There are many conditions that cause you to rely on inhalers to keep your airways open. Some of the reasons include asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD), allergies, and anxiety. The type of inhaler you are prescribed may vary depending on your condition. Using the inhaler can be a little difficult, but you can learn how to use it, and in no time you will be able to use the inhaler when your symptoms appear. Always read the instructions for use in the box of the inhaler before you use it.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Use a Metered Dose Inhaler with or Without a Spacer
Step 1. Open the lid
The inhaler cap is a small object that covers the end of the mouth tube and serves to prevent foreign objects from entering the inhaler. Pull the cover to release it, then place it in a safe place.
- Inhalers that do not have caps can be exposed to germs and dust which will also be pumped into your lungs.
- Make sure you don't remove the inhaler cap when using it.
Step 2. Check the inhaler
This object should always be clean, especially in the pipe mouth area. Remove the cover and inspect the outside and inside of the area. Also check the expiration date to make sure the inhaler can still be used. Wipe dirt and dust from the inhaler with a dry tissue or cotton swab.
If the nozzle is dirty, wipe it with rubbing alcohol, and let it dry
Step 3. Hold the inhaler upright and shake it 5-10 times
Hold it with your index finger at the top end of the tube. The mouthpiece will be at the bottom with the tube part pointing up. Shake the inhaler in a rapid upward and downward motion. You can do this by moving your forearm or wrist.
If you haven't used it for a long time, be sure to scrape the inhaler first until it's fully sprayed. Don't worry about wasting medication, as an unprepared inhaler won't dispense the full dose, putting your breathing at risk. There are several instructions for setting up the inhaler. So, pay attention to how many pumps your inhaler needs to be able to spray a full dose
Step 4. Prepare the spacers if you have them
Open the lid and check the inside to make sure there is no dust or dirt inside the appliance. If there are, blow them all out. If you can't clean it, you need to wash it.
- Do not wipe the spacer with a cloth as this can create a static electric reaction that will cause the medicine to stick.
- Clean the spacers by disassembling and washing them with a mild detergent. Let it dry on its own before putting it back together.
Step 5. Take a deep breath and then exhale through your mouth
Allow your lungs to open to their maximum capacity, then hold your breath for one second.
Step 6. Tilt your head back
This position will open your airway so that the medicine can go directly into your lungs. If you tilt your head back too far, you could end up blocking the path.
Step 7. Exhale slowly
Release the air from your lungs in preparation for inhaling the medication from the inhaler.
Step 8. Place the inhaler (you can also use a spacer) in your mouth
The mouthpiece should be above your tongue and between your teeth. Close your lips and aim the nozzle at the back of your throat.
- If you use a spacer, the mouthpiece will be in your mouth. Meanwhile, the inhaler mouth pipe is on the back of the spacer.
- If you don't have a spacer and don't want to put the inhaler in your mouth, hold the inhaler 2.5-5 cm in front of your mouth.
Step 9. Breathe in while you squeeze the tube
Begin to inhale slowly through your mouth while you press down on the inhaler tube. This will remove the dose of medication from the inhaler. Continue to inhale for three to five seconds. Inhale as much of the medicine as possible into your lungs while you breathe. This movement is also known as puff.
- Press the inhaler tube only once.
- If you hold the inhaler 2.5-5 cm in front of your mouth, cover your mouth as soon as you press down on the tube.
- Some spacers are equipped with whistles. Listen to the whistle. If you hear it, it means you are breathing too fast. If you don't hear the sound, it means you're breathing at a fairly good rate.
Step 10. Hold your breath and count to 10
Medicines take time to work. If you exhale too quickly, you may waste the medicine. You must hold the medicine in your mouth for at least ten seconds. However, if you can hold it for a minute, even better.
You should only count to ten for each breath you take from the inhaler
Step 11. Remove the inhaler tube from the mouth
Exhale slowly and deeply from your mouth, then breathe out naturally. Clean your mouth with water thoroughly after using the inhaler. Gargle and then drain the water.
- If you have to inhale medication from the inhaler twice, wait one minute before repeating this process.
- Continue to use the inhaler as directed by your doctor. Generally, people need one or two inhales every four to six hours, or as needed.
- Washing the mouth after inhaling the drug is very important because steroid-based drugs can cause a secondary fungal infection in the mouth commonly known as oral thrush or thrust.
Method 2 of 2: Using a Powder Inhaler
Step 1. Place the powder inhaler (also called dry powder inhaler or DPI) in a dry place
A damp, wet environment can damage the inhaler and cause the powder to clot and clog the inhaler. Do not place the powder inhaler in the bathroom or in an area that does not have air conditioning to prevent clumping. Your breath also contains water. So, do not exhale into the inhaler.
Step 2. Remove the inhaler cover
The inhaler cap protects it from dirt and contamination. When you use it, make sure you put the inhaler cap in a safe place so it doesn't get lost. Inhaler caps may vary depending on the type of inhaler you are using.
- If your inhaler looks like an upright tube – also called a rocket inhaler – then the cap will cover most of the tube. The color may vary depending on the base color.
- If you have a round inhaler also known as a discus or flying sauce inhaler – you have to open the lid by placing your thumb on the thumb grip and pushing it. The cap of this kind of inhaler will open and reveal the mouth pipe.
Step 3. Enter your medication dose
The inhaler tube already contains the medicine, but if you are taking DPI, you must put the powder in the discharge chamber before using it. This kind of thing is done to keep the medicine dry. The way you administer the medication will vary depending on whether you are using a rocket inhaler or a discus.
- Do not shake your inhaler.
- If you have a rocket inhaler, turn the base as far to the right as possible, then to the left as far as possible. When the medicine is ready, you will hear a click.
- If you have a discus inhaler, slide the lever away from the inhaler until you hear a click. This sound indicates that your medication has been loaded properly.
- If your inhaler is a twisthaler, the medicine will be ready to use when you open the cap. You don't have to do anything else.
- If you still have problems, check the instructions for use for your inhaler model. This is because DPI inhalers are more varied than other types of inhalers.
Step 4. Clear your airway
Stand or sit up straight with your head slightly back.
Step 5. Take a deep breath
Take a deep breath while you hold the inhaler away from your mouth. As you exhale, empty your lungs of air.
Make sure you don't exhale into the inhaler as this can damage the medication
Step 6. Place the inhaler nozzle into your mouth
This section should be between your teeth and your tongue. Close your lips around the mouth pipe to create a barrier.
Step 7. Take a deep breath to inhale the medicine
You don't have to press anything because the medicine is ready to be inhaled. Take as deep a breath as possible so that the medicine can reach your lungs.
Step 8. Hold your breath to hold the medicine
Keep the inhaler in your mouth while you count to ten.
Step 9. Remove inhaler from mouth
Before you exhale, remove the inhaler and keep your face away from it. Exhale, then breathe normally.
Step 10. Close the inhaler
Close the inhaler again if you are using a rocket inhaler or twisthaler. If you are using a discus, slide the cover back on.
Repeat steps 3-10 if you need a second dose
Step 11. Clean the mouth
Gargle with water to wash away any remaining medication that may be in your mouth and to prevent infection.
Tips
- Do not share spacers, inhalers or mouth tubes with other people.
- Do not use a spacer if you are using a powder inhaler.
- Using a spacer can help more of the medicine get to the lungs and prevent throat irritation.
- Consult your doctor if you have any questions about how to use the inhaler. A good understanding of the use of inhalers is very important.
- To make sure the spacer is properly assembled, read the instructions on the inhaler box.
- Save or print out the instructions for using the inhaler.
- If your inhaler has a dose counter, check it carefully and refill it before the counter shows zero.
