How to use MDI (metered dose inhaler)

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Why do you hold MDI 1 - 2 inches in front of you when you are inhaling COPD medications, instead of putting the inhaler directly in your mouth?

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Specializes in Telemetry & Obs.

Is it a steroid med??

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Is it a steroid med??

Not necessary just a steroid, but any inhaling meds, such as anticholinergics, bronchodilators, or Leukotriene receptor antagonists. Basically, any meds that are inhaling ones.

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How to Use Your Metered-Dose Inhaler the Right Way:

http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/health-info/dis-cond/allergy/inhaluse.html

Steroids you should not have the inhaler in your mouth. Incorrect use of MDIs causes less medication to your lungs. When the medication is released from the cannister it expands, which is why alot of manufactures recommend that they be held approx. 2inches away or use with a spacer.

Hope this helps

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How to Use Your Metered-Dose Inhaler the Right Way:

http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/health-info/dis-cond/allergy/inhaluse.html

Steroids you should not have the inhaler in your mouth. Incorrect use of MDIs causes less medication to your lungs. When the medication is released from the cannister it expands, which is why alot of manufactures recommend that they be held approx. 2inches away or use with a spacer.

Hope this helps

Thank you DusktilDawn. Please help me a little more. If you want more medication into your lungs, why not put the MDI in your mouth directly? I don't understand why holding MDI away from your mouth helps you to put expanding meds into the lungs.

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Specializes in Telemetry & Obs.

Mosh, try inhaling thru open lips vs pursed closed lips...see if you don't feel it less in your mouth and more in your lungs.

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Mosh, try inhaling thru open lips vs pursed closed lips...see if you don't feel it less in your mouth and more in your lungs.

I did indeed! Thank you sooo much!

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hey mosh,

i noticed truesn provided a useful tip.

whether you hold the inhaler 1-2 inches away or place it in you mouth, has more to do with coordinating and timing your inhalation with the release of the medication. when you put the inhaler in your mouth you also have to be careful not to block it with your tongue. children and the elderly may have more difficulty doing this which is why alot of doctors recommend spacers.

the big problem with mdis is that if not used properly too much of the medication can end up in your mouth and throat instead of your lungs. most doctors will recommend rinsing your mouth after use because of this, these medications can have a very drying and irritating effect on your mucous membranes. also the steroids can actually cause thrush, another reason you don't put your mouth on the inhaler with steroids and why spacers with steroids are recommended. if you are on both a bronchodilator and steroid, use the bronchodilator first then the steroid, that way you get optimum effect from both when experiencing asthma symptoms. alot of doctors recommend a spacer because the medication stays in the chamber longer and allows one to inhale in 1-2 slow, deep breaths instead of 1 inhalation. it also increased the amount of medication that going directly into your lungs, also less medication taste and irritation.

there are also breath-acuated mdis used with beta-agonists, with these you do place your mouth on the device and the act of inhalation causes the medication to be released.

are you an asthma sufferer or a nursing student or both mosh? if you are an asthma sufferer ask for the inserts with your medication and talk to your doctor about the best method for you. also demonstrate correct recommended use with your doctor.

best of luck to you

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hey mosh,

i noticed truesn provided a useful tip.

whether you hold the inhaler 1-2 inches away or place it in you mouth, has more to do with coordinating and timing your inhalation with the release of the medication. when you put the inhaler in your mouth you also have to be careful not to block it with your tongue. children and the elderly may have more difficulty doing this which is why alot of doctors recommend spacers.

the big problem with mdis is that if not used properly too much of the medication can end up in your mouth and throat instead of your lungs. most doctors will recommend rinsing your mouth after use because of this, these medications can have a very drying and irritating effect on your mucous membranes. also the steroids can actually cause thrush, another reason you don't put your mouth on the inhaler with steroids and why spacers with steroids are recommended. if you are on both a bronchodilator and steroid, use the bronchodilator first then the steroid, that way you get optimum effect from both when experiencing asthma symptoms. alot of doctors recommend a spacer because the medication stays in the chamber longer and allows one to inhale in 1-2 slow, deep breaths instead of 1 inhalation. it also increased the amount of medication that going directly into your lungs, also less medication taste and irritation.

there are also breath-acuated mdis used with beta-agonists, with these you do place your mouth on the device and the act of inhalation causes the medication to be released.

are you an asthma sufferer or a nursing student or both mosh? if you are an asthma sufferer ask for the inserts with your medication and talk to your doctor about the best method for you. also demonstrate correct recommended use with your doctor.

best of luck to you

hi wavey,

thank you sooo much for the clarification. i am not asthma sufferer. i am a nursing student studying copd including asthma. i want to know as much as possible when i care asthma patients when i go to respiratory therapy clinical routine next week.

thanks, again.

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Hi Mosh,

At your clinicals ask if they have videos that demonstrate technique. It is always a good idea when health teaching to have the patient demonstrate technique to ensure that they are doing it correctly. Mouth care is also very important.

I can see a COPD patient asking a question like you posted. Good attitude concerning wanting to be as prepared & knowledgable as possible for clinicals.

Being able to ask yourself questions from a patient's standpoint is part of what I call "empathic thinking."

You sound like your on your way to being a very thorough nurse. :yeah:

Best of luck during this rotation,

DusktilDawn

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