King's Pharmacy
How to Properly & Effectively Use an Inhaler
Asthma is a common lung condition that is occasionally characterised by shortness of breath. It affects people of all ages and is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, though it can also appear in adults for the first time. While there is no cure at the moment, there are easy therapies that can help keep the symptoms under control and stop them from controlling your life. Keep reading to learn how to use an inhaler in Birmingham.
How should you use an inhaler in Birmingham properly?
Treatment can help reduce symptoms of asthma and allow you to live a normal, active life. The major treatment is inhalers. These are devices that let you inhale medicine.
If you have severe asthma, you may need to take other medications alongside inhalers.
How do you correctly use a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI)?
Because inhalers vary, read the instructions that come with yours carefully.
Start by priming the inhaler:
If you haven’t used your inhaler in at least two weeks, or if you’re using it for the first time, follow these directions.
– Shake the inhaler for 5 seconds before turning it away from you and pressing the spray button.
– Do it again after a few seconds.
– Repeat this process twice more, for a total of four times.
How to correctly use an MDI Inhaler without a spacer
Remove the mouthpiece cover and proceed as follows:
– Shake it for 5 seconds to combine the ingredients.
– To support the inhaler, place your index finger on top and your thumb beneath. If necessary, use the opposite hand to hold the spacer.
– Exhale a sigh of relief.
– Place the mouthpiece between your teeth and seal your lips around it tightly (Make sure your tongue doesn’t block the opening).
– You can also hold the mouthpiece with your fingers, two fingers apart from your mouth.
– Press the top down and inhale deeply for 4-6 seconds, or until your lungs are completely full.
– Breathe out after holding the medicine in your lungs for 5–10 seconds.
– If you don’t get enough air in the first breath, wait 15-30 seconds before trying again. Before taking the next puff, shake the canister once more.
– Put the mouthpiece back in its place.
– If your medication contains steroids, rinse your mouth and gargle with water after using the inhaler. Spit out the water.
Using an MDI Inhaler with a spacer correctly
– Insert the spacer into the inhaler.
– Shake it for 5 seconds to combine the ingredients.
– To support the inhaler, place your index finger on top and your thumb beneath. If necessary, use the opposite hand to hold the spacer.
– Exhale a sigh of relief.
– Insert the mouthpiece between your teeth and wrap your lips tightly around the spacer. (Don’t block the opening by sticking your tongue in it).
– Press the top down and inhale deeply for 3-5 seconds, or until your lungs are completely filled.
– Breathe out after holding the medicine in your lungs for 5-10 seconds.
– If you don’t get enough air in the first breath, wait 15–30 seconds before trying again. Before taking the second puff, shake the inhaler again. Use no more than one puff of medicine at a time in the chamber.
– Put the mouthpiece back in its place.
– If your medication contains steroids, rinse your mouth and gargle with water after using the inhaler. Spit out the water.
How to use a Dry Powder Inhaler in Birmingham
– Pop the cap off.
– Load a capsule into a single-use device.
– Slowly exhale (not into the mouthpiece).
– Place the mouthpiece between your front teeth and seal it with your lips.
– Inhale deeply for 2-3 seconds through your mouth.
– Take the inhaler out of your mouth. For as long as possible, hold your breath. (A good time is between 4 and 10 seconds).
– Breathe slowly and exhale.
Get in touch or visit King’s Pharmacy today for more information and advice on how to use your inhaler correctly.
This blog post was written on behalf of King’s Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.