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How To Use A Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI)

Learning to use:



A Spacer Device with a Metered-Dose Inhaler  video



A Spacer Device with a Mask  video



A Turbuhaler  video



A Diskus  video



A Diskhaler



An Aerolizer



A Nebulizer



A Peak Flow Meter  video



A Nose Spray  video



Questions? Contact us










Download the How-To video.

1. Remove the cap from the metered-dose inhaler.

2. Shake well.

3. Breathe normally and slowly through the mouth.

4. Exhale.

5. OPEN MOUTH: Hold the inhaler 2 - 5 cm (1 - 2") from your mouth. Keep mouth wide open. Tilt head slightly backwards.
OR:
CLOSED MOUTH: Place the mouthpiece in mouth.

6. Begin to inhale and push down on the cartridge once. Continue to inhale slowly and deeply through the mouth until finished taking in that breath.

7. Hold your breath for 5 - 10 seconds.

8. Exhale slowly.

9. Replace the cap.

10. If an additional inhalation is prescribed, wait 60 seconds before taking it.

11. Repeat steps 2 - 8 for the prescribed number of inhalations.


Caring for your MDI

1. Once a week, remove the medication canister from the plastic casing and wash casing in warm, soapy water. When the casing is dry, replace the medication canister in the casing and put the cap on the mouthpiece.

2. Ensure the hole is clear.


Cue Words

1. REMOVE CAP.

2. SHAKE WELL.

3. BREATHE NORMALLY & SLOWLY

4. EXHALE.

5. OPEN MOUTH: TILT CHIN UP slightly. or
CLOSED MOUTH: SEAL LIPS around the mouthpiece.

6. INHALE and DEPRESS cartridge once.

7. INHALE A SLOW DEEP BREATH.

8. HOLD BREATH for 5 - 10 seconds.

9. EXHALE SLOWLY.

With care and determination, asthma can be controlled.


© 2001 The Children's Asthma Education Centre. No part of this document may be copied (either mechanically or electronically), altered or stored on any mechanical or electronic database without the prior written consent of The Children's Asthma Education Centre, a non-profit educational resource. This pamphlet is for information only and is not meant to replace physician advice.