Effective Inhaler Techniques

In order for a medication or medical device to be as beneficial as possible, the user must use it properly. In the case of respiratory disorders like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it can be especially important to use medicine administering devices like inhalers properly in order to receive maximum relief for shortness of breath.

Metered Dose Inhalers

• Remove cap from mouthpiece inhaler. Shake it vigorously while holding it in an upright position. It is important that the medication is allowed time to mix together in order to be as effective as possible. Position yourself in a standing or sitting straight up stance. Blow your breath out gently, emptying your lungs as much as possible. Place the mouthpiece between your front teeth. Hold it gently there; do not bite down on plastic. Use your lips to form a close, tight seal around the mouthpiece. Push the canister of your inhaler down firmly. One pump of the inhaler provides a single dose of medication. As the medicine begins to dispense, breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth. Hold your breath for as long as you are able to comfortably do so. This allows the medication to reach and open up your airways. When you release your breath, do so naturally, in an easy, gentle manner. If your doctor has prescribed an additional dose, wait at least one or two minutes before repeating the process.

Metered Dose Inhaler with Spacer

• Assemble your spacer according to package directions. Remove the cap on your inhaler's mouthpiece. Shake it vigorously while holding it in an upright position. Insert the mouthpiece of your inhaler into the slot on your spacer. Hold it in an upright position. Place the mouthpiece of the spacer between your teeth. Do not bite down on it, but rather form a tight seal around it with closed lips. Gently blow breath out of lungs and press down firmly on the canister of inhaler while holding the spacer parallel to the floor. Inhale deeply and slowly, bringing the medicine to your lungs. Hold your breath for as long as is comfortable or inhale and exhale four times using slow, deep breaths. Take the spacer from your mouth and resume breathing slowly. Take the inhaler out of the spacer unless a second dose is needed or has been prescribed. Wait one or two minutes before repeating the process.

Turbuhaler

• Remove the cap of your inhaler and hold it in an upright position. There is a colored grip on your inhaler. Twist the grip as far as it will move and then twist it all the way back in the opposite direction. There will be an audible clicking sound when you have correctly completed this step. Blow breath out of your lungs and away from the Turbuhaler device. Place the mouthpiece between your teeth. Create a seal around it with your lips. Inhale forcefully through your mouth while the inhaler is in it and then remove it before exhaling. Replace the cap after administering medication.

Diskus

• Use your thumb to push the thumb grip located on the outside of the Diskus inhaler until it audibly clicks into place. The lever needs to be as far back as it will go in order for the opening to dispense the powdered medication. Turn your head away from inhaler and exhale, pushing the air from your lungs. Place the mouth opening of the Diskus between your lips and close mouth securely around opening. Inhale deeply and remove the Diskus from your mouth while holding your breath. Hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as is comfortable and gently exhale.

Inhaler Storage and Care

• Keep the mouthpiece of your inhaler clean. Keep cap on the end when the inhaler is not in use. If your mouthpiece is dirty it will limit the amount of medicine that you receive. Rinse it in warm water with a drop or two of dish washing liquid. Allow to air dry and replace cap. Store inhaler in a dry, cool area of your home and keep it away from direct sunlight.