Which device is recommended for administering inhalation medications effectively?

The use of a spacer is recommended for administering inhalation medications effectively because it enhances the delivery of the medication to the lungs. A spacer is an attachment that is used with a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). When a person uses an MDI with a spacer, the medication is released into the chamber, allowing the patient to inhale the medication more slowly and deeply. This process helps increase the amount of medication that reaches the airways and reduces the risk of deposition in the mouth and throat, which can occur when using an inhaler alone.

Moreover, spacers are particularly beneficial for patients who may have difficulty coordinating the act of inhaling while pressing the inhaler. This includes children or individuals with certain respiratory conditions. By using a spacer, the patient can activate the inhaler and then breathe in the medication at their own pace. Overall, the combination of a metered-dose inhaler and a spacer improves medication efficacy by facilitating better inhalation technique and ensuring more effective delivery of the drug to the lungs.