Asthma:Metered Dosed Inhaler
Do you know when you use a MDI (metered dose inhaler), only 10 to 14 percent of the medication will ever reach your lungs even on good inhaler techniques? Most of the medicine will end up in your mouth and throat.
Surprisingly, many people adopt bad techniques and an end result is that 5 percent or even none of the medicine even gets in your lung at all. It is essential that proper techniques are used because it maximizes the effectiveness of the medication and could well save your life. This article teaches you how to retain that 10 t o 14 percent.
Before you start to put the inhaler, make sure to shake your inhaler well. This will ensure that you mix the ingredients in the canister in the correct proportion. Now breathe out slowly for 3 to 5 seconds until all the air in the lungs in your air has been exhaled out.
Now put the mouthpiece in your mouth. Position the mouthpiece 2 finger widths away from the mouth.
Chronic asthma
This is one common mistake that I see many people make. They press the inhaler first and then quickly breathe in later. No, no, no. Please don’t do that. By the time you breathe in, most of the mist will come out of your mouth already and you get the 5 to 0 percent retention value that I talked about earlier.
The proper way is to inhale slowly first for about a second, then press down on the canister. This will ensure that you get as much of the medicine in your lungs as possible. Do not stop inhaling until you feel that your lungs are full.
Now take out the inhaler from your mouth, quickly press your lips together and hold your breath for about 10 seconds. Let the medication slowly spread throughout the lungs. Breathe out afterwards
If you are having difficulty, you may consider using a spacer. The spacer is especially good for toddlers or young children whom many parents find it difficult to teach. When using the spacers, please remember to shake the inhaler before putting the mouthpiece in the spacer.
After inserting the mouthpiece, breathe in slowly for 1 second and press down on the canister. Continue inhaling until you feel that your lungs are full. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, then exhale slowly.