{"id":56129,"date":"2023-01-04T15:44:20","date_gmt":"2023-01-04T20:44:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=56129"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:57:35","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:57:35","slug":"how-to-use-inhaler","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-use-inhaler\/","title":{"rendered":"How to use your inhaler"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have ever seen a drug commercial for an inhaled medication, you may have wondered just how to use an inhaler. With the development of new ways to deliver medication to the lungs, trying to figure out how to use your inhaler can be tricky. Specialist respiratory nurse <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nursinginpractice.com\/clinical\/respiratory\/optimising-inhaler-use\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carol Stonham <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">recommends that individuals who have an inhaler know how to use the device themselves, review their inhaler technique regularly, and involve their provider or pharmacist whenever they have questions. Keep reading to find out how to use any inhaler that you are prescribed.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value='{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&quot;}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":6849,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"9\":1,\"10\":2,\"12\":0,\"14\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":0},\"15\":\"Arial\"}' data-sheets-formula=\"=CONCATENATE(R[0]C[-2],R[0]C[-3],R[0]C[-1])\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"common-inhalers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common inhalers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For individuals with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/asthma-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">asthma <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/copd-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, inhaled medications are the most common form of treatment. There are three main types of inhalers: metered dose inhalers (MDIs), dry powder inhalers (DPIs), and soft mist inhalers (SMIs). Each type of inhaler requires a different technique to properly use the inhaler. Furthermore, each type of inhaler has its own advantages and disadvantages, which will be discussed below.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"metered-dose-inhalers-mdis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metered dose inhalers (MDIs)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MDIs release a mist of medicine when you press a button on the inhaler. Metered dose inhalers are usually made up of 3 parts: a metal canister that contains the medicine, a plastic holder to house the canister, and a plastic cap that covers the mouthpiece, which is where you breathe in the medicine. Some examples of MDIs are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ventolin-hfa\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ventolin HFA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/flovent-hfa\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flovent HFA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/singlecare.com\/prescription\/atrovent-hfa\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Atrovent HFA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Prior to using an MDI, it is important to ensure that the inhaler is at room temperature. The next step is to prime the inhaler.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-use-an-mdi-step-by-step\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to use an MDI step-by-step<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"how-to-prime-the-inhaler\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to prime the inhaler:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take the cap off of the mouthpiece by squeezing the sides of the cap and pulling it straight out.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shake the inhaler well.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spray the inhaler one time into the air away from your face (especially avoiding the eyes)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wait a few seconds, shake the inhaler, and spray the inhaler away from your face two more times.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After you have primed your inhaler, you do not need to prime it again unless it has not been used for more than two weeks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"how-to-hold-the-inhaler\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to hold the inhaler:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, ensure that the metal canister fits firmly within the plastic holder.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take the cap off of the mouthpiece and look inside the mouthpiece to ensure there are no foreign objects.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hold the inhaler with the mouthpiece down and shake the inhaler well.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"how-to-use-the-inhaler\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to use the inhaler:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathe out as much air as you can and tilt your chin up slightly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Put the mouthpiece into your mouth and close your lips around it.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Push the top of the metal canister firmly<\/span><b> all the way down.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the same time that you press down, inhale <\/span><b>deeply and slowly<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> through the mouthpiece.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After you have inhaled the spray, take the inhaler out of your mouth and close your mouth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, or as long as you are comfortable.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breath out slowly and cap the mouthpiece if you are finished.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask your doctor if your medication is a &lsquo;corticosteroid&rsquo;. If it is, ensure that you rinse and spit with water afterward to remove any medication that remains in the mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you need another spray:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wait one minute and shake the inhaler again.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repeat the above steps.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"cleaning-an-mdi\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cleaning an MDI<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is important to clean your metered dose inhaler regularly to prevent medication build-up and blockages. The usual recommendation is to clean the mouthpiece at least once weekly. The steps to cleaning an MDI are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove the medication canister and cap from the mouthpiece. <\/span><b>Do not <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wash the canister.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hold the plastic holder under a faucet and run warm water through it for about 30 seconds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Turn the holder upside down and run warm water through the mouthpiece for about 30 seconds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shake off the excess water from the plastic holder and ensure that any medication buildup within the holder has been washed away.