Inhalers are small, handheld medical devices designed to deliver medication directly into your lungs. They manage various respiratory conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Proper use ensures medication reaches the lungs effectively, controlling symptoms and maintaining respiratory health. Incorrect technique can result in medication remaining in the mouth or throat, preventing its intended therapeutic benefit.
Understanding Inhaler Types
Two primary types of inhalers are commonly encountered: Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs) and Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs). Metered-Dose Inhalers appear as small, L-shaped canisters housed within a plastic actuator. They deliver medication as an aerosol spray, propelled by a chemical propellant. This design requires coordination between pressing the canister and inhaling.
Dry Powder Inhalers are often disc-shaped or resemble a small cylinder. These devices deliver medication as a fine powder, without the use of a propellant. Instead, the medication is inhaled through a quick and deep breath, relying on the user’s inspiratory effort to draw the powder into the lungs.
Using a Metered-Dose Inhaler
Proper technique for a Metered-Dose Inhaler begins with shaking the inhaler vigorously for 5 to 10 seconds before each use. This ensures the medication is evenly mixed for a consistent dose.
Exhale fully to empty your lungs. Position the inhaler about 1 to 2 inches in front of your open mouth, or place your lips tightly around the mouthpiece if using a spacer.
As you begin to slowly and deeply inhale, press down firmly on the canister to release a puff of medication. Continue to inhale for about 3 to 5 seconds, drawing the medication into your lungs.
After inhaling, hold your breath for approximately 5 to 10 seconds to allow the medication to settle in the airways. Finally, exhale slowly. If a second puff is needed, wait at least 30 seconds before repeating the process.
Using a Dry Powder Inhaler
Using a Dry Powder Inhaler differs from an MDI, starting with the absence of shaking the device. First, load the dose according to the specific inhaler’s instructions, which might involve clicking a lever or twisting a component.
Following dose preparation, exhale completely away from the inhaler to empty your lungs. Next, place your lips tightly around the mouthpiece of the DPI.
Unlike MDIs, inhale quickly and deeply through your mouth to draw the dry powder into your lungs. This forceful inhalation activates the device and ensures the medication reaches the lower airways.
After inhaling, hold your breath for about 5 to 10 seconds to allow the powder to settle. Then, exhale slowly away from the device. Do not exhale into the DPI, as moisture can clump the powder.
Avoiding Common Errors and Ensuring Effectiveness
Several common mistakes can reduce the effectiveness of inhaler use. Inhaling too quickly with an MDI can cause the medication to deposit in the back of the throat rather than reaching the lungs. Conversely, with DPIs, not inhaling forcefully or deeply enough means the dry powder may not be adequately drawn into the lungs. Another frequent error is not holding your breath long enough after inhalation, which reduces the time the medication has to settle in the airways.
Proper technique may be confirmed by a cool sensation or slight taste of medication in the lungs, and a productive cough should not immediately follow inhalation. To check if an inhaler is empty, some MDIs have dose counters, while DPIs may have indicators that show when doses are depleted. Regular cleaning of the mouthpiece and storing the inhaler at room temperature ensures consistent performance.