One half second is the difference between getting your whole inhaled dose of asthma medicine and just getting 20 percent, a new study has found.
The study shows that coordination in breathing and pressing the inhaler is the most common and serious error in using an inhaler.
The study, published in the Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery, found that everyone made at least one error using their inhaler and 74 percent made at least three.
The key in coordinating breathing and medicine delivery is first to take two or three slow, deep breaths. Then, as you begin to breathe in for the last time, press the inhaler, taking a long deep breath to deliver the medicine.
The long deep breath is key here. Most people don't breathe deeply enough, which can cause 5 percent to 10 percent less medication to get to the lungs.
Here are the most common mistakes made with metered-dose inhalers:
Not shaking
Although some inhalers do not require shaking, most rescue inhalers do. Patients should shake the inhaler two or three times before every puff — even the second puff.
Orientation
Hold the inhaler upright. Held at an angle, the medicine is frequently delivered to the tongue, not the lungs.
Coordination
Patients must be in the act of inhaling while using the inhaler.
Breathing in too quickly
A short breath doesn't do it. Breathe long and slow to get the most from the inhaled medicine.
Spacing
Wait 15 to 30 seconds before the next puff.
Lip placement
Make sure your lips fit firmly around the inhaler.