Inhaler Use

What is an inhaler?

An inhaler is a small device that delivers medicine straight into the lungs (if used correctly!!).

Treats asthma at the source by delivering medication directly the affected the lower airways.

General types of inhalers:

Rescue (relief) inhalers

used when symptoms are present for relief of those symptoms (usually cough or trouble breathing or chest tightness)

Controller (maintenance) inhalers

used either once or twice daily to prevent/lessen asthma symptoms when exposed to a trigger

There are many different delivery devices for controller medications, each one with a slightly different technique. Please find your controller inhaler below to learn more about how to use it correctly.

Don't forget to brush or rinse out your mouth!

If your child uses a controller (maintenance) inhaler, they should rinse their mouth with water or brush their teeth or drink water after each use to help prevent irritation in the mouth and thrush (a mild fungal infection inside the mouth or on the tongue).

How to use a metered dose inhaler (MDI) with a spacer/mask

Medications include: albuterol (ProAir®, Proventil®, Ventolin®), levalbuterol (Xopenex®), fluticasone (Flovent®), mometasone (Asmanex® HFA), fluticasone/salmeterol (Advair® HFA), budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort®) and mometasone/formoterol (Dulera®)

Usually used by children 5 years and younger

Spacer mask sizing

Most babies (<2 years of age) use a small mask (orange color for the Aerochamber® brand)

Most toddlers/preschoolers use a medium mask (yellow color for the Aerochamber® brand)

Most children can transition to a spacer with a mouthpiece at about 6 years of age (see below)

How to use a metered dose inhaler (MDI) with a spacer (no mask)

Usually used by children/adolescents 6 years and older

Why should you use a spacer with an MDI?

This type of inhaler sprays the medication out when you push down on the canister. The medication exits the inhaler very quickly. Without a spacer, a large portion of the medication hits the back of the throat and sticks there, never reaching the lungs.

What if I don't have a spacer?

It can be hard to always have a bulky spacer available when outside of the house. If you need your rescue (relief) inhaler (usually albuterol), then you need it. Here's a few ways to use an MDI inhaler without a spacer to get the most amount of medication into your lungs (see videos).

How to obtain spacers

Most insurance plans provide one spacer per year when prescribed. I realize that you may misplace or damage a spacer (your dog may think it's a good chew toy) so here are some options for obtaining a replacement (or a 2nd spacer for school/daycare/grandma's house).

Your pharmacy
- may charge a decent amount (~$50) out of pocket)
Amazon (or another online seller)
- be careful for the quality of spacer you are buying (Aerochamber® and Philips Optichamber® are reliable spacers)
Walmart
- I was told that with a paper prescription the cost was less than most pharmacies (~$25)

Disposable spacer

This spacer is made of cardboard and can be flattened between uses making it easy to store in backpacks/purses. It can usually be re-used about 10 times if stored in a safe place.