A metered-dose inhaler sends a measured amount of medicine to your lungs. The medicine must be breathed deeply into your lungs for it to work. Your inhaler has a spacer. This is a tube between the inhaler and your mouth. The spacer increases the amount of medicine that goes to your lungs.
Here’s how to use an inhaler with a spacer.
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First, wash your hands. Then, check the expiration date and the counter on the inhaler. Make sure the inhaler still has doses left. Also check that the metal canister is put correctly into the plastic boot.
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Remove the cap from the inhaler. Shake the inhaler several times.
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If this is the first time you are using the inhaler, you need to prime it. That means making sure it is ready to use. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Prime the inhaler in the air away from your face. The inhaler is now ready to use.
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Next, remove the cap and look into the mouthpiece of the spacer to make sure nothing is in it (the spacer).
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Attach the spacer to the inhaler. Remove the cap from the spacer mouthpiece.
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Empty your lungs completely by taking a deep breath in and tilting your head back slightly and blowing air out.
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Put the mouthpiece of the spacer in your mouth, past your teeth and above your tongue. Make sure your tongue doesn't block the opening of the spacer mouthpiece. Close your lips tightly around it to create a tight seal.
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If you are using a spacer with a mask, make sure the mask covers your nose and mouth. There should be no space between your skin and the mask.
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Make sure you are standing up or sitting up straight in a chair. Always keep your chin level.
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Press down on the canister 1 time to release the medicine. Then breathe in slowly and deeply until all of the medicine in the spacer is gone, or as directed by your healthcare provider. If your spacer has a whistle built in, hearing the whistle means you are breathing in too quickly.
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Remove the spacer mouthpiece from your mouth and close your lips.
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Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds, if you can. Then breathe out slowly through your mouth.
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Repeat these steps for each puff of medicine. Wait at least 15 seconds to 1 minute before taking the next puff, or as long as directed.
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If you’re using a steroid inhaler, rinse your mouth and gargle with water to prevent thrush, a fungal infection. Spit the water out. Don’t swallow the water. If a mask was used, wash your face, especially around your mouth and nose, with warm water to prevent a skin rash.
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Clean your inhaler and spacer after every use or at least once a week or as directed by the manufacturer of the device.