|
STEPS FOR
USING AN MDI
(Remember, dry powder inhalers and automatic delivery
inhalers are different in how they work, so be sure to
discuss the proper use of all of your inhalational devices
with your doctor or pharmacist.)
1.
Remove the cap, hold the inhaler upright and shake the
inhaler 6 – 8 times.
2. Tilt your head back slightly and breathe out all
of your air. Don’t force the air out.
3. Hold the inhaler one or two inches from your open
mouth, as shown in Figure 1. This figure shows the
“open-mouth technique” and the preferred way to hold most
inhalers when not using a spacer. Figure 2 shows how to use
an inhaler with a spacer. Some devices allow you to place
the whole mouthpiece into the end of the spacer; others
require you to remove the metal canister and insert the
valve into a small hole on the spacer. While spacers are
useful for all patients, they are very helpful for young
children and older adults. Spacers eliminate much of the
coordination involved in using an MDI. Figure 3 shows the
“closed mouth technique,” a method for people who can’t use
1 or 2. This is also the way to use dry powder inhalers. It
is the least-preferred way to use an MDI, because it does
not allow the medication to become aerosolized well, and may
substantially decrease the amount of the medicine you
receive.
4. Press down once on the inhaler to release the
medicine as you start to breathe in slowly. This is a
“puff.” (If nothing comes out, try “priming” the inhaler by
moving the unit away from your mouth and depressing the canister two or three times
in a row. If nothing
still comes out, replace the inhaler.)
5. Breathe in slowly for three to five seconds. The
slower you breathe in, the more medicine will go into your
lungs.
6. Hold your breath for 10 seconds to allow the
medicine to go deep into your lungs, then exhale.
7. Repeat puffs as directed by your doctor. Wait one
minute between puffs. If you use a spacer, wash it at least
once a week.
8. Always rinse your mouth out with
water and spit after using
inhaled steroids. This decreases your risk of developing a
yeast infection in your mouth. Do not swallow the water you
use to rinse out your mouth.
|
Figure 1
Open-Mouth Technique:
Medication is sprayed into the air in front of
the open mouth, and is then breathed deeply into
the lungs.
|
Figure 2
Spacer Technique:
Medication is sprayed into the spacer, and is
then breathed deeply into the lungs.
|
Figure 3
Closed-Mouth Technique:
Medication is sprayed into the mouth, and is
then breathed deeply into the lungs.
|
KNOW WHEN TO
REPLACE YOUR INHALER
If you
use your medication every day, divide the total number of
puffs in a new canister by the number of puffs you use from
it each day. For some inhaled steroids, a usual dose is 2
puffs twice a day. In a canister that holds 120 puffs, using
4 puffs per day will last you 30 days. Look at a calendar.
Record the date to replace your MDI—it will be 30 days from
the date you first put the new canister into use.
For
rescue medication you use occasionally, you must count each
puff you use. Many experts recommend throwing away the
canister when it has exhausted 90% of the maximum number of
puffs it contains. For example, if your full albuterol
canister contains 200 puffs, it should be replaced after
about 180
puffs have been used.
KEEP YOUR
INHALER CLEAN FOR PROPER USE
Examine
the hole on the MDI where medicine is released. Evidence of
“powder” or film in or around this hole means the inhaler
needs cleaning. Remove the metal canister that contains your
medicine, and wash the plastic mouthpiece and cap in warm
water. Do not get the metal canister wet. Let the plastic
parts dry overnight, and reassemble your inhaler. |