Bronchodilator Inhalers
A bronchodilator is a medication used to help relax (dilate) the smooth muscle of your airways. When your airways are relaxed, more air can flow in and out of your lungs, allowing you to breathe easier. Bronchodilators often provide fast relief for symptoms of shortness of breath. (Usually, there are both rapid-acting and slow acting forms of bronchodilator inhalers.)
You will be given a device (an inhaler) through which to take these medications. Even if it seems straightforward, it’s important to take the time to carefully review each of the steps involved in their use. Studies tell us that far too many people do not use their inhalers incorrectly, and as a consequence, miss out on the improvement in breathing which the inhaler can provide. In fact, many people use their inhalers incorrectly for years before learning the right steps and getting the relief they deserve. Just as taking the time for asking for directions can save time on the road, taking the time to review these steps can spare you many moments of shortness of breath.
You will also need to take some time to practice these steps. What looks easy on paper can take a little trial and error. That said, you should be able to use your inhaler correctly – and get the full benefit of the medications – by following these few simple steps.
How to Use a Bronchodilator Inhaler the Right Way
Carefully go through these steps in using your inhaler, taking care to not to skip any steps to “save time.”
Shake the inhaler thoroughly before using it. (This is very important and can help ensure you don’t get too much or not enough medication at any one time. ) Remove the cap from the inhaler’s mouthpiece. Take in a breath and exhale completely. With the canister pointing upward and the mouthpiece aimed at your mouth, put the mouthpiece into your mouth and close your lips around it. Take a fast, deep breath through your mouth, while simultaneously pressing firmly on the bottom of the canister. Hold your breath for five to 10 seconds, allowing the medication to be disbursed into your lungs. Remove the mouthpiece from your mouth and breathe normally. If your healthcare provider has recommended a second dose of medication shake the inhaler again and repeat steps three through six. Replace the cap of the mouthpiece after each use to keep dust and other particles from getting into it. (With COPD, infections are a common cause of COPD exacerbations. Promptly replacing the cap minimizes the bacteria that may be present on your mouthpiece. ) Rinse your mouth with water after you use the inhaler.
What Not to Do With Your Inhaler
When you’re still having trouble breathing even after using your bronchodilator inhaler, you may be tempted to use it again to give yourself a second dose (or third or fourth) of the medication. Despite the temptation, it’s important to stick with the dose prescribed by your healthcare provider. If you feel as if your medications need to be adjusted, call your healthcare provider.
Since inhalers are so commonly prescribed, and often work so well, people often don’t recognize how strong these medications actually are. Not strong, as in side effects, but strong as in dilating your airways. In recent years researchers have been trying to determine why the death rate for people with asthma has stayed relatively constant. Some healthcare providers believe that patients don’t realize how strong these medications are in the arsenal for breathing and treat themselves too long at home before reaching out for help. If you find yourself wishing you could repeat the dose of your inhaler, don’t. But make it a point to call your healthcare provider right away to see what she recommends.
There are several other things you shouldn’t do with your inhaler (or someone else’s):
Do not use your inhaler after the expiration date listed on the canister. Do not store or use your inhaler near heat or an open flame. (They can, and do, explode. )Do not use other people’s inhalers. (As noted above, bronchodilator inhalers are strong medicine. If you’re tempted to use a friend’s prescription, make an appointment with your healthcare provider instead. )Don’t skip using your inhaler if you can’t afford your prescription. There are several discount prescription programs available, and your healthcare provider may be able to provide you with free samples until you can get these less expensive medications. Ask. Keep this and all medications away from the reach of children.
Bottom Line on Bronchodilator Inhalers
Bronchodilator inhalers can be an important tool that helps you keep your COPD or asthma under control, but you need to learn to use them properly to have the most impact. A few minutes spent going over these steps—and, if necessary, discussing them with your care team—can pay major dividends for your health.
