Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory illness in children. Metered dose inhalers (MDI) with spacers and masks are often used in asthma management. Although it is used by many, few parents properly use it and fewer people know how to clean it. This often results in treatment failure. We discussed how to properly use asthma devices in another post. Here we talk about the procedure to clean asthma devices.
Why do asthma devices need cleaning?
When the MDI is pressed for a puff through the spacer and mask, very small particles of the drug(or medicine) are released from the metallic canister. Most of the medicine is inhaled but the patient. But some of the large particles get deposited inside the walls of the spacer and mask and MDI. This deposit increases the static charge which further attracts more drug particles to build up inside the spacer and mask. Regular cleaning prevents the deposition of particles and static charge formation.
How to clean Metered Dose Inhaler?
Here is a beautiful chart prepared by Boston children’s hospital describing the procedure to clean the MDI.
How to clean the spacer and mask?
IMPORTANT REMINDER*- Do not use a towel or cloth or paper to rub the inner surface while drying or use them for cleaning. This would increase the static charges.
If you want to watch the video –
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