Issue link: https://www.hub.camaf.co.za/i/599769
11 hOW DO i Use The spACer WiTh my ChiLD? When you first get the spacer, wash it in warm soapy water and leave to drip-dry. 1. Fit the mask on to the spacer if necessary. 2. Shake the inhaler well. 3. fit the inhaler into the opening at the end of the spacer. 4. Place the mask over your child's face so it seals around the nose and mouth. 5. Press the inhaler once and allow your child to take five slow breaths in and out of the spacer. This is called tidal breathing. 6. Remove the inhaler and shake again. repeat steps two to six for each dose of medicine. your doctor, pharmacist or respiratory case manager will tell you how many puffs are needed. Always check with them if you are not sure and ask them to write this down on a personal asthma action plan for your child. RemembeR: only put one puff of medicine into the spacer at a time. if you put in more than one puff, the droplets of spray stick together and coat the sides of the spacer so your child actually gets less medicine. • Wash your spacer once a month - leave it to drip-dry as this helps to prevent the medication sticking to the sides. • Spacers should be replaced at least every year, especially if you use them daily. many parents find it difficult to use a spacer with very young children. don't worry - you are not alone, but do keep trying. getting a child to take inhaled medicine properly is the most important way to control their asthma. siDe effeCTs Of AsThmA meDiCines Relievers are a safe and effective medicine and have very few side effects. The possibility of side effects from taking inhaled controller medicine is very low. Because the inhaled medicine goes straight down to the airways where it is needed, very little is absorbed into the rest of the body. If your child uses controller medicine there is a small risk of having a sore tongue, sore throat, hoarseness of the voice and a mouth infection called thrush. To help prevent these side effects, it is also a good idea to give your child their steroid inhaler before they brush their teeth. Using a spacer will also help reduce the possibility of thrush.