Aerosol medication delivery apparatus with narrow orifice

Abstract

An aerosol medication delivery apparatus includes a holding chamber having an input end and an output end and defining an interior space. The output end comprises an orifice having a cross-sectional area of less than about 60 mm 2 . In one preferred embodiment, the orifice has a circular cross-section. Preferably, the orifice has a diameter of between about 2.0 mm and about 7.50 mm. In one preferred embodiment, an inhalation and exhalation valve is located at the output end. A method of using the holding chamber is also provided.

1 - 27 . (canceled)  
   
   
       28 . An aerosol medication delivery apparatus comprising: 
 a holding chamber having an input end and an output end, said holding chamber defining an interior space between said input and output ends, wherein said output end comprises an orifice having a cross-sectional area of less than about 60 mm 2 , an inhalation valve disposed downstream of said orifice and an exhalation valve disposed downstream of said orifice.    
   
   
       29 . The aerosol medication delivery apparatus of  claim 28  wherein said cross-sectional area of said orifice is a first cross-sectional area, wherein said holding chamber comprises a chamber housing defining said interior space defined by a second cross-sectional area greater than said first cross-sectional area, an inlet at said input end, and an outlet at said output end, said outlet defining a third cross-sectional area less than said second cross-sectional area and greater than said first cross-sectional area, and an adapter releasably secured to said chamber housing at said outlet, wherein said adapter defines said orifice.  
   
   
       30 . The aerosol medication delivery apparatus of  claim 29  wherein said adapter comprises a mouthpiece shaped to be inserted into the mouth of a user.  
   
   
       31 . The aerosol medication delivery apparatus of  claim 29  wherein said adapter includes said inhalation and exhalation valves.  
   
   
       32 . The aerosol medication delivery apparatus of  claim 28  wherein said inhalation and exhalation valves are integrally formed.