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A spacer is a chamber that can be attached to a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). The spacer chamber may have a one-way valve that allows the medication to be held in the chamber before it is inhaled. This way you can inhale the medicine in one or many breaths, depending on your ability. A spacer:
- Helps prevent getting a yeast infection in your mouth (candidiasis) or making your voice sound hoarse (dysphonia).
- Increases the amount of medicine delivered directly to your airways, even if you have difficulty using your inhaler.
- Lessens the amount of medicine swallowed, which minimizes any side effects.
A spacer is recommended for use with most inhalers, especially those that contain corticosteroids. Spacers also should be used by children, who may have difficulty using a metered-dose inhaler correctly. Do not use a dry powder inhaler (DPI) with a spacer.
Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology
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