As we embark on the cyclical COVID/Flu/Cold season, it’s a good time to review how to use an inhaler properly to reduce the impact of a virus or other irritation within your lungs.
Healthcare providers prescribe inhalers for a variety of reasons. Anything that irritates the lungs may be a very good reason to have one: asthma, lung damage from smoking, viruses and bacteria. There are different medications delivered directly into the lungs via an inhaler. The two main types either open tight narrowed airways (Albuterol) or reduce inflammation and irritation (inhaled steroids).
The main problem that I witness in patients is how to use one properly to receive the benefits of the inhaled medication. A respiratory therapist provided me with some great tips to get the best benefits from the inhaled medicine.
First, it’s very important to use an aerochamber with the inhaler. It’s also known as a valve holding chamber or spacer and makes using an inhaler much easier and I highly recommend that you get one.
The following steps will help you get more medicine deeper into your lungs to relieve the tight feeling and annoying cough.
- Shake the inhaler for 10 seconds. If its new or hasn’t been used for 1 to 2 weeks push a few puffs into the air.
- Place the inhaler into the aerochamber and your mouth around the mouthpiece.
- Take a deep breath, blow it out. As you inhale again (deeply) take a puff from the inhaler and hold your breath (if you can) for 10 seconds to allow the medicine to move deeper into your lungs.
- After the 10 second breath hold, slowly breathe in and out for 3 to 5 times. If you hear a whistle, you’re breathing too fast. Slow down until the sound stops.
- Don’t speak for 5 minutes to allow the medicine to move deeper into the lungs.
- After 5 minutes, you can take a second puff if ordered by your doctor. Repeat steps 2 through 5.
The first puff begins to open the airways which allows the medication from the second puff to go even deeper into your lungs. Follow your healthcare provider’s directions on what inhaler to use, how many puffs, when to use it, and how often to use your inhaler.
If you’re vulnerable to wheezing or have a tight cough an inhaler may be very helpful. You may be able to reduce the irritation in your lungs if you use it at the first sign of a cough.
Remember to describe any side effects with your healthcare provider. The American Lung Association has additional information.
God bless you as you navigate through this winter season.
The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health (Psalm 41:3).
Resources:
“How To Use a Metered-Dose Inhaler with a Valve Holding Chamber (Spacer),” The American Lung Association. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/treatment/devices/metered-dose-inhaler-chamber-spacer
If you found this blog helpful, please pass it on…
If you are a new reader, you may visit my website to sign up for future monthly blogs at jenniejohnsonrn.com
I’m a Christian nurse who helps people navigate the murky waters of healthcare.
ã All rights reserved 2023, Jennie E. Johnson, RN-BC, PhD
Author of:
Wake Up Call 911: It’s Time to Reduce your Risk for a Heart Attack and Stroke (2015)
Helping the Hurting: Nursing Ministry in the Body of Christ (2022)
Paperback copies of both books for sale. Email me for details at: ask@jenniejohnsonrn.com.
Recent Comments