What is the purpose of using a spacer with a metered-dose inhaler?

What is the purpose of using a spacer with a metered-dose inhaler?

• A. To replace shaking the inhaler.
• B. To remind to rinse mouth after corticosteroids.
• C. To improve delivery to lungs and reduce oropharyngeal deposition.
• D. To increase the rate of inhalation.

Answer: (C)

Using a spacer with a metered-dose inhaler is to improve delivery to the lungs and reduce deposition in the mouth and throat. The spacer acts as a chamber that slows the aerosol plume and gives the patient time to inhale, so more of the medication reaches the lower airways instead of sticking to the oropharynx. This leads to better drug delivery and fewer local side effects, such as thrush with corticosteroids. Shaking the inhaler before use is still needed, and the spacer doesn’t increase the rate of inhalation; it supports a more controlled, effective breath. Mouth rinsing after corticosteroid inhalation is a separate care step, not the spacer’s primary purpose.

Using a spacer with a metered-dose inhaler is to improve delivery to the lungs and reduce deposition in the mouth and throat. The spacer acts as a chamber that slows the aerosol plume and gives the patient time to inhale, so more of the medication reaches the lower airways instead of sticking to the oropharynx. This leads to better drug delivery and fewer local side effects, such as thrush with corticosteroids. Shaking the inhaler before use is still needed, and the spacer doesn’t increase the rate of inhalation; it supports a more controlled, effective breath. Mouth rinsing after corticosteroid inhalation is a separate care step, not the spacer’s primary purpose.