Metered Dose Inhalers

Asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing can be relieved by taking medication through a metered-dose inhaler (a device that generates a mist of medication similar to a humidifier).

A person requiring a metered-dose inhaler should

• Learn how to use it effectively
• Know when it's necessary to seek medical help
• Learn how to test the inhaler for adequate medicine supply

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Metered-dose inhaler technique

For most effective use, it is important to follow these guidelines when using a metered-dose inhaler

• Shake the inhaler vigorously for 30 seconds
• Take a few deep breaths
• On the last breath out, put the inhaler in or near your mouth (some people do this with the inhaler already in the mouth with their lips wrapped around it)
• Press the inhaler and breathe in
• Hold breath for about 10 seconds
• In 2 to 5 minutes, repeat the procedure for a second dose

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Knowing when to seek help

If you need to use an albuterol inhaler more than 3 times in one day, or need to use it 3-4 times a day for more than 2 days in a row, seek medical attention. You may need additional help.

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Checking your medicine supply

Make the metal can out of the plastic holder and place it in a bowl of water

• If it sinks, it is still full
• If it sinks part way but stays vertical, it is still partly full
• If it floats on its side on the surface, it is empty and should be replaced (even if you can still hear something sloshing around inside, this is most likely propellant that will not help you with your breathing)