Archive for the 'Asthma' Category
The effectivess of inhaler drugs depends on the availability of aerosol particles in the respirable range of 1-5 microns. Only such particles enter the lungs and have a therapeutic action. Larger particles which would otherwise deposit in the mouth and of the throat and cause side effects get deposited on the walls of the spacing device. The space inhaler thus actually increases the amount of aerosol particles in the respirable range, and the amount of drug delivered with this device is significantly larger and its therapeutic efficacy much higher.
Almost four doses of the MDI drug can be released and inhaled. If a deep inspiration is possible, inhaling twice from the space inhaler would empty the chamber of the aerosol. If this is not possible, either because of the young age of the child, or because of tightness of the chest, children should be allowed to breathe at their own rate for about half a minute. Laser holography studies have shown that a large number of aerosol particles in the respirable range, remain suspended in the chamber for about 30 seconds.
All drugs that are available for use through metered dose inhalers can be used through space inhalers too. These include salbutamol (ASTHALIN, SOS, salbutamol), terbutaline (BRICANYL), steroids (BECLATE, PULMICORT, BECORIDE), cromolyn (FINTAL, CROMAL-5). Studies with inhaled corticosteroids have noted that there is a marked increase in efficiency with the use of space inhaler over metred-dose inhaler alone.
Neither MDIs nor space inhalers by themselves provide adequate relief in severe attacks. If the attack is severe, use of a nebulizer with salbutamol provides quicker relief through dilatation of the airways. Besides, other anti-asthma medication in the form of tablets or injections may be prescribed by the doctor.
Using Space Inhaler Correctly_
Shake the MDI thoroughly so that the contents of the canister of MDI are mixed properly. Fix the MDI into the spacer device. Hold spacer device with the mouth-piece pointing slightly upwards so that the valve is closed. Press the canister to release the required dose into the chamber.
Breathe out slowly and completely. Hold the spacer mouth-piece between the lips. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth. Hold your breath for as long as possible or till you count up to 10. Breathe out through the mouthpiece. Breathe in again deeply but slowly through the mouthpiece to ensure that complete aerosol in the chamber has been inhaled.
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