Asthma Inhalers

Recently Answered

• QWhy should I use a holding chamber with my inhaler?

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  A Diana Meeks , Family Medicine, answered on behalf of Sigma Nursing

  A holding chamber, sometimes called a spacer, can be used with inhalers to increase the amount of medication that is inhaled into the airways.  This device is a long tube that allows the person with asthma to slowly breathe in the medication.  This makes it easier for more of the medication to get to the lungs and less medication to be left in the mouth and throat.   

• QHow can I track the medication doses in my inhaler?

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  A Intermountain Registered Dietitians , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered on behalf of Intermountain Healthcare

  Here’s how to track:
  
  1. Check the canister label to see how many “puffs” (metered doses or actuations) it contains.
  
  2. Figure out how many puffs you will take per day (for example, 2 puffs, 2 times a day = 4 puffs a day).
  
  3. Divide your answer from step 1 by your answer from step 2.
  
  4. On the canister, write the date that you start the inhaler. Also write the date you should discard it (based on your calculations).
  
  5. When you reach the “discard date,” throw away the canister and start a new one. If you keep an empty canister lying around, you’re likely to get it mixed up -- and then you won’t have medication when you need it.
• QHow should I clean my inhaler?

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  A Intermountain Registered Dietitians , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered on behalf of Intermountain Healthcare

  Clean the inhaler thoroughly and frequently:
  
  1. Remove the metal canister and cleanse the plastic case and cap by rinsing thoroughly in warm, running water. Be sure to clear medication build up from the spray nozzle.
  
  2. Thoroughly dry the plastic case and cap.
  
  3. Gently replace the canister in the case with a twisting motion, and put the cap back on the mouthpiece.
• QDoes it matter what time of day I use my inhalers?

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  A MediGuard answered

  Spiriva is to be used once per day at the same time each day and Foradil is to be used at the most every 12 hours, and no closer together than that. The time of day should not matter.  The Proventil is a rescue inhaler that should be used when you are feeling short of breath, unless it has been prescribed otherwise by your physician.  If your physician has prescribed the Proventil to be used on a scheduled basis, you should use it about 15 minutes prior to the Foradil and the Spiriva.  Only use Proventil regularly if it is prescribed that way.
• QWhat is an emergency inhaler?

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  A MediGuard answered

  An emergency or rescue inhaler is typically a short acting bronchodilator medication such as albuterol. Albuterol is the active ingredient in both Ventolin and Proventil. Short acting bronchodilators like albuterol help to open the airways in a short amount of time. Ventolin and Proventil could be considered rescue inhalers depending on how they are prescribed by your doctor.  You should discuss any concerns with your doctor and clarify how they want you to use the Ventolin or Proventil (albuterol).
• QWhy should I use a holding chamber with my inhaler?

  2 Answers

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  A Niamh van Meines , Nursing, answered

  The holding chamber or "spacer" is used when people have difficulty coordinating the release of medication and inhaling the medication. Using a spacer ensures that the medication is delivered into a spacer and can be breathed in over a longer period of time.

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• QHow do I use a metered-dose inhaler (MDI)?

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  A Intermountain Healthcare answered

  This is how to use a metered dose inhaler (MDI): Remove the cap from the inhaler, and from the spacer if necessary.

  1. If necessary, prime the inhaler (squirt a puff into the air). Check the package insert for specific instructions. Some MDIs don't need to be primed, and others need one, two, or more priming puffs.
  2. If you're using a spacer, insert the inhaler into the rubber end of the spacer.
  3. Shake the inhaler well immediately before each puff to mix and warm the contents.
  4. Breathe out.

  If you're using a spacer with a mouthpiece:
  

  1. Place the mouthpiece fully into the mouth between the teeth, holding the inhaler upright and closing the lips around the mouthpiece.
  2. Press the canister down to release a puff of medication.
  3. Breathe in deeply and slowly -- for 3 to 5 seconds -- through your mouth.
  4. Hold your breath for 10 seconds.
  5. Remove the spacer from your mouth and breathe out slowly.
  6. Repeat steps 4 through 10 for each inhalation prescribed by your doctor.

  If you're using a spacer with a mask:
  

  1. Place the mask over the child's mouth and nose, with the inhaler upright. Maintain the seal between the face and mask.
  2. Press the canister down to release a puff of medication.
  3. Encourage the child to breathe in deeply and slowly -- for 3 to 5 seconds -- when possible.
  4. Maintain the seal for 6 breaths while the child breathes in, then remove the mask from the face.
  5. Repeat steps 4 through 9 for each inhalation prescribed by the doctor.

  
  
• QHow can I know if my inhaler is empty?

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  A Intermountain Healthcare answered

  Shaking or "puffing" your inhaler won't tell you how much medication is left in your inhaler. That's because even after the medication is gone, some of the propellant used to push the medication out will remain in the canister. So even an "empty" inhaler may still puff or feel full. Tracking your doses is the only way to know how much medication is left. Here's how to track:
  

  1. Check the canister label to see how many "puffs" it contains.
  2. Figure out how many puffs you will take per day (for example, 2 puffs, 2 times a day = 4 puffs a day).
  3. Divide your answer from step 1 by your answer from step 2.
  4. On the canister, write the date that you start the inhaler. Also write the date you should discard it (based on your calculations).
  5. When you reach the "discard date," throw away the canister and start a new one. If you keep an empty canister lying around, you're likely to get it mixed up -- and then you won't have medication when you need it.
• QWhat should I know about using asthma inhalers?

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  A American Dental Association answered

  People with asthma often use inhalers. Inhaling medication through your mouth can cause a fungal infection called oral candidiasis. Sometimes called thrush, this infection appears as white spots in your mouth and can be painful. Rinsing your mouth after using your inhaler may prevent this infection.

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