Optichamber & Other Spacers: A Primer

Using a spacer like Optichamber to help deliver an even dose of corticosteroid medication to an asthma patient is the recommended system of delivery by a number of asthma societies and doctors around the world. Spacers help ensure even delivery of the drug and prevent it from getting caught in the mouth or throat, but rather get inhaled directly into the lungs themselves. However, despite their many benefits and the widespread recommendation for general use most patients do not utilize spacers in the United States, and they are seen primarily in the hands of the elderly or the young rather than all asthmatic sufferers.

Spacers like Optichamber are simple plastic devices that are attached the delivery end of an corticosteroid inhaler to slow down the drug as it is delivered and allow it to be evenly breathed into the lungs rather than shot straight to the back of their throat. This greatly reduces the discomfort of taking the medication, preventing retching and many mouth infections that result from killing beneficial bacteria in the oral cavity.

Spacers look like long plastic tubes with an opening to attach the inhaler on one end and a mouth piece on the other. Inside of the spacer there is a valve to control airflow, and often a flow signal whistle to help the patient measure their breathing. To use the spacer properly the patient attaches the MDI inhaler to the adapter and begins to breathe slowly. Shortly after beginning to take a breath the patient depresses the inhaler and continues to inhale, breathing in the medicine deep into their lungs. If used properly the flow signal whistle will blow evenly, and the medicine will avoid the throat and mouth and be deposited in the lungs instead.