When it comes to managing your child’s asthma, there’s one simple device that makes a world of difference — and yet, many families don’t use it.
“We’ve heard from some parents that the pharmacy has told them they don’t need spacers anymore with their inhalers,” says respiratory therapist and asthma educator Kathy Barnum. “Which is just not true.”
So what’s the deal with this underrated tool? A spacer could be the key to helping your child breathe easier, avoid asthma attacks, and get the full benefit of their medication.
Inhalers are incredibly effective — when used correctly. But that’s a big “if,” especially for children.
Without a spacer, the medication inside a metered-dose inhaler often ends up hitting the back of the throat or tongue instead of traveling deep into the lungs where it’s needed most. And for a child who may be rushing, coughing, or struggling to breathe during an attack, it's easy to mistime their breath.
“Without a spacer, the medication ends up in your mouth,” says Kathy. “If you do use a spacer, the medication ends up in your lungs.”
In short: it makes the medicine more effective — and the experience less stressful.
Think of a spacer like a holding chamber for asthma medicine. It attaches to your child’s inhaler and holds the medicine in place for a few extra seconds, giving them more time to inhale deeply and effectively.
Many spacers include a one-way valve, which makes it easier for young kids to breathe in the medication without having to time it perfectly.
One of the biggest myths about spacers is that they’re only for toddlers or young kids who haven’t mastered using an inhaler on their own.
Pediatrician Dr. Martin Randall wants to set the record straight: “You never outgrow a spacer, even as an adult. A spacer used correctly is always going to work better.”
Even older kids and teens can benefit, but many leave their spacer behind, especially when they go to school. Spacers aren’t the most convenient device, and some children feel awkward using them in public. “But the difference they make is unbelievable,” says Kathy.
If your child has asthma and uses a metered-dose inhaler, talk to their pediatrician about getting a spacer if you don’t already have one. In many cases, you can pick one up at the pharmacy or through a durable medical equipment supplier.
Here are a few quick tips:
Spacers may not be flashy or convenient, but they are one of the most powerful tools for managing your child’s asthma effectively.
“Use your spacer,” Dr. Randall says. “That’s the biggest thing.”
Your pediatrician can prescribe a spacer with your child’s inhaler, and partner with you and your child to make managing their asthma easier.