How To Use a Metered Dose Inhaler

If you have asthma or COPD, you’ve probably got a trusty inhaler by your side — but here’s the important question: 

Are you using it the right way?

You might be surprised to know that a lot of people are using their inhalers wrong—and no, it’s not because they skipped the instruction leaflet (though let’s be honest, who actually reads those?). The truth is, poor inhaler technique is one of the main reasons people don’t get the relief they need. So if you’ve ever thought, “This inhaler isn’t working!”—chances are, it’s not the medicine that’s failing you, it’s the way you’re puffing.

In this post, I am going to break down how to actually use a metered dose inhaler (MDI) properly, so you can breathe easier and get the full benefit of your treatment.

What is a Metered Dose Inhaler?

A metered dose inhaler (MDI) is a device that sends medicine to the lungs in the form of aerosol. It is commonly prescribed for conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Why Technique Matters?

If the inhaler method is not correct, most of the medication remains in your mouth or escapes into the air rather than reaching your lungs. This means you are not getting the full benefit of your treatment.

Furthermore, proper inhaler use is not a nice-to-have; it is a necessity. It improves the effectiveness of the medication, allowing you to better control your asthma symptoms and minimizing the risk of flare-ups or exacerbations.

How To Use It?

Here are the steps on how to use a metered dose inhaler:

1. Take off the cap and give the inhaler a good shake.
2. Prime a new inhaler by releasing two test puffs into the air if this is your first time using it.
3. If you use a spacer, attach the inhaler to the rubber end of it.
4. Stand up or sit upright, tilting your chin slightly upwards.
5. Breathe out fully, away from the inhaler, to empty your lungs. 
6. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips tightly around it.
7. Begin to breathe in slowly through your mouth, pressing down on the canister to release one puff of medicine.
8. Keep breathing in slowly and deeply for about 5 seconds before removing the inhaler from your mouth.
9. Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds, or as long as comfortable.
10. If you need more than one puff, wait at least 1 minute before repeating steps 4–9.
11.  Replace the cap
12. If your inhaler contains a corticosteroid medicine, gargle your mouth with plain water and spit it out.

Note: If you find it difficult to take one deep breath with the spacer, simply take 4–5 normal breaths in and out through the spacer instead.

Dose Checking

• Look at the dose counter (if your inhaler has one) to see how many puffs remain.
• If there is no counter, keep track by noting the starting dose and recording each puff in a calendar or notebook.
• Remember: shaking the inhaler does not tell you how much medicine is left.

Common Inhaler Mistakes

Here are the 5 biggest mistakes people make when using their inhaler:

• Exhaling into their inhaler
• Inhaling too quickly or too slowly
• Not sealing lips tightly around the mouthpiece
• Poor coordination between pressing and breathing
• Not rinsing mouth after using a inhaled corticosteroid inhaler

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to store my inhaler?

• Keep it at room temperature, away from sunlight exposure. Keep out of reach from children

2. Do I need to use a spacer with my inhaler?

• A spacer isn’t always necessary, but it’s strongly advised, particularly for children or anyone who struggles to keep a good seal around the mouthpiece. It helps deliver more of the medication directly into the lungs rather than letting it escape into the air.

3. Why do I need to gargle my mouth after using inhaler with inhaled corticosteroids?

• You need to gargle your mouth after using inhaled corticosteroids to prevent oral thrush and throat irritation

4. What are the side effects of this medicine?

• Some people may notice dizziness, headaches, or palpitations. If these symptoms do not go away, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.

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                               Video Link: How to use Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) - YouTube