Metered dose inhaler use
| Metered dose inhaler use - part one |
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A metered dose inhaler (MDI) delivers a specific amount of
medicine in aerosol form. This makes it possible to inhale the
medication, instead of taking it in pill form.
MDI's are commonly used to treat asthma, COPD, and other
respiratory conditions.
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| Metered dose inhaler use - part two |
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Warm the canister to body temperature, remove the cap, and shake
the inhaler hard.
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| Metered dose inhaler use - part three |
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Breathe out all the way.
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| Metered dose inhaler use - part four |
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Hold the inhaler 1 to 2 inches in front of your mouth (about the
width of 2 fingers).
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| Metered dose inhaler use - part five |
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Start breathing in slowly through your mouth, and then press
down on the inhaler one time. Breathe in slowly, as deeply as you
can.
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| Metered dose inhaler use - part six |
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Slowly count to 10 while you hold your breath (if you can). This
lets the medicine reach deep into your lungs.
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| Metered dose inhaler use - part seven |
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If your doctor prescribed more than one puff of medicine, repeat
this procedure, starting with step 2. Wait at least 15 seconds
between puffs.
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| Metered dose inhaler use - part eight |
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Rinse your mouth afterward to help reduce unwanted side
effects.
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Review Date: 5/21/2009
Reviewed By: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Division of Pulmonary and
Critical Care, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review
provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David
Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for
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