Does your child have Asthma? Are they using a spacer?
Does your child have Asthma? Are they using a spacer?
‘My child is coughing a lot, I think they have asthma.’
‘Sometimes my child has a wheeze, I think they have Asthma’
If you suspect your child has Asthma, you should see you family GP. Some children may develop a wheeze but not have Asthma.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition affecting the lungs and associated airways. Asthma flare ups or symptoms can be brought on by what’s known as “triggers'“. Triggers vary between individuals and can include pollen, allergens, exercise, weather, animal fur, mold, smoke, cold and flu. Asthma triggers cause the individuals airways to become inflamed, narrow and filled with mucus. This results in difficulty breathing and other symptoms including shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and chest tightness. This is because the airways are temporarily narrowed.
If diagnosed with Asthma your child will be prescribed medication to help treat and prevent their Asthma. Your doctor might suggest the use of a spacer to help aid in medication delivery.
What is a spacer?
A spacer is often an inexpensive plastic device that your child’s asthma pump attaches to, to help deliver your child’s asthma medication.
Why is a spacer important?
Spacers help to make administration of asthma medication easier and more effective. When using a spacer your child’s medication will have a larger uptake in the lungs, which is where we want it to go.
What happens if I don’t use a spacer?
When a spacer isn’t used, more of the medication can tend to end up in the individual’s esophagus and stomach rather than in their lungs (where it’s needed!). This often means the medication is deemed less effective in treating the asthma and your child will continue to have worrying signs and symptoms.
How do I use a spacer?
Set up the spacer as stated in the instructions
Take the lid off the puffer and attach the puffer to the end of the spacer
Place the face mask of the spacer over your child’s mouth. Make sure you get a good seal to ensure none of the medication leaks out of the side of the spacer
Push the puffer once so that the medication is released
Ask your child to breath normally for 4 breaths to ensure adequate uptake of the medication
Remember: your child should not remove their mouth from the spacer between breaths
Continue as prescribed by your doctor
How do I care for my spacer?
Spacers should be cleaned once a week with warm soapy water
Allow the spacer to drip dry once clean
‘It is just so big, does it need to go everywhere with my child?’
Yes. A spacer is the most effective way to treat your child’s asthma. There are lots of different spacers available from your local pharmacy and many that are smaller than the water bottle you carry every day. I am certain you will be able to find the perfect one for your child that will fit in your handbag, your child’s bag or their schoolbag.
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