Managing asthma or other breathing conditions is a daily priority, and your inhaler is your most important tool. For older adults, ensuring you use it correctly is key to staying healthy. This guide provides the clear, straightforward explanation you would get from a doctor or pharmacist, helping you master your technique and get the full benefit of your medication.
Why Proper Inhaler Technique Matters for Seniors
As we age, certain challenges can make using an inhaler more difficult. A slight loss of hand strength, less precise coordination, or a decrease in lung capacity can prevent the full dose of medicine from reaching your lungs where it’s needed. When this happens, you may not get the relief you expect, and your symptoms might not be well-controlled.
Mastering the correct technique is not just about following steps; it is about ensuring your health and independence. A good technique means better breathing, fewer symptoms, and more confidence in managing your condition. This guide breaks down the process for the most common types of inhalers.
The Two Main Types of Asthma Inhalers
Before diving into the steps, it is important to know which type of inhaler you have. Most people use one or both of these types. Always check your prescription to be sure.
Rescue Inhalers (Relievers): These provide quick relief from symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. They work fast to open up your airways. The most common rescue inhaler contains a medication called Albuterol, sold under brand names like ProAir HFA and Ventolin HFA. These are typically used only when you need them.
Controller Inhalers (Preventers): These are used every day to prevent symptoms from starting. They work by reducing inflammation in your airways over time. They do not provide immediate relief. Common controller medications include inhaled corticosteroids like Fluticasone (Flovent HFA) or Budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler).
It is critical to use the right inhaler for the right reason. Using a controller inhaler during an asthma attack will not help.
How to Use a Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI)
The MDI is the most common type of inhaler. It is an L-shaped canister that sprays the medicine out. For older adults, doctors often recommend using an MDI with a spacer. A spacer is a tube that attaches to the inhaler, making it much easier to get the medicine into your lungs.
Here is the step-by-step process, explained simply.
Step 1: Get Ready
First, take the cap off the mouthpiece of the inhaler and the spacer. Look inside the mouthpiece to make sure nothing is blocking it. Hold the inhaler upright and shake it well for about 10 to 15 seconds. This mixes the medicine properly. Then, insert the inhaler’s mouthpiece into the open end of the spacer.
Step 2: Breathe Out
Sit or stand up straight to open your airways. Gently breathe out all the air from your lungs. Do not breathe into the spacer.
Step 3: Use the Inhaler and Breathe In
Put the spacer’s mouthpiece into your mouth and close your lips tightly around it to form a good seal. Press down on the top of the inhaler canister one time to release a puff of medicine into the spacer. Then, begin to breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth for 3 to 5 seconds. The spacer holds the medicine, so you do not have to perfectly time your breath.
Step 4: Hold Your Breath
Take the spacer out of your mouth and hold your breath for 10 seconds, or as long as you comfortably can. This allows the medicine time to settle deep into your lungs.
Step 5: Breathe Out
Breathe out slowly through your mouth or nose.
If your doctor has prescribed a second puff, wait about one minute before repeating these steps. Waiting allows the first puff to start working and opening your airways, so the second puff can get in even deeper.
How to Use a Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)
Dry powder inhalers deliver medicine as a fine powder instead of a spray. They are activated by your breath. Common types include the Diskus (like Advair) and the Ellipta (like Breo). The technique is different from an MDI.
Step 1: Open and Load the Dose
Each DPI model works a bit differently. For a Diskus, you slide a lever until it clicks. For an Ellipta, you slide the cover down until it clicks. This action loads one dose of powder. Never shake a dry powder inhaler.
Step 2: Breathe Out
Hold the inhaler away from your mouth and breathe out fully. It is very important not to breathe into the device, as the moisture from your breath can make the powder clump.
Step 3: Breathe In
Put the mouthpiece to your lips and close them tightly. Breathe in quickly and deeply through your mouth. You need a strong, fast breath to pull the powder out of the inhaler and into your lungs.
Step 4: Hold Your Breath
Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for about 10 seconds.
Step 5: Close the Device and Rinse
Close the inhaler. If you are using a controller inhaler that contains a steroid, it is essential to rinse your mouth with water and spit it out. Do not swallow the water. This prevents side effects like a mouth infection called thrush.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Forgetting to shake your MDI: The medicine can separate from the propellant, so shaking is a must.
Poor timing with an MDI: Pressing the canister and breathing in must be coordinated. A spacer almost completely solves this problem.
Inhaling too weakly with a DPI: You need a fast, deep breath to get the powder medication.
Not holding your breath: Holding your breath for 10 seconds gives the medicine time to work.
Skipping the mouth rinse: Forgetting to rinse after using a steroid inhaler can lead to oral thrush.
Always ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use your specific inhaler. They can watch your technique and provide personalized feedback to ensure you are doing it right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a spacer and do I really need one? A spacer is a plastic tube that attaches to a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). It holds the medicine after it is sprayed, allowing you to breathe it in slowly and deeply. It is highly recommended for older adults because it eliminates the need for perfect coordination and helps more medicine reach the lungs instead of staying in your mouth or throat.
How do I know when my inhaler is empty? Most modern inhalers have a dose counter on the back that shows you how many puffs are left. When it reads “0,” it is time to get a new one. Do not rely on the old “float test” of putting it in water, as this is not accurate.
Why do I have to rinse my mouth after using my controller inhaler? Many controller inhalers contain a type of steroid. While safe for your lungs, this medicine can cause a fungal infection called oral thrush if it is left to sit in your mouth and throat. Rinsing with water and spitting it out removes any leftover medication.