Aerosol
MDIs may haverevolutionized inhalation therapy; however, there was a
whole new problem – teachingpeople how to get the medicineinside their
lungs!Specialized x-ray technologyshowed that if patients inhaled too fast or too slow, Top Ten Innovations in Technology Awards 14 ALLERGY & ASTHMA TODAY V O L U M E 1 0 , I S S U E 2 • S U M M E R 2 0 1 2 AANMA.ORG most of the medication would stay in the mouth and throatand get swallowed, instead of being inhaled deeply into the airways.Respiratory engineers began testing ways to slowthe propellant down while keeping medication particles afloat long enough to be inhaled over a matter of seconds.
Early spacer devices developed to direct the medication spray ranged from corrugated plastic tubing, plastic bags, and a football-like hollow contraption. They served a directional purpose but coordinating inhalation with the spray remained a problem.
In 1983, AeroChamber Valved Holding Chamber(Monaghan Medical Corporation) would offer the answer.It could trap and hold or suspend medication particles long enough to be inhaled over a matter of moments rather than split seconds. Designed for use with any standard MDI, the clear devices were also easy to keep clean.
Technology and patient-friendly updates included various sizes and colors with and without masks. Simple instructions were imprinted on the device. However, many parents and caregivers said they needed a way to make sure the patient inhaled the medication.
In 2010, AeroChamber Plus Flow-Vu Valved Holding Chamber (Forest Laboratories) added the valve perched at the top of the device that moves only if the patient (child or adult) inhales deeply enough to empty the chamber. No more guessing. The whole device is about the size of a baby bottle but lighter weight.
摘自-Allergy Asthma Today Magazine Summer2012•Volume10, Issue 2
(Allergy & Asthma Network-Mothers of Asthmatics)