Updated December 29, 2014.
Metered dose inhalers, or MDI for short, are some of the most prescribed asthma inhalers today. Here are a few MDI tips that will help you get the most out of your metered dose inhaler.
One thing that should help you master the technique of using a metered dose inhaler is to watch yourself follow the steps in front of a mirror.
You can also ask your doctor, respiratory therapist, or office nurse to watch you use your MDI. Do not practice with a real prescribed medicine because you could inadvertently exceed your prescribed daily dose and experience adverse side effects. Ask your health care provider for an MDI that does not contain active medication. This ?placebo? MDI can be safely used to practice MDI technique.
If you use an inhaled steroid medicine in your MDI, you could have some fungal growth in your mouth from leftover medicine after your puffs. To prevent this, rinse your mouth well with water after each dose. Spit out the water; don't swallow it.
Also, using your MDI just before brushing your teeth is a good way to avoid three things: fungal colonization, a bad taste in your mouth and a hoarse voice.
Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) are not the same as dry powder inhalers (DPI for short), and how to use them is different, too. Make sure you know what you have. Examples of DPIs are:
You don't need to shake a DPI and you should never blow into the inhaler.
Metered dose inhalers, or MDI for short, are some of the most prescribed asthma inhalers today. Here are a few MDI tips that will help you get the most out of your metered dose inhaler.
1. Practice, Practice, Practice!
One thing that should help you master the technique of using a metered dose inhaler is to watch yourself follow the steps in front of a mirror.
You can also ask your doctor, respiratory therapist, or office nurse to watch you use your MDI. Do not practice with a real prescribed medicine because you could inadvertently exceed your prescribed daily dose and experience adverse side effects. Ask your health care provider for an MDI that does not contain active medication. This ?placebo? MDI can be safely used to practice MDI technique.
2. Prime New or Infrequently Used Inhalers.
If your metered dose inhaler is brand new, or if you haven't used it in more than 24 hours, you may need to "prime" it before using. Hold the MDI away from your mouth and spray it once into the open air. Priming will help make sure you get the full dose once you get ready to use the inhaler.
3. Don't Skip the Exhale Step.
An important step in using your MDI is to blow out all the air in your lungs that you can before you breathe in the puff of medicine. Exhaling not only helps you take a deeper breath, it also helps you get the medicine deeper into your airways.4. Wait 1 Whole Minute Before a Second Puff.
If a two puffs are prescribed at a time for either your controller medicine or your rescue inhaler, be sure to wait a full minute after the first puff before you take the second puff. This will ensure that the first puff has been fully circulated throughout your airways.5. Prevent Fungal Growth
If you use an inhaled steroid medicine in your MDI, you could have some fungal growth in your mouth from leftover medicine after your puffs. To prevent this, rinse your mouth well with water after each dose. Spit out the water; don't swallow it.
Also, using your MDI just before brushing your teeth is a good way to avoid three things: fungal colonization, a bad taste in your mouth and a hoarse voice.
6. Watch the Heat
Never store your MDI in a place where it may be subject to high temperatures. This includes car trunks and glove boxes, or anywhere in the direct sunlight. Kitchens and bathrooms are better avoided, as well.7. Know the Difference Between an MDI and a DPI.
Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) are not the same as dry powder inhalers (DPI for short), and how to use them is different, too. Make sure you know what you have. Examples of DPIs are:
- Advair DISKUS®
- Asmanex Twisthaler®
- FORADIL AEROLIZER®
- Pulmicort Turbuhaler®
- Serevent Diskus®
You don't need to shake a DPI and you should never blow into the inhaler.