I'm new to using an inhaler for bronchitis?!
Question: stupid question -- how do I know if I'm inhaling correctly or just sucking it in and blowing it back out? It doesn't seem like the inhaler is doing much.
Answers: stupid question -- how do I know if I'm inhaling correctly or just sucking it in and blowing it back out? It doesn't seem like the inhaler is doing much.
Need more information - what drugs and what type of inhaler <grin> But let's take a shot at it.
First, what kind of medication. A medication may be slow acting, it prevents or lessens future attacks. You will not notice anything when you take it. Some examples are inhaled steroids (like Flovent, Pulmicort, Azmacort, and Qvar) and long-acting bronchodilators (Foradil, Serevent).
Some medications are fast acting and you will usually, but not always, notice an effect. Albuterol (aka salbutamol) and levalbuterol (Xopenex) are the most common examples.
There are two main types of inhalers, pMDIs (pressurized Metered Dose Inhalers) and DPIs (Dry Powder Inhalers). The instructions for each, at least until after you inhale, are very different.
In all cases, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. You should get a patient leaflet with the medication. If not, you can usually download a copy from the manufacturer's web site.
pMDIs spray. To use one hold it an inch or two from the lips with your mouth open. Exhale fully. Spray it into your mouth AS YOU INHALE THROUGH YOUR MOUTH at a slow to medium speed, continue to inhale as deeply as possible, and hold the breath 8-10 seconds before exhaling. Shake the inhaler for 10 seconds before each puff and wait one minute between puffs. If you use a spacer follow the manufacturer's instructions.
DPIs do not spray. You must load the dose in come manner - cocking a trigger, twisting, and squeezing buttons to pierce a capsule seem most common. Never inhale into a DPI - if your breath condenses in the device it can trap some of the medication, and if the dose is "loaded" you may blow it out of the delivery area. Do not tip or shake a DPI after the dose is loaded.
To use a DPI - load the dose, exhale fully AWAY from the inhaler, seal your lips around the mouthpiece, inhale rapidly THROUGH THE MOUTHPIECE, hold your breath 8-10 seconds before exhaling.
If you are using an inhaled steroid, rinse your mouth after each use by swishing water vigorously and spitting it out. I know no reason why you cannot use something besides water, and swallowing occasionally probably will not kill you.
What kind is it? If it is Flovent or Serevent or Sybicort, it may take a few weeks. Often times you cannot tell if the meds are getting into your lungs, especially with the new HFA inhalers. Just get a spacer and breath the meds in and hold and then release.
Do what the directions or Dr say. Bow all air out, put in your mouth and push button, hold, and then release and breathe/
When I used them this is what I was told to do and read instructions. Hope it works for you. I couldn't tell they worked for me either you would probably have to call and ask the Dr. nurse about that, for best info.. or pharmacy===