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Anyone have any tips on helping teach my Mom how to use all the inhalers we now have for her chronic bronchitis? I wonder if she's getting the proper dose of medication because I can't tell if she is really inhaling and holding her breath long enough.

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Consider getting a spacer - a wide tube that you insert the inhaler end into. This way the med hangs out in the spacer chamber and makes it easier for her to breath in( and for you to see it). I'd also ask the MD if there is a nebulizer version of the meds she takes for the CB. Nebulizers atomize the meds and i find they also are helpful focus tools that can teach seniors how to do focused, even, deep breathing for a few minutes(which might be just as beneficial as the meds IMHO!)
I think spacers and nebulizers are both covered by medicare. Good luck!
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You don't even have to buy a spaces....when my young son needed to be taught how to use his inhaler, the pediatrician suggested using the cardboard toilet paper tube as a spacer. Worked perfectly.
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What would I do without this forum! I've never heard of a spacer and just googled a nice video on how to use it! I like both ideas! Thanks so much CFS2555 and UWSSenior!! 4Frantz1997
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I love the toilet paper tube idea! Benefit of spacer in this case is both mom and daughter would be able to see if meds are getting in there in tube.
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oops to my typo.....spacer not spaces.....LOL......good luck!!
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We ended up with a spacer too but the paper toilet tube was good to know about until we were able to get the spacer plus there's always toilet paper tubes around in case of an emergency. I am a retired special education teacher and have even taught students who had nebulizers that they weren't using properly how to inhale to get all their medication into their lungs.
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the one thing according to age is with the nebulizers they cant cheat exspecialy if your right there to watch
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A nebulizer, absolutely, you can just wave it in front of their nose, or put the nose mask on them for 5-10 minutes. Its super easy and used to elderly and children, and paid thru medicare.
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