Inhaler are just like a savior for those people who are currently facing severe diseases like asthma and COPD. It is quite a useful and effective medical device which helps people to provide a cure immediately, especially for asthma patients. But using this device appropriately is really important so that you cannot stick in an emergency situation, and our blog provides expert advice from Prof. Dr. Syed Arshad Husain, offering simple and easy-to-follow steps to help you use your inhaler correctly and confidently.
Types of Inhalers
1. Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI)
What is it?
A metered-dose inhaler (MDI) delivers a specific amount of medication in aerosol form with each puff. It is one of the most common inhalers used for asthma and COPD.
How to use it:
- Shake the inhaler well before use.
- Exhale completely to empty your lungs.
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and press the canister while inhaling slowly and deeply.
- Hold your breath at least for 10 seconds to allow the medication to settle in your lungs.
- Exhale slowly.
- If a second dose is needed, wait for 30 seconds and repeat the process.
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2. Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)
What is it?
Dry powder inhalers provides medication in a form of powder. They don’t require propellants and are activated by the patient’s breath, making them easier for some people to use.
How to use it:
- Load the medication as directed (this varies depending on the brand).
- Breathe out completely, away from the inhaler.
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, seal your lips around it, and inhale forcefully and deeply.
- Hold your breath for about 10 seconds.
- Exhale slowly away from the inhaler.
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3. Accuhaler (Diskus)
What is it?
An Accuhaler (also known as Diskus) is a type of dry powder inhaler. It contains multiple doses of medication in a foil-wrapped strip.
How to use it:
- Hold the Accuhaler in one hand, and with the other, slide the lever until you hear a click to prepare the dose.
- Exhale completely, away from the device.
- Place the mouthpiece of the accuhaler in your mouth and inhale quickly and deeply.
- Hold your breath for around 10 seconds before exhaling slowly.
- For a second puff, blow out everything first to empty your lungs, then repeat the process.
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4. Soft Mist Inhaler (SMI)
What is it?
A soft mist inhaler (SMI) creates a slow-moving mist that makes it easier for the medication to be inhaled into the lungs. It’s suitable for those who have difficulty using other types of inhalers.
How to use it:
- Load the cartridge into the inhaler, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Exhale completely, emptying your lungs.
- Press the dose-release button while inhaling slowly and steadily through the mouthpiece.
- Hold your breath for 10 seconds to allow the medication to settle in your lungs.
- Exhale slowly.
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Expert Tips for Effective Inhaler Use
- Practice proper inhaler technique: Incorrect usage is one of the main reasons inhalers don’t work as expected. Regularly review your technique with your healthcare provider.
- Follow your treatment plan: Use your inhaler exactly as prescribed, whether it’s a daily preventer or a quick-relief inhaler.
- Rinse your mouth: After using inhalers with corticosteroids, rinse your mouth with water to prevent infections like oral thrush.
- Keep your inhaler clean: Regularly clean the mouthpiece to ensure that it delivers medication properly.
Understanding inhaler technique can improve the effectiveness of your treatment, providing better control over asthma or other respiratory conditions. For personalized guidance, always consult with a healthcare professional like Prof. Dr. Syed Arshad Husain, an expert pulmonologist in Dubai.
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