Experts Urge Spacer Use for Inhalers as 60% to 80% of Asthma Patients Misuse Them
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 5
Experts Urge Spacer Use for Inhalers as 60% to 80% of Asthma Patients Misuse Them
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 5
Summary
More than 60% to 80% of asthma patients use inhalers incorrectly, prompting specialists to stress technique as a key part of disease control.
Doctors recommend using a spacer, exhaling fully first, pressing the inhaler as you inhale slowly, then holding your breath so more medicine reaches the lungs.
Poor technique can leave medication in the mouth or vocal cords instead of the lungs, raising risks of thrush, hoarseness and weaker symptom control; rinsing the mouth after use may help.
Asthma affects 8% of Americans and causes 9 to 11 deaths a day, while experts note patients may need different inhalers—rescue drugs for flare-ups and maintenance medicines taken daily or sometimes as needed.