[Inhalation spacer devices in childhood asthma: is utilization easy?]

IMPROVED DRUG DELIVERY: Spacer devices improve the pulmonary deposition of drugs delivered from pressurized metered-dose inhalers because they decrease the diameter of the aerosol particles. Spacer devices are the best delivery system of inhaled drugs in children younger than 8 years.

Small volume spacer devices, with inspiratory and expiratory valves, are particularly interesting to use. The use of a facemask is only recommended in the youngest and the oldest have to breathe through the mouth piece. Electrostatism is generated from the plastic walls of the spacer devices and decreases the drug delivery. Using a metallic spacer device or washing a plastic spacer device with a domestic detergent, without rinsing with water nor rubbing the walls, avoids this problem. OPTIMAL USE: Spacer devices are not generics. Each drug has a specific behaviour in a spacer device. Correct inhalatory technique has to be checked at each visit for an optimal efficacy of the treatment.