One in nine people in Australia has asthma and it affects people of all ages
Asthma is a long-term lung condition. People with asthma have sensitive airways in their lungs which react to triggers, causing a ‘flare-up’. In a flare-up, the muscles around the airway squeeze tight, the airways swell and become narrow and there is more mucus. These things make it harder to breathe.
Asthma cannot be cured, but for most people it can be well controlled by following a daily management plan.
This page will provide you with an overview of asthma, how it can be safely managed, and how we can help.
How to use a spacer
Full instructions for puffer and spacer use (tidal breathing technique)
- Remove inhaler cap
- Hold inhaler upright and shake well before inserting into spacer
- Put mouthpiece between teeth without biting and close lips to form a good seal
- Breathe out gently, into the spacer
- Hold spacer level and press down firmly on inhaler canister once
- Breathe in and out normally for four breaths before removing spacer from the mouth
- Breathe out gently
- Remove inhaler from spacer
- If an extra dose is needed, repeat steps 2 to 8
- Replace cap on inhaler
Have more questions? Speak to one of our experienced Respiratory Health Nurses or Educators on 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462).
How to clean a spacer
Full instructions for washing spacers:
- Wash once a month and after respiratory tract infections
- Dismantle spacer
- Wash in warm soapy water with kitchen detergent
- Do not rinse or wipe dry –allow to air dry (rinsing and wiping dry with a towel will create static)
- Wipe mouthpiece clean of detergent before use
Spacers are for single person use only –no sharing!
