How to Use Your Inhaler if You Have Asthma or COPD
Using an inhaler correctly is essential for managing asthma and COPD. Proper inhaler technique ensures that the medication reaches your lungs, helping to relieve symptoms and improve your breathing. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and tips to make sure you’re getting the most from each dose.
Step 1: Prepare the Inhaler
Before you start, make sure your inhaler is clean and that you’re holding it upright.
Shake the inhaler: Give your inhaler a good shake for 5-10 seconds. This mixes the medication to ensure you’re getting the right dose.
Prime the inhaler: If it’s a new inhaler or you haven’t used it in a while, you may need to prime it by spraying a test dose into the air. Check the instructions for your specific inhaler to see if this is needed.
Step 2: Breathe Out Fully
Exhale completely before you start inhaling the medication. This step is important because it empties your lungs, making room for the medication.
Step 3: Position the Inhaler Correctly
There are a couple of ways to hold your inhaler:
Directly in your mouth: Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, creating a tight seal with your lips around it.
With a spacer: A spacer is a device that attaches to the inhaler and helps deliver the medication more effectively to your lungs. If you’re using one, attach it to the inhaler and then place the spacer’s mouthpiece in your mouth, creating a tight seal.
Step 4: Inhale Slowly and Press the Inhaler
This step is key to getting the medication into your lungs:
Begin to inhale slowly and deeply through your mouth.
As you start to inhale, press down on the inhaler to release a dose of medication.
Keep inhaling slowly and fully to draw the medication into your lungs.
Step 5: Hold Your Breath
After you’ve inhaled the medication, remove the inhaler or spacer from your mouth.
Hold your breath for 10 seconds, or as long as you comfortably can. This gives the medication time to settle in your lungs.
Exhale slowly after holding your breath.
Step 6: Wait for the Next Dose if Needed
If you need to take a second dose, wait at least 30 seconds, then repeat steps 2-5. This allows the first dose to take effect, increasing the effectiveness of the second.
Step 7: Rinse Your Mouth (For Certain Medications)
If you’re using a corticosteroid inhaler, it’s important to rinse your mouth with water after use. This helps prevent irritation and reduces the risk of side effects like oral thrush.
Tips for Effective Inhaler Use
Use a Spacer: If you have trouble coordinating your breathing with pressing the inhaler, a spacer can make it easier to inhale the full dose.
Practice Makes Perfect: It can take a few tries to get comfortable with using your inhaler. Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to review the technique with you.
Check Your Inhaler Regularly: Keep an eye on the dosage counter if your inhaler has one, and replace it when it’s low to ensure you never run out.
Clean Your Inhaler: Follow the cleaning instructions provided with your inhaler to keep it working correctly and prevent blockages.
Using Other Types of Inhalers
If you’re using a dry powder inhaler (DPI) instead of a metered-dose inhaler, the instructions may differ. DPIs require you to breathe in quickly and forcefully to deliver the medication, so check the instructions specific to your inhaler type.
Final Thoughts
Using your inhaler correctly is essential for managing asthma or COPD. Proper inhaler technique ensures that the medication reaches deep into your lungs, improving its effectiveness. Regular practice and review with your healthcare provider can help you feel confident that you’re getting the most from your inhaler.
Managing asthma and COPD is challenging, but mastering your inhaler technique is a powerful step toward better control and improved breathing.
