Spacers get more medicine to your lungs, so you get the maximum benefitA spacer is a container that holds the medicine from your inhaler until you breathe it into your lungs. It has a hole at one end that your inhaler fits into and a mouthpiece at the opposite end, and it can:Help more of the medicine to get to your lungs where it's neededHelp to some side effects of steroid inhalers, such as sore throatsMake it easier if you have trouble pressing the inhaler and taking a breath at the same timeIf you don't have a spacer but feel you might need one, come in store and ask a member of the pharmacy team. Different brands of spacers fit different inhalers, so we'll be able to tell you which one's right for you.Using your spacer to the best effectFit your inhaler into the spacerSpray one puff of your inhaler into the spacerSeal your lips around the mouthpiece and take a deep breath inHold your breath for as long you can comfortablyBreathe out slowlyRepeat these steps for each dose/puff you needLooking after your spacer so it works wellYour asthma medicine can build up inside your spacer, so you need to keep it clean:Take your spacer apart and soak it in warm soapy water for ten minutesRinse it well in clean waterLeave it to air dry - using a cloth to dry it can cause static to build up and make the spacer less effectiveYour spacer needs to be replaced: each year; if it's cracked or any part is broken or missing; or if a film builds up inside but won't wash out. If you have any questions about your spacer, come in store and ask the pharmacy team and we'll show you how to use and look after it.##cta##Find your local LloydsPharmacyMeasuring how well your asthma's controlled with peak flow metersA peak flow meter is a device that you blow into. It measures how much air you blow out in a set amount of time. The better controlled your asthma is, the harder you'll be able to blow out and the higher your reading will be.Keeping a diary of your peak flow readings is a more accurate way of showing how well managed your asthma is. It's also useful to show your doctor, asthma nurse and pharmacist at your review or check-ups so they can check that you're getting the most benefit from your medicine.##product-carousel:beurer-po35-pulse-oximeter,revitive-aerosure-drug-free-respiratory-device,omron-nami-cat-nebuliser,omron-microair-u100-handheld-nebuliser,omron-c28p-compressor-nebuliser,powerbreathe-classic-light-resistance-wellness-trainer,omron-wheezescan##How to use a peak flow meterThere are different brands of meters but they all work in the same way:Put the marker to zeroStand uprightTake a deep breath inSeal your lips around the mouthpieceBlow as hard and as fast as you canMake a note of the readingRepeat these steps three times and record the highest reading in your peak flow diaryDo this twice a day before you use your inhaler to see how your asthma varies from the start to the end of the dayWhat your peak flow meters readings meanPeak flow readings will vary depending on your age, height and whether you're a man or woman. When your asthma is well controlled there should be little difference between your readings. Your 'normal' reading will be your highest reading which was taken when your asthma was well controlled.Once you've started to record your peak flow your doctor may also create a self-management plan with you. This will show you what you need to do if your peak flow level falls or your asthma symptoms become worse, so you can get back in control and stay well.
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