Deep Breath!

Angie Szumlinski
|
May 21, 2024
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Clinical studies have shown that by adding a spacer to a pressurized, metered dose inhaler, drug delivery to the lungs can be improved by 40%-60%. When my granddaughter was a toddler, she experienced symptoms of asthma and was prescribed an inhaler. I thought “sure”, how will that work? But it did! We used a spacer with a little mask on the end and low and behold, it helped her!

Think about it, an inhaler works most effectively when it delivers the medication in a slow, controlled way. The purpose of the spacer is to allow the person more time to inhale, allowing the medication to enter the lungs more effectively. The spacer also concentrates the medication into a tube, which prevents it from escaping into the air. How many residents in your center use inhalers and the bigger question, how many use them correctly/effectively?

As we enter our favorite time of year, many of our residents’ struggle with asthma and seasonal allergies. Encouraging them to “inhale now” or “deep breath” isn’t always possible either due to physical or cognitive decline. Maybe a spacer is the answer? Think about it, if the resident is not receiving the prescribed dose of medication it isn’t going to help them. They may continue to have respiratory issues, be uncomfortable or worse, end up hospitalized. Check it out, talk to your medical director, you might just improve someone’s quality of life! And of course, be sure you are cleaning and storing spacers appropriately! Stay well and stay informed!


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