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If you have a chronic lung disease, like asthma or COPD, a metered-dose inhaler is often your main type of therapy. An inhaler is a small, hand-held device that delivers medicine in the form of a spray that you breathe in.
Using an inhaler may seem easy, but many people don't use them the right way. You need to know how to use your inhaler correctly for the medicine to get to your lungs and work effectively.
In general, using the inhaler without a spacer requires more coordination in order to ensure that medicine reaches your lungs. So, when possible, it's best to use a spacer.
These are instructions for using an inhaler without a spacer.
First off, if you have not used the inhaler in a while, you may need to prime it. See the instructions that came with your inhaler for when and how to do this.
Take the cap off the mouthpiece, and look inside the mouthpiece to make sure there is nothing in it.
Shake the inhaler 10 to 15 times to mix the medicine with the propellant.
Hold the inhaler upright.
Stand or sit upright.
Breathe out all the way to empty your lungs.
Place the mouthpiece in your mouth so that it fits just past your teeth and above your tongue.
Close your lips around the inhaler so that you form a tight seal.
Tilt your head back slightly.
As you slowly begin to breathe in through your mouth, press down once on the top of the inhaler. Keep breathing in slowly, as deeply as you can.
Take the inhaler out of your mouth. Hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds. This lets the medicine reach deep into your lungs.
Breathe out slowly through your mouth.
If you need a second puff, wait about 1 minute before you take your next puff.
Put the cap back on the inhaler and make sure it is firmly closed.
After using your inhaler, gargle and rinse your mouth with water. Do not swallow the water. This helps reduce side effects from your medicine.
To keep your inhaler operating correctly, follow the manufacturer's instructions for when and how often to clean your inhaler.
Using your inhaler the right way ensures you get the medicine you need. It's a good idea to bring your inhaler to your medical appointments. That way your health care provider can make sure you are using it correctly.
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