How to use an Inhaler
Pressurised Metered Dose Inhalers (pMDIs)
Also known as pump inhalers, these are the most commonly used inhaler devices. They are propellent-based and deliver a specific, amount of medication to the lungs, in the form of aerosol spray; which needs to be inhaled. It releases reproducible doses every time on actuation. This means that the same amount of dose is released every time. These inhalers do not depend upon the patient’s inhalation to trigger the release of the drug. They require co-ordination between the actuation of the canister and inhalation of the dose. To put it simply, you must inhale at the exact moment when the canister is pressed and the dose is released. pMDIs also come with a dose counter, making it easy to keep a track of the number of puffs remaining in the device.
Zerostat VT Spacer
This device holds the medication for a little while after the pMDI’s actuation. Thus, the spacer helps you inhale all the medication, even if you do not inhale exactly at the same time when the canister is pressed for actuation.
Huf Puf Kit
The spacer and baby mask come preassembled in a Huf Puf Kit. As it is preassembled, it helps deliver the medication quickly in case of an emergency and saves time.
Rotahaler
Completely transparent, the Rotahaler enables you to make sure that you have inhaled the medication’s entire dose.
Nebulizers
Unlike pMDIs and DPIs, nebulizers convert the liquid medication into suitable aerosol droplets, which are best suited for inhalation. Nebulizers do not require coordination and deliver the medication quickly and effectively to the lungs in the form of a mist. Nebulizers are preferred during asthma attacks, in infants, children, the elderly, critical, unconscious patients, and those who cannot use a pMDI or DPI effectively.
How To Use A Nasal Spray
A Nasal spray is a simple drug delivery device. It is used to deliver medications directly to the nasal cavity. They are used locally for conditions such as nasal congestion and allergic rhinitis. It works by shrinking the blood vessels and tissues in the nose which becomes swollen and inflamed due to cold, allergies or flu. A nasal spray can go a long way in controlling the symptoms of allergic rhinitis or a nasal allergy. It works best when used regularly and consistently.
Revolizer
The Revolizer is an easy to use DPI, usually used with medication capsules known as rotacaps. It provides an accurate medication dose and a more efficient dispersal, even when the inhalation flow rates are low.
Minizerostat Spacers
Spacer device when used along with pMDI inhalers hold the medication for a while and hence help you inhale all the medication easily even if you do not inhale and press the canister at the same time. Small volume, pre-assembled spacer provide the convenience of easily taking the medication along with pMDI
Synchrobreathe
An advanced version of pMDI inhalers which sense your inhalation to release medication automatically. Synchrobreathe can be easily and effectively used by children, adults and elderly.
Breathe-o Meter
Breathe-o Meter is a small, portable, easy-to-use device that measures your peak expiratory flow rate which has been calibrated using the European Union Scale. The Breathe-o Meter measures the speed at which you are blowing out air. This measurement is called PEFR, the rate at which you exhale, and this can be tracked over time to manage your asthma better.
How to Clean your pMDI?
It is important to clean inhalers regularly to prevent inhaling dirt and debris along with the medication. In the case of pressurized metered-dose inhalers, it is recommended that they be cleaned once a week.
Follow the steps shown in the video guide above to keep your inhaler clean.
In case any further clarity on Inhaler use is required, please visit Breathefree Digital Educator wherein you can learn the correct inhalation device technique from certified educators through video call.
More Inhaler Videos:
Pressurised Metered Dose Inhalers (pMDIs)
How to Clean your pMDI?
Breathe-o Meter
Rotahaler
Zerostat VT Spacer
Huf Puf Kit
Nebulizers
How To Use A Nasal Spray
Revolizer
Minizerostat Spacers
