Why is a spacer used with an inhaler?

A spacer is used with an inhaler primarily to help deliver the maximum dose of medication to the bronchial tree effectively. When a patient uses an inhaler alone, there can be a significant amount of medication that is lost to the throat instead of reaching the lungs. The spacer acts as an intermediary chamber that holds the medication in place after it is released from the inhaler, allowing the patient to inhale the medication slowly and more deeply. This method significantly enhances the delivery of the medication to the lower airways, where it is needed most for conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

This improved delivery is crucial for maximizing therapeutic outcomes, as the medication is designed to act directly on the bronchial tree to open airways and reduce inflammation, providing much-needed relief from respiratory symptoms.