Fewer than half of people who use a metered dose inhaler for asthma do so correctly, according to the Mayo Clinic Health Letter.
Here is how to use an inhaler:
Shake inhaler and attach a spacer
A spacer is a separate chamber that you can attach to the end of the inhaler. Spacers have to be purchased separately from an inhaler. They enhance the effectiveness of inhalers by maximizing the dose of medicine into the lungs, decreasing the amount deposited into the throat. Spacers also cut down on the number of minor throat and mouth infections and irritations.
Sit or stand upright and breathe in and out
Breathe deeply two or three times. Then before you inhale the last time, place the spacer between your teeth and close your mouth tightly around the end.
Inhale slowly
Squeeze the inhaler once and slowly begin inhaling for five to seven seconds. After inhaling hold your breath for a few seconds more.
Rinse your mouth
This is especially important if you use a medicine such as Advair or other corticosteroids. Rinsing your mouth and throat can prevent thrush or other side effects such as hoarseness.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.