Metered Dose Inhalers for Asthma
What is a metered dose inhaler with an Aerochamber with mask?
Inhaled asthma medications are often delivered by using a device called a metered dose inhaler, or "MDI." The MDI is a small aerosol canister in a plastic holder that delivers a burst of medication directly into the lungs.
To help make it easier for your child to use the MDI and ensure that the right amount of medication gets into the lungs, your child may be using an Aerochamber spacer with mask with the MDI. The purpose of the Aerochamber is to hold the medication released from the MDI so that your child has time to inhale it into his/her lungs. Adults can also use the Aerochamber, especially if they have problems using the MDI.
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How Does my Child Use a Metered Dose Inhaler With an Aerochamber and Mask?
Directions for using the metered dose inhaler with Aerochamber and mask are given below. Read these instructions before using the device. Your asthma care team will also teach you and your child how to use these devices.
To use the MDI and Aerochamber with mask:
- Remove the caps from the MDI and Aerochamber.
- Shake the canister well.
- Insert the MDI into the back end of the Aerochamber.
- Place the mask over your child's nose and mouth, making sure there is a good seal.
- Press down firmly on the canister to release one puff of the medication into the Aerochamber.
- Hold the mask firmly in place while your child takes at least six breaths.
- Wait one minute.
- Repeat steps two through seven for each puff of medication ordered.
- When treatment is complete, remove the MDI from the Aerochamber.
- If using this device with an MDI that contains a steroid, wash your child's face with soap and water after use to remove any medication. If possible, also rinse your child's mouth with water.
How Do I Care for a Metered Dose Inhaler With an Aerochamber and Mask?
Clean the Aerochamber every other day. If you are not using it often, you may only need to clean it once a week. Let it air dry, and store it in a clean, dry place when you're not using it.
How Do I Know When a Metered Dose Inhaler Is Empty?
The number of puffs contained in your child's metered dose inhaler is printed on the side of the canister. After your child has used that number of puffs, you must discard the inhaler even if it continues to spray. Keep track of how many puffs your child has used.
If your child uses an MDI every day to control his or her asthma symptoms, you can determine how long it will last by dividing the total number of puffs in the MDI by the total puffs your child uses every day. For example, if your child's MDI has 200 puffs and he uses four puffs per day, divide 200 by four. In this case, your child's MDI would last 50 days. Using a calendar, count forward that many days to determine when to discard your child's MDI and begin using a new one.
If your child uses an inhaler only when he needs to, you must keep track of how many times your child sprays the inhaler. If you prefer, you can obtain a device that "counts down" the number of puffs each time your child presses the inhaler. Ask your child's doctor for more information on these devices.
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