Asthma Attack

How to Use a MDI with Spacer

A spacer (or holding chamber) can be useful for all people with asthma. A spacer makes it easier to correctly inhale the asthma medicine from the metered dose inhaler (MDI). A spacer is very useful in younger children and older adults.

• STEP 1 - Shake the inhaler and then attach it to the spacer (holding chamber).
• STEP 2 - Breathe out completely.
• STEP 3 - Place the mouthpiece of the spacer in your mouth.
• STEP 4 - Press down on the inhaler. This will put one puff of the medicine in the holding chamber or spacer.
• STEP 5 - Breathe in slowly for 5 seconds.
• STEP 6 - Hold your breath for 10 seconds and then exhale.
• If your doctor has prescribed two or more puffs, wait 1 minute between each puff and then repeat steps 1-6.