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Measured dose inhaler: how to use it correctly
A metered dose inhaler is a small, manual device filled with medication. It helps to bring a certain amount of medicine to the lungs by mouth. It is commonly used to treat breathing difficulties related to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory problems.
Path to greater well-being
Each inhaler consists of a small container of medicine connected to a mouthpiece. The container is pressurized. As you press the inhaler down, it releases the medication in the form of a spray. That spray enters the lungs when it breathes. It is important to use the inhaler correctly. Otherwise, your airway will not receive the correct amount of medication.
Steps to use the inhaler correctly:
Remove the lid and keep the inhaler upright.
Shake the inhaler.
Tilt your head back slightly and exhale.
If your doctor recommends it, use a spacer (a plastic hollow chamber) to filter the medication between the inhaler and your mouth. The camera protects the throat from irritation caused by the medication. Check your insurance plan, since not all insurers offer coverage for the separators.
Press the inhaler down to release the medication as you begin to inhale slowly.
Inhale little by little from 3 to 5 seconds.
Hold your breath for 10 seconds to allow the medication to enter the lungs.
Repeat as many times as indicated. Wait 1 minute between inhalations to allow the second dose to penetrate better into the lungs.
These instructions are only for a metered dose inhaler. Inhaled dry powder capsules are used differently. To use a dry powder inhaler, close your mouth tightly around the mouthpiece of the inhaler and breathe quickly. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about how to take your medication.
Aspects to consider
It is important to keep track of the amount of medication you have used so you can plan ahead and replace the inhaler before your medication runs out. Many inhalers now include a "counter" that tracks the amount of medication left in the device. If the inhaler does not have it, you can use the following method to find out when you will need a refill:
If you use your inhaler as a rescue medicine (when you have a hard time breathing), ask your doctor if you can give a prescription for 2 inhalers. Rescue inhalers are not used regularly, so it will be difficult to plan a recharge date. Obtain a new inhaler when the first one is empty. In this way, you will always have enough rescue medicine on hand when you need it most.
Start with a new inhaler. In general, the amount of available doses will be printed on the container label. Divide the amount of dose in the container by the amount of dose you take each day. The number you get will be the number of days the recipient should last. For example, if you take 4 doses per day from a 200-dose container, you will need a new container every 50 days.
Using a calendar, count that number of days to see when the medication will run out. To avoid running out of the medication you use every day, replace your prescription 1 or 2 days before this date.
Using a permanent marker, write the replacement date on the container and on your calendar.
Questions to ask your doctor
What happens if I inhale too many doses at once?
When I use my inhaler, my heart speeds up. It is safe?
What should I do if I do not have another rescue inhaler and I am having trouble breathing?
Is it okay to let others use my inhaler?
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