Spacer
Spacer (medicine)
A Spacer (pronounced: /ˈspeɪsər/) is a device used to increase the ease of administering aerosolized medication from a Metered-dose inhaler (MDI). The term "spacer" is derived from the English word "space", referring to the extra space it provides between the inhaler and the user's mouth.
Usage
Spacers are typically used by patients who have difficulty coordinating the timing of the aerosol output with their inhalation. This includes children and adults with severe Asthma or Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The spacer device allows the medication to be held in place so the patient can inhale it slowly and more effectively.
Types
There are two main types of spacers: valved holding chambers (VHCs) and volume spacers. VHCs have a one-way valve that allows the patient to inhale the medication while preventing it from escaping back into the spacer. Volume spacers are simpler and have no such valve.
Advantages
The use of a spacer can have several advantages over inhalation from an MDI alone. These include increased delivery of medication to the lungs, reduced deposition of medication in the mouth and throat, and reduced need for hand-breath coordination.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Spacer
- Wikipedia's article - Spacer
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