There are two types of inhaler that people usually use, metered-dose inhaler and dry powder inhaler. Both helps in treating asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory problems. Both metered-dose inhaler and dry powder inhaler consists of a pressurized canister inside a plastic case, with a mouthpiece attached.
The device of metered-dose inhaler (MDI) use a chemical propellant to push medication out of the inhaler. Dry powder inhaler (DPI) doesn't contain propellants or other ingredients to delivers medication to the lungs as you inhale through it.
Metered-Dose Inhaler:
Dry Powder Inhaler:
The device of metered-dose inhaler (MDI) use a chemical propellant to push medication out of the inhaler. Dry powder inhaler (DPI) doesn't contain propellants or other ingredients to delivers medication to the lungs as you inhale through it.
Metered-Dose Inhaler:
- Remove the cap from the metered dose inhaler and hold the inhaler upright.
- Shake the inhaler.
- Tilt your head back slightly and breathe out.
- Place your index finger on top of the canister and thumb on the bottom of the mouthpiece.
- Press down on the inhaler to release the medicine as you start to breathe in slowly for 3 to 5 seconds.
- Breathe in slowly for 3 to 5 seconds.
- Try to hold your breath for 10 seconds to allow medicine to go deeply into your lungs.
- Repeat puffs as prescribed by your doctor. Wait 1 minute between another puff.
- When finish, replace the cap on the metered dose inhaler.
- Gargle and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash (usually advised only for steroid-type inhalers).
Dry Powder Inhaler:
- Remove the cap from the dry powder inhaler.
- Load a dose of medicine (it depends on the type of inhaler you have).
- Tilt your head back and breathe out as much air as you can.
- Put the dry powder inhaler up to your mouth, close your mouth tightly around the mouthpiece of the inhaler so no air or medicine can escape out the sides.
- Using just your mouth, breathe deep and fast in once to gives you the right dose of medicine. Dry powder inhalers are breathe-activated. Never breathe into the inhaler.
- Take your mouth off the inhaler and hold your breath for at least 10 seconds. Then slowly breathe out.
- If your doctor prescribed more than one dose of COPD medication, wait about 1 minute before taking the next dose.
- Replace the cap on the dry powder inhaler. Gargle and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash (usually advised only for steroid-type inhalers).
Article Source: http://www.webmd.com/lung/copd/copd-breathlessness-9/how-to-use-inhaler
