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Spanish Translation

Using a Metered-Dose Inhaler Without a Spacer

Using a Metered-Dose Inhaler Without a Spacer (00:03:04)
Video Transcript

Using your inhaler correctly is an  important part of taking care of yourself.

A metered-dose inhaler can help you  get the right amount of medicine right into your lungs.

Metered dose means that the  inhaler gives a measured amount of medicine each time you use it.

This type of inhaler delivers  medicine in the form of a liquid mist.

Your doctor may recommend using a  spacer with most metered-dose inhalers.

The spacer can make it easier for  you to get medicine into your lungs.

A spacer is a chamber that  attaches to the inhaler.

But if you don't have a spacer, you  can still use the inhaler without it.

You can also ask your doctor for a spacer.

Before you get started, here are a few things to remember.

Inhalers come in different  shapes, sizes, and doses.

Each kind is used differently.

Read the instructions that come with your inhaler.

Make sure you use the right  inhaler at the right time.

Label each inhaler if you have more than one.

Check the instructions to see if you  need to prime the inhaler before use.

Prime means to get it ready.

If the inhaler needs priming,  follow your inhaler's instructions.

Before you begin, be sure you've worked with  a nurse, doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to make sure  you're using your inhaler correctly.

But here's how someone would generally use  a metered-dose inhaler without a spacer.

Begin by shaking the inhaler for 5 seconds.

Remove the cap.

Next, hold the inhaler upright  with the mouthpiece at the bottom.

Now, stand or sit up straight.

With the inhaler a short distance from your mouth, breathe out slowly and completely.

Next, put the inhaler's mouthpiece in your mouth, and close your lips tightly around it.

Keep your tongue away from the opening.

Take 1 slow, deep breath while  pressing the canister 1 time to release a puff of medicine.

Hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds.

If you need another puff of medicine, wait 1 minute between puffs.

Replace the cap on the inhaler.

Rinse your mouth with water if  the inhaler has corticosteroids, such as budesonide.

Do not swallow the water.

So that's how to use a metered-dose  inhaler without a spacer.

Now here are a few other reminders.

Use the inhaler's dose counter  to see how many doses are left, and get inhaler refills before you run out.

Follow the instructions for cleaning the inhaler.

This will help you do it the  right way for each inhaler.

At first, learning how to use  an inhaler can be stressful.

But with practice, using a metered-dose inhaler can help  you feel better and breathe easier.

And if you have questions, you  can always call your doctor.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions. Image is used for illustrative purposes only and any person depicted is a model.