Accidentally dropping your inhaler in water or running it through the wash raises immediate concerns about whether your medication is still safe and effective. The most urgent consideration is the accurate delivery of the drug, as an ineffective inhaler can become a health hazard during an emergency. You must assess the device immediately, as its ability to deliver the correct dose to your lungs may be severely compromised. The specific type of inhaler determines whether you can attempt a salvage operation or if the device must be discarded.
How Water Affects Different Inhaler Types
The impact of water depends entirely on the design of your device, which falls into one of two main categories. A Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI), such as a Diskus, Ellipta, or Turbuhaler, contains the medication in a fine powder form. This powder is extremely sensitive to moisture; exposure to water or high humidity causes the particles to clump together.
When the medication clumps, the aerosol performance is drastically reduced, lowering the “fine particle dose” needed to reach deep into your airways. This renders the dose delivery ineffective and unreliable, sometimes decreasing the amount delivered by more than 50 percent. Because of this moisture sensitivity, DPIs must never be cleaned with water and must be immediately discarded if they become wet.
A Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) operates differently, using a pressurized metal canister containing the medication suspended in a propellant. The medication is protected within the sealed metal canister, which is water-resistant but should never be submerged. The main concern for an MDI is water entering the plastic actuator, the casing that holds the canister and mouthpiece. Residual water in the actuator’s nozzle can clog the pathway, obstructing the fine mist or causing an inconsistent spray.
Emergency Steps for a Wet Metered Dose Inhaler
If your MDI was exposed to water, quickly remove the metal canister from the plastic actuator casing. Place the canister on a clean, dry surface, ensuring it is not exposed to further moisture. The plastic actuator should then be rinsed under warm running water for about 30 seconds to flush out any residue or medication buildup.
After rinsing, vigorously shake the plastic casing to expel excess water, focusing on the mouthpiece end. Allow the actuator to air dry completely on a clean cloth overnight, or for a full 24 hours, before reassembling the inhaler. Never attempt to dry the plastic parts or the metal canister with direct heat, such as a hairdryer, as this can warp the plastic or compromise the canister’s seal.
Once the plastic actuator is completely dry, reinsert the metal canister and replace the mouthpiece cap. Before using the device, perform a test spray, also known as priming, by pointing the mouthpiece away from your face and releasing a single puff. This action clears the nozzle and confirms the device is capable of producing a consistent, fine mist. Listen for the sound of the spray and visually confirm the quality of the plume to ensure the nozzle is not blocked.
Safety First: When You Must Discard the Device
Regardless of the inhaler type, any sign of physical damage or compromised function means the device must be discarded. If your inhaler is a Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI), water exposure is an immediate reason for disposal due to the risk of medication clumping and ineffective delivery. A Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) must also be replaced if the plastic actuator is cracked, chipped, or if the mouthpiece is visibly warped or damaged.
You must also discard an MDI if the test spray feels weak, sounds odd, or if the delivered plume appears inconsistent, even after drying and priming. Any uncertainty about the integrity of the medication or the reliability of the dose delivery outweighs the cost of a replacement device. If your inhaler has a dose counter and the counter is compromised or unreadable due to water damage, the device should be replaced to ensure accurate tracking.
Do not attempt to use an inhaler you suspect is compromised during an asthma attack, as reliable dose delivery is essential in an emergency. Always maintain a spare, working inhaler. If you have any doubt about the safety or efficacy of a wet device, contact your pharmacist or prescribing physician for guidance on obtaining a replacement.