Many smokers develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. These people then have a long life dependent on inhalers, therefore it is critical to have the proper inhaler technique. The most common inhaler is albuterol. The best way to use this inhaler is by using a spacer device. My favorite is the "Optichamber", although any spacer device will improve your inhaler technique over not using one.
Many people make several mistakes when using an inhaler. Some inhale too fast, others too slow. Some push the inhaler at the wrong time, while others press the inhaler multiple times during one breath. Proper inhaler technique means the medicine will work better and last longer, with fewer side effects.
Proper inhaler technique is as follows...
1) Shake inhaler vigorously. If you have not used the inhaler in a couple of days, you'll have to prime the inhaler by actuating the inhaler into the air before use. Be sure not to spray anyone when priming the inhaler. Also, brand new inhalers must be primed with usually four actuations before use. (Read medication package insert).
2) Place inhaler in distal end of spacer. Remove cap from inhaler mouthpiece. Place lips around mouthpiece and exhale normally through your nose.
3) Breathe in at a normal pace, then actuate the inhaler with your fingers one time while inside the spacer device. Continue to inhale completely and deeply, without activating the spacer "whistle". If the spacer makes a whistle noise, then you are inhaling too fast. This will cause the medicine to impact on the back of your throat, rather than making the turn down your trachea into your lungs. This essentially wastes the medicine and can increase the side effects.
4) Hold your breath for roughly 10 seconds before removing the spacer from your mouth and beginning your exhale. If you cannot hold your breath for that long, then hold as long as you comfortably can before breathing out.
5) Wait at least 60 seconds before repeating the above steps.
6) Inhaled steroids require rinsing of the mouth once your finished with your dosing. This helps to prevent thrush in your mouth and throat. I tell my patients to rinse, gargle and spit in their sinks after using an inhaled steroid.
Having proper inhaler technique can be the difference between you getting proper relief from your COPD or asthma symptoms versus remaining short of breath and wasting your inhalers and money. Speak to your respiratory therapist if you have any questions about this technique. There is a lot of good and bad information on inhaler technique, but most respiratory therapists should be able to give you the best direction. After all, we instruct hundreds and thousands of patients on proper inhaler technique each year.
