How spacers can help improve delivery of your asthma medication

It is generally recommended that anyone using a puffer, including adults, should be using a spacer with their medication. Here’s why.

Chances are you know someone who has asthma – the chronic inflammatory condition, which causes the airways of the lungs to tighten and thicken – affects more than 2.5 million Australians.

Asthma symptoms and triggers

Asthma can affect people of all ages and at all stages of life.

Symptoms may include wheezing, breathlessness, shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness.

Some asthmatics describe an asthma flare-up like trying to breathe through a thin straw.

Asthmatics often experience symptoms at night, early in the morning or after exercise.

The cooler weather, common colds and flu, viruses and poor air quality can all potentially trigger asthma.

Asthma cases tend to peak during the winter months; the common cold is behind four out of five severe asthma attacks.

With the right medication and an approved asthma management plan from a healthcare professional, asthmatics can manage their condition well and live a full and active life.

What to know about puffers and spacers

One of the most common ways to manage asthma is with a pressured metered dose inhaler, also known as a puffer.

It is generally recommended that anyone who is using a puffer – particularly young children and the elderly – should also use a spacer to help optimise the delivery of their preventer and reliever medication.

A spacer is a hand-held device that connects to a puffer to help improve the delivery of asthma medication, helping it get deep into the lungs where it is needed the most.

It also means less medication ends up in the mouth and throat.

Spacers can be used by all children and adults using a corticosteroid preventer medication, anyone who struggles to use a puffer, and anyone who is using a reliever medication during an asthma episode.

Just make sure to check in with your GP to make sure a spacer is right for you.

How to choose a spacer

Wondering which spacer to try? Breath-A-Tech’s new Anti-Static Spacer is designed to deliver asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) medication deep into the small airways of the lungs, which can help reduce medication wastage.

Designed and tested in Australia, it is suitable for children and adults.

The anti-static feature means you can use the spacer straight from the pack, without needing to prime it before use. And it is dishwasher safe, for easy cleaning.

Spacer and face mask combination

Face masks are recommended for those, especially young children, who have trouble using the mouthpiece of their spacer.

If that’s you, or someone in your family, Breath-A-Tech also has an anti-static spacer combination pack that now includes the new anti-static face mask.

Cardboard spacer for those on the go

Breath-A-Tech also has a handy disposable Cardboard Spacer that can be used up to seven days. Perfect for emergency use, first aid kits and when you need a portable solution.

* Written by Liz McGrath.

This post is brought to you by Breath-A-Tech Anti-Static Spacer. Always read the instructions for use. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, worsen, or change unexpectedly, talk to your health professional.