Allergy & Asthma Center of SW Washington

Inhalers

Most asthma medicines are inhaled so that the medicine goes directly where it is most needed -- the lungs. Inhalants also decrease the medication dosage, have fewer side effects, and work faster than medications taken other ways, such as ingested. It is important that you use your inhaler correctly in order to get the best results.

Using Spacers

You should always use a spacer with your inhaler. Here are some advantages to using a spacer:

• Spacers help to slow the initial rapid inhalation so that the irritant properties of the aerosol are reduced. This will help decrease the tendency to cough after you inhale your medication.
• With a spacer, the delivery of medication to your lungs is improved and the deposition of medication into your mouth and throat is lessened. This can decrease the possibility of oral candidiasis (thrush) sometimes associated with using the inhaled corticosteroids.
• Spacers and holding chambers make your metered dose inhaler more efficient and easier to use.
• Spacers are especially helpful for people who have highly irritable airways.

Anticholinergics Brands

Ipratropium Bromide (Atrovent®) is available in inhaler and nebulizer forms. Combivent is an inhaler form containing both Ipratropium and Albuterol.