How to use a Metered Dose Inhaler

Make sure you're getting the most out of your asthma medication by getting your inhaler technique right. This video shows the best way to use your Metered Dose Inhaler.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• asthma
• inhaler
• technique
• metered
• dose
• how
• to
• puffer
• ventolin
• reliever
• medications
• preventer
• asthmansw
• foundation

[asthmansw]

MDIs used with spacers work as well as a nebuliser in most & are used in most EDs. Reliever meds should be used when asthma symtpoms are present, not just when there's a crisis. Go to our website and search for relievers for more information. There is also a page with info about nebulsiers and spacers.

In a first aid situation we recomend the 4x4x4 as detailed on our website.

[GrapeJelly411]

I use a Ventolin HFA inhaler because i have bronchitis. I do not use the spacer. But my sister does, and she is 5. What does the spacer exactly do?

[asthmansw]

Hi there - sorry for slow response! The spacer increases the amount of medication that gets into your lungs, because it stops all the medication catching on the back of your throat. So the med goes to your lungs easier. Always good to discuss these things with your doctor though. It's good your sister uses the spacer!

[Shaulikz]

Ok. I have some questions concerning an acute asthma episode. Are available medications stronger than Salbutamol in this presentation for when you're very "closed"? Or is it better to go with a nebulizer?. I mean, the literature I've read so far says that MDI's are equal or slightly better than nebulizers, but I'm a little skeptikal that this is the way to go when you can barely breathe. If it's true MDI's are useful in a crisis, should u use them before reaching that low point (very tight chest

[CyReNiUsX]

@GrapeJelly411 MDI's like ventolin need good coordination to work -- you have to press the puffer and breathe in forcefully at the same time. Children usually have a hard time doing this and the spacer helps to alleviate that problem by dispersing the puff inside the spacer and allowing the child to breathe in and out normally. So it helps the medication reach the lungs and removes the need for good coordination.

[ruthven78]

yes you are, though i dont know which you mean by "purple inhaler" are you saying Advair? That should never be more than twice a day. Ventolin, if you use it 4 or more times a day you dont have your asthma under control, ask your doc to put you on the GOLD standard

[kibblescoops]

I use Ventolin HFA also and i dont use a spacer and I have severe asthma so i use it like 8 times a day or more. i have a purple inhaler also and i use it 2 times before bed and 10 minutes before exersicing and 2 puffs before bed. am i over using them? plus i use my ventolin inhaler if its cold out or im walking into the wind or its to hot out. should i use my inhaler for those reasons? please respond. :)