METERED DOSE INHALERS
Inhaled respiratory
medications are often taken by using a device called a metered dose inhaler, or
MDI. The MDI is a pressurized canister of medicine in a plastic holder with a
mouthpiece. When sprayed, it gives a reliable, consistent dose of medication.
There are two methods for
using an MDI. In many cases, the preferred method is with a device called a
valved holding chamber (figure l). These devices attach to the MDI and hold the
"spray" of medication. They make it easier to use the MDI and help
get the medication into the lungs
better. An MDI can also be used without a chamber (figure 2). These
methods are described below.
Client teaching
Using an MDI with a valved holding chamber
 |
| Using an MDI with a valved holding chamber (figure l ) |
1. Remove
the cap from the MDI and chamber. Shake well.
2. Insert
the MDI into the open end of the chamber (opposite the mouthpiece).
3. Breathe
out completely.
4. Place
the mouthpiece of the chamber between the teeth and seal your lips tightly
around it.
5. Press
the canister once.
6. Breathe
in slowly and completely through the mouth.
7. Hold
the breath for 10 seconds (count to 10 slowly) to allow the rnedication to
reach the airways of the lung.
8. Repeat
the above steps for each puff ,ordered by doctor. Wait about I minute in between
puffs.
9. Replace
the cap on MDI when finished.
10. In
case of a corticosteroid MDI, rinse the mouth and gargle using water or mouthwash after each use.
11. Always
use a chamber with a steroid MDI.
Using an MDI without a chamber
 |
| Using an MDI without a chamber (figure 2) |
1. Remove
the cap Prom the MDI and shake well.
2. Breathe
out all the way.
3. Place
the mouthpiece of the inhaler between the teeth and seal the lips tightly
around it.
4. start
to breathe in slowly and then press down on the canister one time.
5. Keep
breathing in as slowly and deeply . (It should take about 5 to 7 seconds for you
to completely breathe in.)
6. Hold
the breath for 10 seconds (count to 10 slowly) to allow the medication to reach
the airways of the lung.
7. Repeat
the above steps for each puff ordered by doctor. Wait about I minute between
puffs.
8. Replace
the cap on the MDI when finished.
9. In
case of corticosteroid MDI, should use a valved holding chamber as described
above.
Care
of MDI and chamber
For some MDI's, remove the canister and rinse
the plastic holder with warn running water
once a week to prevent the holes from getting clogged. Shake well and let air dry
There are other
medications in which the inhaler cannot be removed from the holder. These
usually need to be cleaned by wiping the mouthpiece with a cloth or cleaning
with a dry- cotton swab. Refer to the patient instructions that come with the
inhaler.
Clean the chamber about
once a week. Remove the soft ring at the end of the chamber. Soak the spacer in warm water with a mild detergent. Carefully
clean and, rinse, and shake off excess water. Do not hand dry. Allow to completely
air dry. Do not store the chamber in a plastic bag.
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