Metered-dose inhalers: How to use them properly If you're using a metered-dose inhaler to treat your asthma, it's important that you use it correctly. It's easy to make mistakes when using this type of inhaler, even if you've used one before. When used incorrectly, the device may deliver too much or too little medication to your lungs. How to use your inhaler To make sure you're taking full advantage of your metered-dose inhaler, follow these steps. asthma cold weather asthma and urban Also consider using your inhaler in front of your doctor. He or she can make suggestions on how to improve your technique. Shake the inhaler vigorously five or six times immediately before using it. Remove the cap from the mouthpiece. Check the mouthpiece for dirt and foreign objects, which could be inhaled. If you haven't used the inhaler for several days, discharge one or two sprays into the air before you use it. Consider attaching a spacer natural asthma remedies asthma and urban tube to the mouthpiece of the inhaler. A spacer is a 4- to 8-inch length of tubing. It helps send more of the medication deep into your lungs instead of depositing it in your mouth, which can lead to harmful side effects. Some inhalers have a spacer built into the unit. For others, you can buy a plastic tube without a prescription at a pharmacy or use a 4- to 8-inch cardboard or paper tube. Spacer occupational asthma asthma and urban (click to enlarge) Hold your head erect and sit up tall or stand. Exhale normally but not forcefully. Close your mouth around the open end of the spacer tube. Make sure your tongue or teeth aren't blocking the opening. If you don't have a spacer tube, place the mouthpiece of the inhaler unit about 2 inches in front of your open mouth. Breathe in very slowly as you squeeze the inhaler once. Don't stop inhaling asthma and urban asthma and urban when you squeeze.
