Breathe Right for Better Health: Mastering Inhaler Technique for COPD & Asthma (Inhaler Technique COPD Asthma)

April 25, 2024, 9:47 am 944 Views

Inhaler Technique COPD Asthma

Breathe Easy: Developing an Inhaler Technique for the Best Management of COPD and Asthma

For millions of people suffering from asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), inhalers are lifesavers. These devices provide both immediate symptom alleviation and long-term symptom control by directly administering medication to the lungs. On the other hand, using an inhaler incorrectly might drastically lessen the medication’s effectiveness. This blog post explains how to use inhalers correctly and covers a variety of inhaler devices, giving you the tools you need to maximize the benefits of your asthma or COPD medication.

Reasons to Use Correct Inhalation Technique

Inhaler Technique COPD Asthma

Optimizes the Delivery of Medication: Using the right approach guarantees that the drug reaches your airways efficiently, which improves symptom management.
Minimizes Side Effects: Poor technique might cause medicine to get stuck in the throat or mouth, which can result in discomfort or thrush.
Enhances General Management: More efficient drug administration results in improved symptom management and a lower chance of asthma or COPD flare-ups.

Different Kinds of Inhalers

Inhaler Technique COPD Asthma
Inhaler devices come in a variety of forms, each with a unique method. Below is a summary of the most prevalent ones:

Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs): These are the well-known canisters with a mouthpiece that are blue or gray in color. They require you to breathe in and press the canister at the same time.
Valved Holding Chambers (Spacers): MDIs can be attached to these plastic chambers with mouthpieces, known as spacers or valved holding chambers. After actuation, they hold the medication, enabling a slower inhalation that is advantageous for younger children or individuals with impaired motor skills.
Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs): With dry powder inhalers (DPIs), the drug must be activated and released with a strong inhale.
Soft Mist Inhalers (SMIs): When inhaled, these breath-activated gadgets emit a thin mist of medication.

Developing Your Inhaler Skills: Generally Speaking

Inhaler Technique COPD Asthma
The following general advice is relevant to the majority of inhaler devices:

Carefully read the instructions: Each inhaler comes with a set of instructions. Learn the correct way to use the mouthpiece, prime the inhaler (for MDIs), and load medication (for DPIs).
Keep Your Device Clean: As directed by the manufacturer, clean your inhaler mouthpiece on a regular basis.
Mouth Rinse (for MDIs): To reduce the chance of developing thrush, rinse your mouth with water after using an MDI containing corticosteroids and spit.
Maintain an upright posture: Sustain an erect stance for the best breathing position.
Particular Methods for Various Inhalation Devices

MDIs, or metered-dose inhalers:

Inhaler Technique COPD Asthma

Before using the inhaler, give it a good shake.
Take a deep breath out of the inhaler.
Don’t bite down; instead, place the mouthpiece between your lips.
Press down on the canister and take a calm, deep breath through your mouth to coordinate.
Take a five to ten-second deep inhalation, then slowly release it.
Spit after washing your mouth with water if you’re taking a steroid medicine.

Spacers, or valved holding chambers:

Inhaler Technique COPD Asthma

As directed by the manufacturer, attach the MDI to the spacer.
Form a seal with your lips by placing the mouthpiece between them and shaking the inhaler.
Take a deep breath out into the spacer.
Once the canister is pressed down, take a calm, deep breath through the spacer.
Take a five to ten-second deep inhalation, then slowly release it.
For additional puffs, if required, repeat steps 3-5.

DPIs, or dry powder inhalers:

Inhaler Technique COPD Asthma

As directed, open the device.
If applicable, load the capsule in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Exhale completely away from the gadget.
Make a seal by sandwiching the mouthpiece between your lips.
Take a strong, deep breath through the apparatus.
Take a five to ten-second deep inhalation, then slowly release it.

SMIs, or soft mist inhalers:

Inhaler Technique COPD Asthma

Take off the mouthpiece’s cap.
Exhale completely away from the gadget.
Make a seal by sandwiching the mouthpiece between your lips.
As you turn on the device, take a steady, deep breath (the actuation method is detailed in the individual instructions).
Take a five to ten-second deep inhalation, then slowly release it.

Inhaler Technique COPD Asthma
Recall that these are only suggestions. For precise instructions on how to use your prescribed inhaler device and make sure you’re taking it correctly, always see your doctor or pharmacist.