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let the plastic holder air-dry overnight.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it is dry, put the cap on the mouthpiece and then put the canister back in place.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shake the inhaler well, remove the cap, and spray the inhaler away from your face one time, and it is ready for use.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"metered-dose-inhalers-with-spacer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metered dose inhalers with spacer<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because a breath needs to be taken at the same time that the canister is pushed down, some individuals may find it difficult to correctly time the administration of a dose using an MDI. For children and older adults who need to use an MDI, adding a spacer to the inhaler may be helpful to get a full dose of the medication. Spacers are devices that can be attached to an MDI to allow the medication to stay within a closed space for longer, so that the individual has more time to breathe it in.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"how-to-use-a-spacer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to use a spacer:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove the mouthpiece cover and attach the spacer to the mouthpiece.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathe out as much air as you can and tilt your chin up slightly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Put your lips and teeth over the spacer and breathe in slowly.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you breathe in, squeeze the top of the canister once.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continue to inhale slowly and deeply.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After you have taken a full breath, remove the spacer from your mouth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, or as long as you are comfortable.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breath out slowly and cap the mouthpiece if you are finished.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"dry-powder-inhalers-dpis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry powder inhalers (DPIs)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DPIs administer medication in the form of a dry powder when you breathe in. Unlike with MDIs, when using a DPI, you do not need to coordinate pressing the canister with inhaling. However, dry powder inhalers require a more forceful inhalation than MDIs. For this reason, these inhalers may not be suitable for older adults or individuals with nerve or muscle weakness.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"there-are-two-main-types-of-dpis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are two main types of DPIs<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multiple dose devices, which contain up to 200 doses. An example of this is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/advair-diskus\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advair Diskus<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Single dose devices, which require placement of a capsule in the device immediately before each dose. An example of this is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/spiriva-handihaler\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spiriva Handihaler<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-use-a-dpi-step-by-step\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to use a DPI step-by-step<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each DPI has its own instructions. For more specific directions on how to use your specific inhaler, make sure to check the manufacturer&rsquo;s label for guidance. The below instructions are general guidelines for using a DPI:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove the cap. For single-use devices, load a capsule into the device as directed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathe out slowly and completely away from the mouthpiece.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Place the mouthpiece between the front teeth and seal the lips around it.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathe in through the mouth quickly and deeply.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove the inhaler and hold your breath for about 10 seconds or as long as possible.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathe out slowly and replace the cover of the mouthpiece.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repeat the dose if your doctor has prescribed more than one inhalation.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask your doctor if your medication is a &lsquo;corticosteroid&rsquo;. If it is, ensure that you rinse and spit with water after the inhalation to remove any medication that remains in the mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-clean-a-dpi\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to clean a DPI<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DPIs should <\/span><b>not <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">be washed. Generally, only the mouthpiece can be cleaned with a dry cloth. However, please read the instructions provided by the manufacturer for specific cleaning procedures.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"soft-mist-inhalers-smis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soft Mist Inhalers (SMIs)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SMIs release medication in a fine mist that comes out more slowly than the spray produced by MDIs. As a result, these inhalers do not depend on how quickly you are able to inhale. SMIs all come with a dose-counter built into the device, which turns red when the inhaler is almost empty. Once all the medication has been used, the inhaler will automatically lock itself. Some examples of SMIs are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/spiriva-respimat\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spiriva Respimat<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/pulmicort-flexhaler\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulmicort Flexhaler<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/striverdi-respimat?q=Striverdi%20Respimat\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Striverdi Respimat<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"how-to-prime-an-smi\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to prime an SMI:&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hold the inhaler upright with the cap closed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Twist the clear base at the bottom to the right until it clicks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open the cap and point the mouthpiece to the floor, away from your face.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Press the button on the side until you see a mist come out.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repeat the above steps three more times.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If it has been three days since you last used your inhaler, you will need to prime it again only one time. If it has been more than three weeks since the last time you used your inhaler, you will need to prime it all over again (releasing four total sprays following all the steps above).