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Metered Dose Inhalers (MDI)

Metered dose inhalers, MDI, or puffers, deliver an exact dose of medication to the airways when used correctly. Unfortunately many asthma sufferers don't use MDI's correctly and don't receive the correct dosage. Therefore if the asthma sufferer can't use a puffer, a holding chamber may be needed.

One advantage of using an MDI is it is very portable.

How to Use a Metered Dose Inhaler Correctly

  • Remove the cap from the mouthpiece and shake the inhaler
  • Breathe out to the end of a normal breath
  • Position the mouthpiece end of the inhaler about 2-3 finger widths from your mouth
  • Open your mouth widely and tilt your head back slightly or alternatively close your lips around the mouthpiece
  • Start to breathe in slowly, then depress the container once
  • Continue breathing in slowly until the lungs are full
  • Once you have breathed in fully, HOLD your breath for 10 seconds or as long as you can
  • If you need a second puff, wait one minute and repeat the steps

Taking Care of a Metered Dose Inhaler

  • Keep the inhaler clean.
  • Wash the mouth piece
  • Check the expiry date.
  • Check to see how much medication is in the inhaler.


Holding Chambers

Holding chambers are devices with one-way valves which hold the medication for a few seconds after it has been released from the puffer. They used by people who:

  • Have trouble coordinating the hand-breath step
  • Are using high-dose steroids.

Using a holding chamber can prevent

  • A hoarse voice
  • A sore throat.

Care of the holding chamber

Whichever holding chamber is used, it must be cleaned at least once a week with warm water, and air-dried.

Dry Powder Inhalers

General points include:

  • The medicine is only inhaled when a breath is taken.
  • The devices do not contain propellants to help the medication go into the lungs.
  • The devices are portable and come in convenient sizes.

Proper Use of a Diskhaler®

  • To load the Diskhaler®, remove the cover and cartridge unit
  • Place a disk on the wheel with the numbers facing up and slide the unit back into the Diskhaler®
  • Smoothly push the cartridge in and out until the number 8 appears in the window, the Diskhaler® is now ready for use
  • Lift the lid up as far as it will go - this will pierce the blister
  • Shut the lid
  • Take breaths in and out
  • Place the mouthpiece between your teeth & lips - make sure you don't cover the air holes at the sides of the mouthpiece and tilt your head back slightly
  • Breathe in deeply & vigorously
  • Hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as you can, sometimes 2 or 3 forceful breaths in are needed to make sure all the medication is taken
  • If a second blister is prescribed, advance the cartridge to the next number & repeat the steps

Care of Diskhaler

Any remaining powder must be cleared to ensure proper dosage.

Proper Use of a Turbuhaler®

  • Unscrew the cover and remove it
  • Holding the device upright, turn the coloured wheel one way & back the other until it clicks - it is now loaded
  • Breathe out
  • Place the mouthpiece between your lips and tilt your head back slightly
    • breathe in deeply and forcefully
    • hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as you can
    • if a second click is prescribed, repeat the steps

Care of Turbuhaler

Keep the Turbuhaler clean.

Nebulizers (Compressors)

A nebulizer or compressor is used chiefly for small children and elderly people. Each treatment requires sitting quietly for 20-30 minutes whilst the drug is nebulized from a liquid to a mist.

Care of Nebulizer and Equipment

Wash the mask with hot, soapy water. Rinse well and allow it to air dry before re-use.



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