There are many ways to deliver asthma medication to a patient. For example inhalers can be used in young children and in the elderly with the help of spacing devices, Inspirease bags, and Aerochambers. These devices are tubes and bags that may have a one-way valve allowing the patient to inhale the medication and to re-breathe it in and out.
The Aerochamber and Easivent are tubes. To use:
- Connect the inhaler at one end
- Shake both the inhaler and tube
- Place the mask over the mouth and nose of the patient, or place the mouth piece in the mouth
- Squirt the inhaler and if using a mask, have the child breathe in and out for 5 times OR if it is just a mouthpiece, have the patient hold their breath for the slow count of 10
These devices have been shown to effectively help deliver the medication into the lungs. By carrying these devices around, a parent can give their young child albuterol wherever they are, instead of being tied to a nebulizer. If you are interested, ask your doctor for a prescription for one of these tubes. Unfortunately, these spacing devices cost around $50.00 and most insurance companies do not cover this cost.
The Inspirease is a blue bag that may be purchased at the pharmacy. To use:
- Place the inhaler in the holder and connect the bag
- Expand the bag, and shake both the inhaler and bag
- Squirt the inhaler and have the patient inhale and suck in the bag
- Hold your breath for the count of 10
- Exhale and expand the bag, and again suck the air back in and hold it for the count of 10
The Inspirease bag is less expensive and because you can see the bag open and close, you can be assured that the child is receiving the medicine they need.
More About Asthma