Hi, I'm April. I have asthma, just like you.
I use a metered-dose inhaler to feel better. An inhaler sends medicine to the airways in your lungs. Your inhaler also has a spacer. The spacer helps the medicine get to your airways. You must use the inhaler the right way for it to work. I'll show you how.
First wash your hands with soap and water. Then make sure the inhaler is still good. Check its use-by date and counter. The counter shows how many doses of medicine are left. Also check the metal canister is put in the plastic boot the right way.
Take the cap off the inhaler mouthpiece. Shake the inhaler several times. If this is the first time you are using the inhaler, make sure it is ready to use. This is called priming. Ask your doctor to show you how. Prime the inhaler in the air away from your face.
Next take the cap off the spacer mouthpiece. Look into the mouthpiece to make sure nothing is in the spacer. Attach the inhaler to the spacer. Now stand or sit up straight.
Take a deep breath in, tilting your head back a bit, and try to blow all the air out of your lungs. Put the spacer mouthpiece in your mouth. Make sure it's past your teeth and above your tongue. Close your lips tightly around it. Always keep your chin level.
Press down on the canister one time. Then breathe in slowly and deeply until all the medicine in the spacer is gone, or as long as directed by the information listed in the package insert.
Your spacer may have a whistle. Hearing it means you are breathing in too fast.
Depending on your age your doctor may tell you to breathe in and out 5 to 10 times after each dose before removing the spacer from your mouth.
Take the mouthpiece out of your mouth. Close your lips. Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds, if you can. Then breathe out slowly through your mouth.
Do these steps for each puff of medicine. Wait at least 15 seconds to 1 minute before taking the next puff. Your doctor will tell you how long to wait.
If your inhaler has a medicine called a steroid in it, swish, rinse, and gargle with water after using it. Spit the water out. Don't swallow it.
Clean your inhaler and spacer after using them.
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Author: Laura Semko
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