The Respironics OptiChamber for inhalers is suitable for all ages and is designed to help your child get an effective treatment. The chamber is made of anti-static material which suspends the aerosol medication longer giving your child more time to breathe in their medication.
Why should my child use a chamber?
When an inhaler is used on its own, it is very difficult for your child to breathe the medication in at the correct time. The medicine comes out of the inhaler very fast so instead of being breathed into your child’s lungs it often ends up in their mouth or throat. Using a chamber (sometimes called a spacer) helps to get more of the medicine into the lungs, where it works, which means your child can get a better treatment.
Tips for an effective treatment
- If using the chamber for the first time, encourage your child to hold the device so that they become familiar with it.
- Use your child’s favourite cuddly toy to help show them how to take their medicine.
- Shake the inhaler to help mix the medication inside.
- If your child is prescribed more than one puff of medication, advise them to only take one puff at a time.
- When using the mouthpiece advise your child to inhale the medication slowly, and then to hold their breath for up to 8 seconds.
- When using a facemask, make sure it is resting on your child’s face with no gaps for the medication to leak out.
- Children should use the chamber’s mouthpiece as soon as they are able to use one effectively – your child needs to be able to firmly close their teeth and lips around the mouthpiece and be able to take one full inhalation and breath hold.
Factors that are known to increase the likelihood of developing asthma include:
- A family history of asthma or other related allergic conditions (known as 'atopic conditions'), such as eczema, food allergy or hay fever
- Developing another atopic condition such as a food allergy
- Having bronchiolitis as a child (a common lung infection among children)
- Being exposed to tobacco smoke as a child, particularly if your mother smoked during pregnancy
- Being born prematurely (especially if you needed a ventilator)
- Being born with a low birth weight (less than 2kg).
The Respironics portable nebuliser and the Respironics Inspiration nebuliser are also both excellent pieces of medical equipment which are very useful for people with asthma, whether adult or child. You need to ensure that you follow all the instructions properly regarding the use and maintenance of everything.