Living with asthma can present its own set of difficulties, but with proper management techniques it can make an enormous difference to quality of life. An essential tool in asthma management is an asthma spacer; regardless of whether it’s your first time using one or not. Deliberate use is key for effective medication delivery and symptom control.
Understanding Asthma Spacers
Before diving into step-by-step instructions, let’s briefly review what an asthma spacer is and why it’s so beneficial. An asthma spacer is a device attached to an MDI (Metered Dose Inhaler) puffer which helps improve medication delivery to your lungs by suspending medication in a chamber and allowing you to inhale slowly through it while decreasing the risks associated with overdose and mouth or throat irritation.
Step 1-Prepare Your Inhaler
Whilst setting up an asthma spacer, be sure that your MDI puffer is prepared. Shake and unscrew it; remove its cap; if this canister hasn’t been used recently, prime it according to manufacturer’s directions before use.
Step 2: Attaching the Spacer
Securing the spacer is key to ensure proper inhalation and can prevent leaks during use. Ensure it fits securely to ensure a seamless experience!
Step 3: Exhale Gently
Take a slow, steady breath out through your nose deeply, this allows using the spacer to provide optimal medication delivery and the right dose upon inhalation.
Step 4: Seal Your Lips
To create a tight seal around the mouthpiece of the spacer and ensure medication reaches directly into your lungs.
Step 3: Exhale Gently
Take a slow, steady breath out through your nose deeply, this allows using the spacer to provide optimal medication delivery and the right dose upon inhalation.
Step 4: Seal Your Lips
To create a tight seal around the mouthpiece of the spacer and ensure medication reaches directly into your lungs.
Step 5: Pressing the Inhaler for Action
To administer medication into the spacer, press down on the MDI puffer by pushing down on it. A puff of medication will be released into the spacer.
Step 6: Breathe In Slowly
With your lips still sealed around the spacer, slowly and deeply breathe in through your mouth to ensure the medication reaches your lungs efficiently. This step helps ensure the medication reaches deeply into your lungs.
Step 7: Hold Your Breath
After inhaling medication, hold your breath for approximately 10 seconds so that it may fully penetrate into your lungs and be properly processed by them.
Step 8: Rinse Your Mouth
To decrease any risk associated with side effects from oral medications like oral thrush, rinse with water after each use to help lower the risks associated with oral use.
Step 9: Clean Your Spacer
Regularly cleaning your asthma spacer to avoid dust build-up is key to keeping it effective and ensure the highest performance level possible. Therefore, washing it in warm, soapy water before leaving it to air dry is advised for maximum effectiveness.
Using an asthma spacer correctly can drastically improve both asthma management and overall well-being. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can ensure you’re taking advantage of every dose while limiting any side effects. If you have any concerns or questions about managing asthma symptoms, please consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
Bird Healthcare stands by our commitment to offering innovative medical solutions that enhance your quality of life. If you require reliable respiratory devices such as asthma spacers, explore our catalogue for high-quality products tailored specifically to meet your needs.
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