If you have allergic asthma, your inhaler can be an important part of keeping your symptoms under control. But even the right medicine may not work as well if the inhaler technique is incorrect.

A spacer or valved holding chamber can make it easier to use a pressurised metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) and help more medicine reach the lungs.

What Is a Spacer?

A spacer is a chamber that sits between your inhaler and your mouth. When the inhaler releases the medicine, the spacer temporarily holds it, allowing you to breathe the medicine in more slowly and effectively.

It can be particularly useful for children and people who find coordinating the inhaler press with breathing difficult.

How to Use an Inhaler with a Spacer

1. Prepare

Sit or stand upright. Remove the inhaler cap and check the device. Shake the inhaler well and attach it firmly to the spacer.

2. Breathe Out

Place the spacer mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips around it. Before releasing the medicine, breathe out gently and completely.

3. Press and Breathe Slowly

Press the inhaler once to release one puff into the spacer. Immediately breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth. Continue inhaling slowly.

4. Hold Your Breath

After breathing in, remove the spacer and hold your breath for up to 10 seconds, or as long as comfortably possible. Then breathe out slowly.

5. If Another Puff Is Prescribed

Wait about one minute, shake the inhaler again and repeat the process. Do not put multiple puffs into the spacer at the same time.

One Important Point

Not every inhaler can be used with a spacer.

Spacers are designed for compatible pressurised metered-dose inhalers. Dry-powder inhalers, for example, use a different technique and should not be used with a spacer.

If your inhaler contains a corticosteroid, rinsing your mouth and spitting out the water after use can help reduce local side effects such as oral thrush.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a spacer make an asthma inhaler more effective?
A spacer can make medicine delivery easier and increase the amount reaching the lungs, particularly when inhaler coordination is difficult.

Can children with allergic asthma use a spacer?
Yes. Spacers can be particularly helpful for children, with younger children sometimes using a spacer with a face mask when prescribed.

Should I breathe in quickly or slowly with a spacer?
With a pMDI and spacer, breathe in slowly and deeply after releasing one puff.

Can I use a spacer with every inhaler?
No. It depends on the inhaler type. Dry-powder inhalers, for example, require a different technique.

How do I know if my technique is correct?
Ask your doctor, pharmacist or allergy-care professional to watch you use your inhaler and correct your technique. Even small mistakes can affect how much medicine reaches your lungs.

Final Thoughts

For allergic asthma, the right medicine + the right inhaler technique + regular follow-up can make a significant difference in asthma control.

If you are unsure whether you need a spacer, or your inhaler does not seem to be controlling your symptoms, don't simply increase the dose yourself. Get your inhaler technique and asthma treatment plan reviewed.

Allergy Central, Indiranagar, Bengaluru — your one-stop destination for allergy and asthma solutions.

For allergic asthma evaluation, inhaler technique training and personalised asthma care, consult the allergy-care team at Allergy Central, Indiranagar, Bengaluru.