It's not as easy with inhaled spray medication. This kind of medication can end up in the air, up the nose, on the cheeks, etc. When you're not sure if the medication is getting in, it's hard to tell if it's helping or not!

That's why we recommend that ALL our patients use spacers with inhaled medications. Very young patients should use masks on the end of their spacers. This ensures that the medication gets where it needs to be: the lungs.

How do I use a spacer with my inhaler?

1. Shake the medication canister for at least 15 seconds. This mixes the medication well.
2. Remove the cap from the canister.
3. Hook up the spacer to the canister.
4. Have the child "empty his lungs" by blowing out slowly.
5. Before your child breathes in again, put the spacer in your child's mouth.
6. "Shoot in" one puff of medication by compressing the canister.
7. Have your child breathe in slowly and evenly. (Some spacers make a whistling or "tooting'' sound if the child breathes in too fast.)
8. At the end of the deep breath, have your child hold her breath for about 5 seconds.
9. Take the spacer out of the child's mouth and let her exhale and take some normal breaths.
10. If your doctor has prescribed 2 (or more) puffs, repeat steps 4 through 9.
11. Unhook the canister from the spacer and replace the cap.
12. Don't forget to take your other asthma preventive medications (if any) and do your peak flows today!

1. Shake the medication canister for at least 15 seconds. This mixes the medication well.
2. Remove the cap from the canister.
3. Hook up the spacer to the canister.
4. Hook the mask up to the spacer.
5. Bring the mask up near your child's face. If the child is scared by the mask, reassure him and let him calm down. Wait until he or she is breathing in slowly and evenly. Follow your child's inhalations and exhalations.
6. Cover your child's nose and mouth with the mask at the end of an exhalation.
7. Before your child breathes in again, "shoot in" one puff of medication by compressing the canister.
8. Let the child breathe in and out a few.times. Keep the mask firmly on the child's face
9. Take the mask away from the child's mouth and let her take some normal breaths.
10. If your doctor has prescribed 2 (or more) puffs, repeat steps 5 through 9.
11. Unhook the spacer and mask and replace the cap on the canister.
12. Don't forget to give your child's other medications (if any) today!