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Various medical conditions necessitate the reliance on an inhaler to maintain open airways, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), allergies, and anxiety. Depending on one's condition, the type of prescribed inhaler may differ. While using inhalers may initially appear challenging, they are easily manageable with practice. Soon, users will confidently employ their inhalers when symptoms manifest. It's imperative to thoroughly review the provided instructions before usage.
Procedures
Utilizing a Metered Dose Inhaler With or Without a Spacer
Removing the Cap. The cap, positioned over the inhaler's mouthpiece, serves to shield it from foreign particles. Gently pull off the cap and store it in a secure location.
- An uncapped inhaler may accumulate germs and debris, which could be inhaled into the lungs.
- Ensure the cap is not misplaced during inhaler use.
Examine the Inhaler. Ensure the inhaler is clean, particularly the mouthpiece. Remove the cap and inspect both the inside and outside of the mouthpiece. Check the expiration date to confirm its usability. Use a dry tissue or cotton swab to remove any dirt or debris from the inhaler.
- If the mouthpiece is soiled, wipe it with rubbing alcohol and allow it to dry.
Hold the Inhaler Vertically and Shake It 5-10 Times. Grip the inhaler with your index finger positioned on top of the canister. The mouthpiece should be facing downward with the canister's top facing upward. Vigorously move the inhaler up and down by flexing your forearm or wrist.
- If the inhaler hasn't been used recently, ensure it's primed by shaking it until it sprays at full force. Don't worry about wasting medication, as an unprimed inhaler won't deliver a full dose, jeopardizing your breathing. Priming instructions may vary, so be familiar with the priming process specific to your inhaler.
Prepare Your Spacer if Applicable. Remove the cap and inspect the spacer to ensure it's free of dirt or debris. If debris is present, attempt to blow it out. If clearing the debris is unsuccessful, consider washing the spacer.
- Avoid wiping the spacer with a cloth, as it may generate static that attracts medication.
- Clean the spacer by disassembling it and washing it with mild dish detergent. Allow it to air dry before reassembling.
Inhale Deeply. Breathe in through your mouth, expanding your lungs to their fullest capacity, and briefly hold the breath.
Lean Your Head Back. Tilt your head back slightly to open your airways, facilitating the smooth flow of medication into your lungs. Avoid tilting your head too far back, as this may obstruct your throat rather than opening it.
Exhale Gently. Empty your lungs slowly in preparation for inhaling your medication from the inhaler.
Position the Inhaler or Spacer in Your Mouth. Ensure the mouthpiece is above your tongue and between your teeth. Close your lips around it, directing the spray toward the back of your throat.
- If using a spacer, place its mouthpiece in your mouth and the inhaler's mouthpiece in the opposite end of the spacer.
- If a spacer is unavailable and you prefer not to place the inhaler in your mouth, hold it 1-2 inches from your mouth.
Inhale while Depressing the Canister. As you press down on the inhaler, breathe in slowly through your mouth. This action releases the medication dose. Keep the mouthpiece in place to retain the medicine, continuing to inhale for three to five seconds, aiming to direct the medication into your lungs.
- Depress the canister only once.
- If holding the inhaler away from your mouth, close it once the dose is released.
- For spacer use, some have a whistle to indicate rapid inhalation. No whistle suggests an appropriate rate of inhalation.
Hold Your Breath and Count. Allow time for the medication to take effect by holding it in your mouth for at least ten seconds, ideally up to a minute. Exhaling too quickly may result in medication loss.
- Count to ten only for inhaler breaths.
Withdraw the Mouthpiece. Exhale slowly and deeply through your mouth, then resume normal breathing. After inhaler use, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water, gargling and spitting it out.
- If two puffs are required, wait one minute between doses.
- Follow your doctor's instructions for inhaler usage, typically one or two puffs every four to six hours or as needed.
- Rinsing your mouth is crucial for steroid-based medications to prevent thrush, a yeast infection.
Utilizing a Dry Powder Inhaler
Maintain Dryness of Your Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI). Moisture can cause clumping of the medication in your DPI, rendering it ineffective. Avoid storing your DPI in humid environments like bathrooms or areas without proper ventilation. Additionally, refrain from exhaling into the inhaler to prevent moisture accumulation.
Uncover the Inhaler. The cap shields your inhaler from dirt and contamination. When using the inhaler, ensure the cap is placed securely to prevent misplacement. The cap's removal method varies based on the inhaler type.
- For a rocket-style inhaler, the cap covers the entire length and may have a distinct color from the base.
- With a diskus inhaler, known as a “flying saucer” inhaler, remove the cap by pressing the thumb grip away from you, causing the cap to slide off and reveal the mouthpiece.
Prepare Your Medication Dose. The medication resides within the inhaler but must be released into the delivery chamber before usage to maintain its dryness. Loading methods vary depending on whether you have a rocket or diskus inhaler.
- Do not shake the inhaler.
- For a rocket inhaler, twist the base fully to the right and then to the left until you hear a click indicating proper loading.
- With a diskus inhaler, slide the lever away until it clicks, indicating the medication is loaded.
- If using a twisthaler inhaler, the medication loads upon cap removal, requiring no additional steps.
- Refer to your inhaler's instructions if you encounter difficulties, as DPI usage can vary significantly.
Clear Your Airways. Maintain an upright posture with a slight backward tilt of the head to ensure open airways.
Inhale Deeply. While holding your inhaler away from your mouth, take a deep breath. Then exhale fully, emptying your lungs completely.
- Ensure you avoid exhaling into the inhaler to prevent compromising your dose.
Position the Inhaler's Mouthpiece in Your Mouth. Place the mouthpiece between your teeth and tongue, forming a seal by closing your lips around it.
Inhale Deeply to Administer the Medicine. No additional action is required as the medicine is primed for inhalation. Inhale deeply to facilitate the medicine's passage into your lungs.
Retain the Medicine by Holding Your Breath. Keep the inhaler in your mouth while you count to ten to ensure the medication remains in your system.
Withdraw the Inhaler from Your Mouth. Before exhaling, remove the inhaler and turn your face away. Exhale and resume normal breathing.
Secure the Inhaler. Replace the cap on your rocket or twisthaler inhaler, or slide the cap shut for a diskus inhaler.
- If a second dose is required, repeat steps 3-10 to administer it.
Cleanse Your Mouth. Rinse your mouth with water to eliminate any residual medicine, reducing the risk of infection.
Helpful Advice
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Using a spacer enhances the medication's delivery to your lungs and minimizes throat irritation.
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Do not share your spacer, inhaler medication, or mouthpiece with others.
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Avoid using your spacer with a dry-powder inhaler.
Precautions
- Avoid submerging your inhaler in water to check for emptiness. This method is ineffective and will damage the inhaler.
