Inhaler with a spacer for children
spacer · spacer with mask · inhaler for children · valved holding chamber
A spacer is a tube-shaped chamber between the inhaler and your child's mouth. The medicine goes into it first, and your child breathes it in calmly over a few breaths.
When your doctor prescribed a spray inhaler for your child, for asthma or wheezy bronchitis. It is hard for children to time a breath with the puff.
⏱ Duration: about 1 to 2 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Mask or mouthpiece. Babies usually need a spacer with a mask. Older children use one with a mouthpiece. Your doctor will suggest which.
- New spacer. Before first use, wash it in warm water with dish soap and let it air dry without wiping.
- Mindset. Make it a game. It is easier if your child is calm.
What to bring
- The inhaler and spacer, to your doctor's visit
How it goes
- Take off the cap and shake the inhaler well
- Put the inhaler into the spacer
- Press the mask firmly on your child's face, covering the nose and mouth
- Press the inhaler once
- Let your child take 5 to 6 calm breaths through the spacer
- If a second dose is needed, shake again and repeat
- After a steroid medicine, wipe your child's face and give a drink or a mouth rinse
What you'll feel
- Usually your child feels nothing
- If your child cries, less medicine gets in. Try to calm them and repeat
Afterwards
- Wash the spacer once a week, or as the leaflet says, and let it air dry
- Watch the inhaler's dose counter
- Take the spacer to kindergarten and on trips
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Your child breathes fast, the skin between the ribs pulls in, or it is hard to talk: call emergency services
- Blue lips, or your child is very floppy: call emergency services
Common questions
Can I give two puffs at once?
No. One puff, then the breaths. Then the next puff, if needed.
If my child is crying, does the medicine get in?
Not well. It is better to calm your child first. If that does not work, talk to your doctor.