.

Leave your Aerochamber to air dry naturally. This ensures there’s no static electricity build-up which could ‘hold back’ some of the medication from being delivered.

How often you replace your Aerochamber will depend, in part, on how frequently it is used. The longest you should leave it before replacing is 12 months. If it is used daily, then it should be replaced sooner.

Get your inhalers and Aerochamber from International Pharmacy

Please get in touch with us to order your new Aerochamber or Aerochamber with mask. In addition, we stock a wide range of the most commonly used inhalers and MDI’s.