Using an Inhaler With a Spacer
To control asthma, you need to use your medications the right way. Some medications are inhaled using a device called a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). Metered-dose inhalers use a fine spray to dispense medication. You may be asked to use a spacer (holding tube) with your inhaler. The spacer helps make sure all the medication you need goes into your lungs.
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| Breathe in |
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| Breathe out |
Steps for Using an inhaler with a spacer
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Remove the caps from the inhaler and spacer. Shake the inhaler well and attach the spacer.
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Breathe out normally. Put the spacer between your teeth and close your lips tightly around it. Keep your chin up.
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Spray 1 puff into the spacer by pressing down on the inhaler. Then slowly breathe in as deeply as you can. This should take 3–4 seconds. (If you breathe too quickly, you may hear a whistling sound in the spacer.)
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Take the spacer out of your mouth. Hold your breath for a count of 10. Then slowly breathe out. If a second dose is prescribed, wait at least 30 seconds before taking the next puff.
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If you’re prescribed more than 1 puff of medication at a time, wait at least 30 seconds between puffs. This number may be different for different medications. Shake the inhaler again. Then repeat steps 2 to 4.
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Online Medical Reviewer:
Cineas, Sybil MD
Date Last Reviewed:
10/25/2005
Date Last Modified:
10/14/2004