Introduction to Inhalers
People who have chronic lung disease such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis frequently use inhalers on a daily basis. Medicines breathed in (inhaled) through the mouth travel to the lungs to widen the airways and thin mucous. These effects make it easier for a person to breathe and to cough up thick mucus.
Because these persons depend on their medicines for disease control, they must learn how to use inhalers safely and correctly. The medicines are delivered in one of two ways:
- Through a metered dose inhaler, called a MDI
- Through a dry powdered inhaler, called a DPI
To use inhalers correctly, a person needs to be able to hold the device and handle the parts correctly. In addition, the correct use of an MDI requires a person to be able to depress the canister and to take a deep breath at the same time. As the caregiver for a person who uses an inhaler, you need to be able to decide if the person uses an inhaler correctly. If not, you’ll need to inform the person’s doctor so that a different way to deliver the medicine can be chosen. If a person does not use an inhaler correctly, problems with breathing can quickly lead to visits to the doctor or even a hospital.
Here is Dontrelle’s story:
One month ago, my son DJ was told that he has asthma. He is only 14 years old, but the doctor has him using a MDI to help him breathe easier. After a couple of visits from the home health nurse, DJ learned how to use the MDI pretty well. I knew that I needed to know how to use one as well, so I could tell if DJ did not use the inhaler correctly. The doctor told us that if the medicine wasn’t taken properly, it wouldn’t work. At times DJ had trouble holding the inhaler. When he holds the inhaler incorrectly, the medicine just sprays the back of his throat and does not reach his lungs. We talked with the home health nurse and she suggested that I take more time with DJ. He can tell the difference when the medicine gets down into his lungs. Now, with practice he does a better job, and his medicine is getting to his lungs.