Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs) deliver respiratory medications directly into the lungs. While spacers are often recommended for optimal delivery, situations may require using an inhaler without one. This article provides guidance on effective direct inhaler use.
Why Spacers Are Useful
A spacer serves as a holding chamber for medication, allowing more time to inhale slowly and deeply. This improves coordination between pressing the inhaler and breathing in. Spacers also reduce the speed of the medication spray, minimizing drug settling in the mouth and throat. This enhanced coordination and reduced oral deposition help ensure more medication reaches the lungs, making inhaler use more effective and reducing potential side effects from oral drug accumulation.
How to Use Your Inhaler Directly
Remove the cap from the mouthpiece and shake the inhaler vigorously for approximately five seconds to ensure the medication is evenly mixed. If the inhaler is new or has not been used for several days, it may require priming by spraying one to four test puffs into the air away from your face, following the device’s specific instructions.
Before taking a dose, exhale slowly and completely to empty your lungs, creating space for the inhaled medication. Position the inhaler either directly in your mouth, forming a tight seal around the mouthpiece with your lips, or about one to two inches away from your open mouth.
As you begin to inhale slowly and deeply through your mouth, firmly press down on the top of the inhaler canister to release one puff of medication. Coordinate this press with the start of your inhalation to draw the medication into your lungs effectively. Continue inhaling for about three to five seconds until your lungs feel full.
After inhaling, remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for approximately five to ten seconds, allowing the medication particles time to settle deeply within your airways. Slowly exhale once the breath-holding period is complete.
If your prescription requires more than one puff, wait about 30 to 60 seconds between each puff. This waiting period allows the airways to open slightly from the first dose, potentially improving the penetration of subsequent doses. Always remember to shake the inhaler again before administering any additional puffs. After using the inhaler, especially for corticosteroid medications, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and spit it out to prevent oral thrush or irritation.
Ensuring Effective Medication Delivery
Several common errors can reduce the effectiveness of direct inhaler use, such as inhaling too quickly or failing to hold your breath long enough after inhalation. Not shaking the inhaler before use or forgetting to exhale fully before activating the device can also hinder proper medication delivery. Precise coordination between activating the inhaler and inhaling is paramount for success without a spacer.
To improve your coordination, practice the inhalation technique without medication, perhaps in front of a mirror, to visualize the process. This allows you to synchronize the press and breath without the pressure of timing medication delivery. Consistent practice helps build muscle memory for the correct sequence of actions.
Regular maintenance of your inhaler also supports effective delivery. Clean the mouthpiece of your inhaler at least once a week by wiping it with a dry cloth or following the manufacturer’s specific cleaning instructions. Keeping the mouthpiece clear ensures an unobstructed path for the medication.
If you find using your inhaler directly challenging, or if your respiratory symptoms do not improve after following these steps, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can review your technique, offer personalized guidance, or discuss alternative delivery methods. While direct use is possible, a spacer is generally preferred when available to optimize medication delivery.