$Unique_ID{BRK01431}
$Pretitle{Special Procedures and Laboratory Tests}
$Title{Confusing Instructions For Inhaler Use}
$Subject{asthma inhalers use}
$Volume{P-5}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Confusing Instructions For Inhaler Use


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QUESTION:  When I report to my doctor that I seem to be getting little relief
for my breathing problem, even though I use my inhaler regularly, he merely
tells me to use it properly, and increase the dosage.  The nurse seems to give
me a slightly different story each time I ask for instructions.  I know others
who do well with this type of medication and wonder if you might offer me the
instructions I can't seem to get from my doctor or his office help?

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ANSWER:  The use of metered dose inhalers has become an important and widely
used method of taking medications to manage a group of lung diseases known as
"Obstructive Airway Diseases".  A variety of medications can be used in these
inhalers to open the airways and help restore the normal passage of air to and
from the lungs.  Though these inhalers are a convenient and useful method to
take these medications, since they measure the dose precisely, and are easy to
carry around with you, many people experience some difficulty in their use.
And there is even some confusion amongst professionals as to the correct use
of inhalers.  But incorrectly used, the dosage of medication to the lungs may
be reduced by as much 90 percent.  Here are the 6 steps I recommend.  1:  With
a properly assembled inhaler, cap removed, shake the inhaler well before
using; 2:  Hold the inhaler upright, mouthpiece below the cannister that holds
the medication, about two finger-breadths in front of the widely opened mouth;
3:  Empty your lungs, then start to inhale SLOWLY, and press the cannister
once, to obtain one dose; 4:  Continue with your slow inhalation, to fully
expand your lungs, over a 5 to 10 second period; 5:  Hold your breath for as
long as possible, as many as 10 seconds, then exhale; 6:  wait at least 1
minute between doses.  The angle of the inhaler and the distance from the
mouth are important factors in assuring the maximum delivery of medication to
the lungs, and in cases where patients have difficulty in using the inhaler
properly, a "spacer" or holding chamber may be attached to the mouthpiece to
help.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
