Inhalers

Question 1

How would you use a pMDI?

Answer 1

Sit up or stand straight and lift chin to open airway

Remove cap, shake inhlaer

Breath out gently

Place inhaler in mouth and BEHIND teeth/ put teeth around it so the teeth won’t get in the way of the medication

Start breathing in slowly and deeply and press the canister while doing this once, don’t keep pressing

Hold breath on a deep inhale for at least 10 seconds or as long as possible

If a second done is needed wait 30-60 seconds and repeat

Once done replace cap

Question 2

How would you use a spacer with the pMDI?

Answer 2

Sit up or stand straight

Remove cap and shake

Inset into spacer

Place mouthpiece onto yourself - test the valve can be heard by breathing in and out slowly - whistle or click will be heard

Press the canister and release medication into the chamber

Take a deep slow breath and hold for as long as possible/10 secs then breath out through the mouthpiece

Remove and wait 30-60 secs before repeating

Multiple breath technique can also be used by tidal breathing 5-6 times instead of one deep breath

Tell patient spacer must be cleaned monthy

Question 3

How to clean a spacer? Why do we clean?

Answer 3

Wash in warm soapy water
Do not rinse soap off, leave to air dry
Wipe mouthpiece of detergent before using

Clean due to build up of static charge that causes medication to stick to sides of chamber

Question 4

How to use a dry powdered inhaler?

Answer 4

Check the dose counter to see if medication is still left

Open via thumb grip (circle one is held horizontally)

Load the medication by sliding until it clicks

Breath out away from mouthpiece

Breath in sharply and deeply

Hold breath for 10 secs and remove inhaler whilst holding

Breath out gently