Medication Chamber

A calibrated (length and volume) plastic tube with a mouthpiece or mask at one end and a receptacle on the other end (to insert the Metered Dose Inhaler--MDI). The mouthpiece or mask interfacehas a one-way valve built in that temporarily blocks the released medication from the MDI, until you are ready to inhale. It then allows you to exhale without displacing the medication in the chamber.

In addition to improving the timing of the inhalation, a medication chamber makes it possible to take in the medication more slowly. Most chambers are clear so the medication can be visualized. Chambers need regular and consistent cleaning to prevent re-infection and insure optimum use.

Metered dose inhalers: (MDIs) for asthma medications typically consist of a metal aerosol canister (containing the medication and a propellant) in a plastic sleeve with a mouthpiece. The patient inhales a prescribed metered dose (puff) of a medication through the mouthpiece.

In the past most people found it difficult to time the actuation of an MDI (medication) and the inhalation of the medicine. The patient must exhale fully, inhale and release the metered dose just at the beginning of the inhalation so as to draw the medication as fully and deeply into the lungs as possible. All too often the "puff" is not timed correctly and only makes it part of the way into the airways, some of the medication is invariably deposited into the mouth and on the back of the throat instead of into their lungs. In addition to being less effective, this can lead to other side effects most commonly thrush, an oral fungal infection.

The addition of a chamber in conjunction with your MDI improves your treatment's effectiveness dramatically. Please see your physician for his or her recommendation.

Cleaning and disinfection instructions for your medication chambers