#Inhaled medications are the cornerstone of asthma therapy, but they can only be effective if they are used properly. Using your asthma inhalers correctly delivers the medication to your lungs, where it can work to control your symptoms. Using an inhaler incorrectly means that little or no #medicine reaches the lungs.
Studies have shown that almost everyone can learn proper inhaler technique with adequate training and practice. This article discusses how to use a metered dose #inhaler for adults.
Below is the proper method for using the inhaler WITHOUT the spacer chamber:
- Shake the inhaler several times.
- Breathe out to empty your lungs completely.
- Place your lips around the mouthpiece (ensure you don’t block it with your tongue).
- While breathing in slowly, depress the cartridge to administer the spray into your mouth. Continue to breathe to fill your lungs with air.
- Hold your breath for approximately 10 seconds.
- Exhale slowly.
Below is the proper method for using the inhaler WITH the spacer chamber:
- Shake the inhaler several times.
- Insert the inhaler into the opening behind the spacer chamber.
- Place your lips around the mouthpiece of the spacer chamber (ensure you don’t block it with your tongue) or, if necessary, adjust the mask to properly cover your mouth and nose, or that of your child if they are to receive the medication.
- Exhale into the mouthpiece.
- Depress the cartridge to transfer the spray into the spacer chamber. Do not vaporize more than one dose at a time into the spacer chamber.
- Breathe in slowly, deeply and fully. Hold your breath for at least 10 seconds. Children can inhale and exhale normally into the mask up to 6 times.
If you hear a whistling noise while breathing into the spacer chamber, it means that you are breathing too hard. Also, it is recommended that you wash the spacer chamber and the inhaler (after first removing the medication cartridge) approximately once a week with warm water and a mild detergent, and let air dry. You must ensure the devices are thoroughly dried before reusing.