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"how-to-use-your-smi\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to use your SMI:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hold the inhaler upright with the cap closed. (You do not need to shake an SMI).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Twist the clear base at the bottom to the right until it clicks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open the cap.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathe out slowly and completely.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Put the mouthpiece in your mouth, holding the inhaler horizontally.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Close your lips around the mouthpiece without covering the air vents on the sides.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start to breathe in slowly. As you inhale, press the button on the side of the device and continue inhaling for 3-5 seconds or as long as you are comfortable.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When your lungs are full, hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as you are able to.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take out the inhaler and breathe out slowly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repeat the above steps for additional doses.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask your doctor if your medication is a &lsquo;corticosteroid&rsquo;. If it is, ensure that you rinse and spit with water after the inhalation to remove any medication that remains in the mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"how-to-clean-an-smi\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to clean an SMI:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once a week, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the inside and outside of the mouthpiece.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"determining-when-an-inhaler-is-empty-or-should-be-replaced\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Determining when an inhaler is empty or should be replaced:<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most MDIs nowadays are equipped with a dose counter that helps track the amount of medication used. If the inhaler does not have a dose counter, and you do not use the inhaler every day, it can be difficult to determine when you should replace your inhaler. If you only use your inhaler as needed, it is a good practice to write the date that you start using it on the canister itself. If you use your inhaler on a regular schedule, you can calculate how many doses you have until you run out. For example, Flovent HFA comes with 120 actuations, or doses. (This number will be listed somewhere on the box). If you know that you will use four puffs every day, then by dividing 120 by four, the canister should last about 30 days. In fact, most inhalers are designed to last a person at least 30 days. However, it is best to double-check with your provider or pharmacist if you are unsure. Virtually all DPIs and SMIs come with dose counters, so you will know how many doses are left in these types of inhalers. Regardless of whether or not you use all the medicine, it is recommended to consider replacing your inhaler after 3-4 months. An inhaler should not be used after the specified number of doses have been discharged or after it has reached the expiration date.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-store-inhalers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to store inhalers<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"mdis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MDIs<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All metered dose inhalers should be stored at room temperature with the mouthpiece down. Because the contents of the canister are pressurized, it is important not to puncture the metal canister. Do not keep the inhaler near heat or open flame.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"dpis-and-smis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DPIs and SMIs<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep your inhaler in a cool, dry place. Do not take the inhaler apart or try to wash the inhaler.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"save-with-singlecare\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Save with SingleCare<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because there are so many inhalers on the market, insurance may not cover the inhaler you are prescribed. If that is the case, SingleCare may have a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription-discount-card\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">coupon<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that can lower the costs of your next inhaler. Check out the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/pharmacy-near-me\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pharmacy finder<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to find a pharmacy near you that accepts SingleCare discount cards and coupons.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>References:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uptodate.com\/contents\/inhaler-techniques-in-adults-beyond-the-basics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patient education: Inhaler techniques in adults<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, UpToDate<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/asthma\/in-depth\/asthma-inhalers\/art-20046382\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asthma inhalers: Which one&#8217;s right for you?<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Mayo Clinic<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/inhalers-and-nebulizers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inhalers and Nebulizers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Johns Hopkins Medicine<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, CHOP<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/health-a-z\/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease\/how-to-use-a-slow-moving-mist-inhaler\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using a Slow-Moving Mist Inhaler<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Allergy &amp; Asthma Network<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you have ever seen a drug commercial for an inhaled medication, you may have wondered just how to use an inhaler. With the development of new ways to deliver medication to the lungs, trying to figure out how to use your inhaler can be tricky. Specialist respiratory nurse Carol Stonham recommends that individuals who [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":133,"featured_media":57339,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8029],"tags":[],"coauthors":[20752],"class_list":["post-56129","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-education","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to use an inhaler plus care, cleaning, and storage tips<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to use metered dose (MDI), dry powder (DPI), and soft mist inhalers (SMI) properly. Plus, learn how to clean and store inhalers when not in use.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-use-inhaler\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to use your inhaler\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how to use metered dose (MDI), dry powder (DPI), and soft mist inhalers (SMI) properly. 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