Using a spacer with inhaler for asthma??

[sammyj87]

Just wondering at what age can kids use the inhaler on their own without a spacer? My daughter is nearly 6, and gets asthma when a cold comes along, uses her spacer all the time, just wanted to know out of curiosity? =)

[missie_mack]

It is actually recommended for everyone to use a spacer with their inhalers, even adults. It makes the ventolin more effective. Remove the spacer and you will need to take more ventolin.

[MummyBic]

It's recommended that children (up till about 12-13) because they don't always have the coordination to get all the medication into their lungs if not using a spacer. This is particularly true if they are short of breath and having difficulty taking a deep breath. If you don't have one on hand don't stress it's better to get some ventolin rather than none (such as when out and about). Hope this helps

[singlemumma82]

It is actually recommended for everyone to use a spacer with their inhalers, even adults. It makes the ventolin more effective. Remove the spacer and you will need to take more ventolin.

This!!!

My 9 year old DD has asthma and her specialist has never even discussed using her ventolin without her spacer. Plus they are much easier to use through the spacer in my opinion.

[happygirl1982]

The bigger the volume in the spacer the better . It allows longer for the particles to float around before sticking . They are the best invention.

[Little-Pink-Hen]

It is actually recommended for everyone to use a spacer with their inhalers, even adults. It makes the ventolin more effective. Remove the spacer and you will need to take more ventolin.

Yep this. It's why I sometimes have to give more gentoo in to dd who is 2.5 she has always freaked out with the nebuliser and spacer, so unfortunately since she was under one she has only ever taken the puffer by itself

[missie_mack]

Yep this. It's why I sometimes have to give more gentoo in to dd who is 2.5 she has always freaked out with the nebuliser and spacer, so unfortunately since she was under one she has only ever taken the puffer by itself

I am lucky, both my kids are great at using theirs. Perhaps because they see Mum and Dad use it. Have you seen a fun spacer? It might help the situation and make her ventolin more effective.

[Little-Pink-Hen]

I am lucky, both my kids are great at using theirs. Perhaps because they see Mum and Dad use it. Have you seen a fun spacer? It might help the situation and make her ventolin more effective.

No- only just the normal ones. I didn't know they existed!

She has has never seen any of us use them I might get my brother to show her when I see him next. Both my dh and mil are ridiculous when it comes just having their puffer that mil prefers to continue attacking and I'll administer dhs lol

[missie_mack]

No- only just the normal ones. I didn't know they existed!


Here is one
http://www.theallergyshop.com.au/products/Funhaler-Child-Incentive-Spacer.html

[TripleTime]

It is actually recommended for everyone to use a spacer with their inhalers, even adults. It makes the ventolin more effective. Remove the spacer and you will need to take more ventolin.

This

I still use a spacer & mask cause I can't get a big enough breath to get enough medication down.

[TripleTime]

No- only just the normal ones. I didn't know they existed!

She has has never seen any of us use them I might get my brother to show her when I see him next. Both my dh and mil are ridiculous when it comes just having their puffer that mil prefers to continue attacking and I'll administer dhs lol

My girls decorated theirs with puff paint & stickers. If I even think about using theirs ill be shot.

[Little-Pink-Hen]

Here is one
http://www.theallergyshop.com.au/products/Funhaler-Child-Incentive-Spacer.html


My girls decorated theirs with puff paint & stickers. If I even think about using theirs ill be shot.

Thanks :D

[Little-Pink-Hen]

Here is one
http://www.theallergyshop.com.au/products/Funhaler-Child-Incentive-Spacer.html



My girls decorated theirs with puff paint & stickers. If I even think about using theirs ill be shot.

Thanks :D

[sammyj87]

Good to know then, not that she was having a problem with using it was just curious. I have heard of nebulizers being quite affective?? She has a vaporizer but apparently not as good as the nebulizer

[missie_mack]

Good to know then, not that she was having a problem with using it was just curious. I have heard of nebulizers being quite affective?? She has a vaporizer but apparently not as good as the nebulizer

A vapouriser just creates steam. A nebuliser is for the ventolin/steroids. Recent studies have shown that when used correctly the spacer is just as effective and more cost effective than the nebuliser. I've used nebulisers for my asthma for over 30 years and they have their merits. But seriously if I didn't already have one I would just use the spacer.


[Myth busting - nebulisers v spacers


Are nebulisers better than spacers for getting the medication in your lungs…
No!
Taking the same dose of medication properly using a puffer and spacer is at least as effective as taking it through a nebuliser, even when you are having an asthma attack.
Nebulisers used to be used by many people to take their asthma medications, but these days are much less common as we have easier, faster and less expensive ways to take the medications.
Even if you’re experiencing asthma symptoms you can take reliever medication faster and more effectively with a puffer and spacer. One research study showed that children actually spent longer in the emergency department when they received reliever medication via a nebuliser rather than a spacer. Most emergency departments use spacers nowadays instead of nebulisers.
The other difficulty with nebulisers is that they take a lot more care to maintain the equipment, more time to take the medication, and the medication is much more expensive in liquid form. They need to have their filters, mask and tubing changed regularly, and they have to be serviced yearly to make sure they are working properly. Spacers only need a wash about once a month, and to be replaced every year or two.
However, there are some special situations where a nebuliser is still used. People with very severe respiratory disease (especially if it causes lots of mucus), or who get confused, or have problems with their hands often use a nebuliser; and they are still used in some hospital and ambulance situations, particularly if the person needs oxygen as well as medication.

Source: Asthma Foundation (http://www.asthmafoundation.org.au/Myth_busting_-_nebulisers_v_spacers.aspx)

[Zombie_eyes]

a bit OT but, i grew up on a nebuliser... i spent more than half of my childhood on one actually.

it takes ages, and from my experience (although at the time there was no other way really as i was always chronically ill with my asthma all.the.time) its kinda cruel to make a little one sit there for a long period of time on one, when it can be over quickly with inhalers and a spacer.

i use a spacer now and love it! i believe it also has reduced the risk of oral thrush which i have sometimes gotten despite rinsing my mouth afterwards.

[MarkandSandy]

As previously mentioned in this thread I was told by my paediatrician to always use a spacer as it makes the ventolin more efficient.

[TripleTime]

As bad as it may sound, the more kids scream & cry when having spacers, the better it is. Their airways open up further getting more medication in.

[AAustralia]

You can contact Asthma Australia for information and advice on 1800ASTHMA (1800278462) you can also register online to have a free Control pack sent to you that has heaps of information to help you better manage asthma symptoms and includes an emergency fridge magnet.
http://asthmaaustralia.org.au/assist/

[sweetseven]

DD1 was given an inhaler for the first time at 18yo, and the Dr gave her a spacer.