When should spacers and valve holding chambers be utilized?

Spacers and valve holding chambers are specifically designed to enhance the delivery of medication from metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), particularly in patients who may struggle with the coordination required to use these devices effectively. The primary purpose of these devices is to hold the aerosol cloud produced by the MDI, allowing more time for the patient to inhale the medication properly. This is especially beneficial for individuals with dexterity issues, as it enables them to press down on the inhaler while inhaling the medication at a more manageable pace.

By utilizing a spacer or holding chamber, patients can receive a larger dose of medication directly into their lungs, minimizing the amount that gets deposited in the mouth and throat. This increases the therapeutic effect of the medication and decreases the risk of side effects that can occur from oral deposition.

While nebulizers are effective for delivering medication to the lungs, the use of spacers is particularly geared toward MDIs and is not intended for use with nebulizers. Moreover, while spacers can improve the efficacy of inhalation therapy, their primary indication is not limited to only short-acting beta-agonists; they are beneficial for a variety of inhaled medications that are delivered via MDIs. Therefore, the focus on dexterity issues and coordination