What is a spacer device on an inhaler?
A spacer, or holding chamber, is an attachment that should always be used with your inhaler. The spacer holds the medicine in place so you can breathe it in easier.
Can you buy spacers for inhalers over the counter?
Spacers are medical devices. Your doctor can write a prescription for one, and you can pick one up from most pharmacies. You can also buy them online, with or without a prescription.
Do you need a prescription for an inhaler spacer?
Spacers/VHCs are medical devices. Your doctor can write a prescription for a spacer to go with your inhaler and you will usually get the device at a pharmacy or durable medical equipment (DME) company. If you don’t have a prescription from your doctor for this device, you can buy them online.
Why is it better to use a spacer with an inhaler?
It makes it easier to take asthma or COPD medication from the type of puffer called an MDI (metered dose inhaler). Spacers help the medication get straight to where it’s needed in your lungs, with less medication ending up in your mouth and throat where it can lead to irritation or mild infections.
Is salbutamol a steroid?
No, Ventolin (albuterol) does not contain steroids. Ventolin, which contains the active ingredient albuterol, is a sympathomimetic (beta agonist) bronchodilator that relaxes the smooth muscle in the airways which allows air to flow in and out of the lungs more easily and therefore it is easier to breath.
What is an inhaler spacer device?
Spacer devices are also useful for giving salbutamol to young children. The device helps to make sure that the medicine travels right into the lungs. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to advise you on how to use the spacer device with the inhaler.
What do you need to know about inhaled salbutamol?
1. About inhaled salbutamol. Salbutamol is used to relieve symptoms of asthma and COPD such as coughing, wheezing and feeling breathless. It works by relaxing the muscles of the airways into the lungs, which makes it easier to breathe. Salbutamol comes in an inhaler (puffer). Salbutamol inhalers are usually blue.
How long does it take for salbutamol to work?
It should provide you with several hours’ relief. If at any time you feel it is not working, you should let your asthma nurse/doctor know straightaway. If you are using other inhalers at the same time, use the salbutamol inhaler first and then wait for a few minutes before using the other inhalers.
Is it safe to use Salbutamol inhaler during pregnancy?
Some women find that their asthma gets better during pregnancy, some see no change at all, and for others it will be worse. Always tell your health professional that you are pregnant. If you have asthma, your doctor will most likely recommend that you continue to use your salbutamol inhaler during pregnancy.