Toddler using spacer

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Do any of you have any tips on getting a toddler to use a spacer? She is 2 1/2- does not fight the spacer- just takes tiny little breaths. I am hoping that if she keeps breathing through the spacer long enough she will get most of the medication.

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Specializes in PICU, NICU, Adult care as RT.

We have seen a huge increase in MDI/spacer use in our hospital recently. If she is relatively well and not in acute distress, she should do just fine with the spacer. We recommend the patient take 6 breaths with the spacer in place. As long as she is using a spacer with a mask and the little exhalation flap moves upon exhalation, she should be getting the full dose. You can teach her to take big breaths in time by showing her how to breathe each time. If she is in distress, the nebulizer seems to work better on the little kids. (well, anyone for that matter) I would recommend having one on hand, just in case. There have been studies recently that state the MDI is better, but clinically, we see the kids get more of the meds with the nebulizer. I would try to get an AeroEclipse nebulizer setup for her. These create a better particle size for the patient with less waiste into the atmosphere, plus they run over a shorter amount of time. I hope this helps. Good luck!

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Thanks for the response. I figured she would get the meds if she continued to breather through the spacer. I should have mentioned that the child is my grandaughter and she has been started on medication for her cough not for respiratory distress or wheezing per se. The cough seems to be the only symptom she has. I myself was diagnosed with asthma years ago , was never wheezy, just coughed myself purple. Thank goodness I no longer have that problem.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Nursing Education.

she's on the spacer with the mask that goes over the mouth and nose, right?

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we've moved, based on new research, from large volumatic spacers to aerochambers, don't know if you guys use them already (examples - http://www.mhsurgicals.com/catalog/images/INVHC79510.jpg)

Toddlers seem to find these a lot easier and less intimidating as they are smaller and they have a valve that moves when they exhale so you know the breath is sufficient.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Nursing Education.
we've moved, based on new research, from large volumatic spacers to aerochambers, don't know if you guys use them already (examples - http://www.mhsurgicals.com/catalog/images/INVHC79510.jpg)

Toddlers seem to find these a lot easier and less intimidating as they are smaller and they have a valve that moves when they exhale so you know the breath is sufficient.

This website I just pulled up using google.... this is my FAVORITE spacer for the little ones. It is very easy for parents and children to use. It even has a cute teddy bear design!

http://www.monaghanmed.com/copd_aerochamberplus_vhc_child.shtml

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Specializes in med-surg,peds,hemodialysis.

In our hospital, very important to use a spacer...

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This website I just pulled up using google.... this is my FAVORITE spacer for the little ones. It is very easy for parents and children to use. It even has a cute teddy bear design!

http://www.monaghanmed.com/copd_aerochamberplus_vhc_child.shtml

I love these also. We use them on almost everyone. Even teenagers, since they just seem to spray it onto their tongue when not using it.

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