Purpose of a Spacer Inhaler

A space inhaler or spacer is a long plastic or metal tube that is used in conjunction with asthma inhalers. They can be easily attached to the asthma inhaler by simply removing the cap on the asthma dispenser and inserting it into the far end of the long tube. A space inhaler provides a number of benefits for the asthmatic.

Significance

• Children and elderly adults may have trouble understanding the proper technique for using an asthma inhaler. Space inhalers can provide some margin of error as the medication is delivered more slowly.

Function

• Space inhalers can provide the user with a steady intake of medication that better reaches the lungs instead of the mouth and throat. The typical burst of inhaler medicine directly against the mouth can irritate the inside walls of the mouth and throat and even cause infections, according to the Asthma Society of Canada.

Effects

• Space inhalers allow a person a longer time period to use the medication. One can actually keep their mouth on the unit and breath in and out multiple times until she receives an adequate amount of medication.

Benefits

• Space inhalers can help a person avoid the bad taste of the medicine, mouth thrush or fungus and even nervousness, a side effect of direct inhaler use.

Considerations

• Asthma medication is highly expensive for indigent people or those without health insurance. Space inhalers can help a person prevent wasting valuable asthma medication.