There are many people who need inhalers, but probably use them wrongly, making it important to know how to use an inhaler properly. They may look simple, but this is not the case, especially with metered-dose inhaler (abbreviated MDI). The thing with these inhalers is that if used improperly the patient ends up getting the wrong dosage of medication. What’s more, if you have a spacer, it needs to be used as it is helpful in allowing the airway to access more medication. Below are the steps that are required to ensure an inhaler is effectively and properly used. Note that the steps outlined are intended for inhalers that use liquid medication and not dry powder ones as they have a totally different set of steps to follow.
The material posted on this page on managing asthma medication is for learning purposes only. To learn to recognize and manage asthma attacks or to learn the 5 rights of providing aid to individuals with medication register for first aid courses with a credible Canadian provider near you.
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5WzpTsdVWE” width=”220″]Step 1: Setting Up the Inhaler
The first step in learning how to use an inhaler is to get adequately ready by first removing the cap of the inhaler and shaking it vigorously. If its been a long period of time without using the inhaler, you may want to prime the inhaler. The procedure for priming an inhaler is usually indicated on the package that the inhaler came with. Once you have shaken it, exhale as much as you can. Take the inhaler and place it about two inches from your face. Start inhaling through the mouth before pressing the inhaler once. If you are using a spacer, you need to press the inhaler prior to inhaling through the mouth. Continue inhaling slowly, relaxed and as deeply as you can.
Step 2: When to Exhale
Do not exhale just yet, hold your breath for about 10 seconds. This is an important step in learning how to use an inhaler as it allows the medication to reach deep within the airway. For those who are using medication intended for quick relief as is the case with beta-agonists, you need to take some time prior to taking another deep inhalation. When you have finished using the inhaler, sip some water, gargle and spit. This is intended to eliminate the side effects of the medication as well as to get rid of that lingering taste. Some patients feel that this taste is nauseating so gargling water will go a long way in eliminating the resulting after effects.
Step 3: Taking Care of Your Inhaler
Part of knowing how to use an inhaler means knowing how to take care of the inhaler. For this reason, the inhaler must be kept clean. Remove the metal canister from the mouthpiece and clean using warm water, making sure to allow proper drying of the same, preferably overnight. Avoid cleaning other parts. In addition, be sure to include the date when you bought the medication so that you are sure of the proper date to replace it. Contrary to popular belief, trying to place the inhaler in water to see whether there is still medication is not recommended. Instead, make reminders of the dates obtained. What’s more, you should always carry your inhaler whenever you have a doctor’s appointment so that they can ensure you have learnt how to use an inhaler correctly.