by Eileen Eva

Created on: September 10, 2010

Most medics call it a puffer or an aerosol inhaler, MDI (Metered Dose Inhaler), is used to directly deliver medication into the lungs. The device has a pressurised metal canister that contains medicine suspension covered with a plastic case and a mouthpiece. A valve will deliver measured dosage of fine mist medicine when the metal canister is pushed downwards. The medicine is inhaled through the mouthpiece into the lungs.

It is important that a correct method is applied when using an inhaler as it requires considerable coordination in order to give beneficial results. If the inhaler is improperly used, there is a high chance that the required dosage of medicine will not be taken. This may lead to the medicine being less effective or remaining in your throat or mouth causing irritation.

Here are ways on how to use an inhaler

• You must stand or sit straight with your chin open.

• Remove the cap and shake well the inhaler

• If it’s your first time using the inhaler or have taken long without using it, spray it in the air to ensure that it works

• Take a deep breath in and out

• Place the inhaler’s mouthpiece in your mouth but do not bite it.

• Seal the mouthpiece inside your mouth and hold it with the lips

• Slowly take deep breaths while pressing the canister for the medicine to be released. A single press will release a single puff.

• Continue to take deep breaths to ensure that the medicine is delivered into the lungs

• Hold breath for 10 seconds or so before breathing out again

• If another puff is needed, you should wait for 25 seconds then repeat the process

• After using, replace the cap and store it under room temperature, away from sunlight or direct heat.

It is always important that you keep track on the amount of medicine so that you can replace the inhaler with a new one before you are left without medicine. Following are ways to aid remember it’s time to get a new inhaler:

 • Always start with a new inhaler. The canister is printed on it the number of puffs taken before the medicine is over. Divide the number by the number of your daily puffs. The result is the number of the days that the canister will last. E.g., if 5 puffs are taken daily from a 150 puff canister, the canister should take you for 30 days.

• A calendar will help you count the days so as to see when your medicine is about to dry so you aren’t caught unarmed by an attack with an empty canister. Always choose to refill it 1 or 2 days before the calculated days.

• Use a permanent marker to write the refilling date on your calendar and canister.

It is wise to apply proper techniques of using an inhaler so that you benefit from it.

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