Inhaler Devices:
Metered Dose Inhalers
Spacers
Dry Powder Inhaler

Metered Dose Inhalers

The traditional metered dose inhaler is a small device containing liquid medication mixed with propellant under pressure. Each time you use the inhaler, you get the same amount of medication in the form of a mist. Since the inhaler delivers the medication directly to your lungs, smaller amounts of medication are needed than if the medication is taken orally. Because a smaller amount of medication is needed, side effects are less likely. In addition, the medication starts working very quickly.

In order for the inhaler to be effective, you must be able to use it the correct way.

1. Remove the cap and hold the inhaler upright. Shake the inhaler. If you have not used the inhaler in a week, first press it down once to release a puff into the air.

2. Tilt your head back slightly and breath out.

3. Hold the inhaler approximately two inches from your mouth and open your mouth wide. As you begin to breathe in slowly and deel2l (this is extremely important as the medication is carried with your inspired air), press down on the inhaler soon after you begin to start breathing in. Do not press down on the inhaler before you start to breathe. Continue to breathe slowly until you have taken the deepest breath you can.

4. When you have taken the deep breath, hold it for 10 seconds or as long as you can (as this allows the medication to settle into the furthest part of the lungs). Use only one puff of medicine at a time. Then breathe out slowly through pursed lips.

5. Take only as many puffs as you have been prescribed. If you are using an inhaled steroid, you should take a sip of water, rinse or gargle the water in your mouth, and then spit the water out - do not swallow the water.

Spacers

If you have trouble using your inhaler correctly, you can use a spacer. A spacer is a device which is attached to the inhaler so that it enables the medication to be delivered into your lungs without worrying about whether you breathe in and press the inhaler in the correct sequence. The spacer allows the medication to enter your mouth more slowly so that you are able to draw it into your lungs. As there are various types of spacers, you have to be familiar with the one prescribed to you. In order to use the spacer, you first attach the inhaler to the spacer and then use it.

1. Shake the inhaler attached to the spacer well.
2. Place the mouthpiece of the spacer in your mouth and press down once on the inhaler.
3. Allow the medicine to circulate in the spacer for one second, and then breathe in slowly and deeply until you have taken the deepest breath you can.
4. Hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as you can, and then exhale slowly through pursed lips.
5. Take only as many puffs as have been prescribed. If you are using an inhaled steroid, you should take a sip of water, rinse or gargle the water in your mouth, and then spit the water out - do not swallow the water.

You need to wash the spacer every 2-4 weeks with mild detergent and let it air-dry. Make sure that your spacer is dry before you use it.

Dry Powder Inhaler

Because of the problem with ozone depletion, most new inhalers no longer contain fluorocarbon propellants, but instead, deliver the inhaled medicine in a dry powder form. A dry powder inhaler is not pressurized. You take the medication by breathing in forcefully through the inhaler.

1. Hold the inhaler away from your mouth, turn your head away from the inhaler and breath out.
2. Tilt your head back slightly and then put the mouthpiece between your lips and teeth. Breathe in deeply and forcefully (not slowly).
3. Remove the inhaler from your mouth, turn your head away from the inhaler, and breathe out slowly through pursed lips. Rinse your mouth out with water if you are using an inhaled steroid.

Your inhaler may have an indicator which tells you when the medication is running out. If not, you should estimate how long your inhaler will last, and get a replacement at that time. Traditional metered dose inhalers have an excess of propellant, so in general, the last 20 puffs from these inhalers do not contain any active medicine.

If you have any questions about your inhalers, please ask your doctor.

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Michigan Allergy, Sinus & Asthma Specialists

6330 Orchard Lake Road #110 West Bloomfield, MI 48322 Tel: 248.932.0082 Fax: 248.932.0182 view map

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