How to Use a Rescue Inhaler

Asthma is a condition in which the bronchial tubes of the airway spasm and close, making breathing difficult. Approximately 34 million Americans have been diagnosed with some form of asthma, from mild to severe cases, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. A common treatment for asthma is the use of a rescue inhaler, also known as a metered dose inhaler. The inhaler delivers a single dose of an aersolized medication that relaxes the smooth muscle of the airway to make breathing easier.

Instructions

• 1

  Check the label of the inhaler. Make sure the expiration date has not passed. Typically, inhalers will be good for nine months. This is related to the average number of "puffs" available as well as the length of time the medication is most effective.

• 2

  Identify the symptoms that prompt you to need the inhaler. Shortness of breath, chest tightness, chest pain, coughing and wheezing are all symptoms that the airways are swelling and an asthma attack is occurring.

• 3

  Remove the caps from the end and top of the rescue inhaler. Many inhalers have caps to prevent the buildup of debris and bacteria in the medication delivery tube and around the medication cylinder.

• 4

  Hold the inhaler so that the medication cylinder is pointed upward. Shake the inhaler thoroughly to evenly distribute the medication through the solution.

• 5

  Exhale fully. This will allow more medication to enter your airways.

• 6

  Hold the inhaler in your hand so that the your thumb supports the bottom of the inhaler and your middle and index finger are on top of the medication cylinder.

• 7

  Place the mouthpiece of the inhaler between your teeth. Firmly close your lips around the end of the mouthpiece. Make sure you have formed a tight seal around the mouthpiece so none of the medication escapes during administration.

• 8

  Inhale slowly and compress the top of the medication chamber. Continue inhaling as the medication enters your mouth. The full breath should take five to seven seconds. Hold your breath for ten seconds to allow the medication to fully enter all the areas of the airway.

• 9

  Purse your lips as if you were blowing out candles or whistling. Exhale slowly. Continue breathing as you normally would. You will feel the medication take effect almost immediately. You may feel excitable because the receptors within your body that are triggered to open your airway can also increase your heart rate when stimulated.

• 10

  Repeat this procedure for as many times as your health care provider has instructed you to administer the medication during one asthma attack. Be sure to replace the caps when you have finished using the inhaler.