MDI
Today, one effective way to treat your asthma and keep your symptoms at bay is by using a Ventolin inhaler. In case you don’t know, Ventolin is a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (MDI) designed to feature a plastic holder and a mouthpiece. When used the right way, an MDI can help you deliver a certain amount of your asthma medicine into your lungs, through your mouth. As the medicine gets to your lungs, it’ll help open up your airways, letting you breathe easier.
MDI inhalers are very important for patients who suffer from different respiratory health conditions, such as breathing difficulties related to asthma and COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
In the rest of this post, you’ll learn everything you should know about MDIs, especially the following:
- What exactly are the best ways to use your MDI (with or without a chamber)?
- How to take care of your inhaler blue device for the best results?
How does an MDI device work for asthma?
MDIs are designed to feature a small pressurised canister and a mouthpiece. Both the canister, which houses your asthma medicine, and the mouthpiece are connected to ensure you inhale the right dose of your medication.
To use your MDI, all you need is to press down your canister to release the right dose of the medicine. Through the mouthpiece, you’ll breathe in the released mist of asthma medicine into your lungs. The secret to getting the best out of your inhaler is simple – “you need to use your device correctly”.
Today, there are many options when it comes to using your blue inhaler asthma device. You can always use your device with or without a valved holding chamber.
Effective ways to use your Ventolin Inhaler (UK) with a valved holding chamber
A valved holding chamber is a type of device that you can attach to your MDI’s mouthpiece. With this device, you can easily deliver your asthma medication directly into your lungs. Before using a new MDI, priming is the first important factor to consider. Priming is vital regardless of whether or not you’re using a valved holding chamber.
Priming is a process of spraying one or more puffs of your asthma medication into the air. Doing this before using ventolin inhalers will help you better understand whether or not the new inhaler is ready to use.
That said, for you to use your MDI device with a valved holding chamber, below are a few steps you can follow for the best results:
- Remove the cap from the blue inhaler asthma device or MDI.
- Next, you need to shake the medicine thoroughly and consider priming.
- After that, consider inserting the inhaler blue device into the chamber’s open end, which is opposite the mouthpiece.
- Next, you need to position the device’s mouthpiece in between your teeth. After that, proceed by closing your lips around the mouthpiece for a tight seal.
- Next, consider breathing out
- Now, you need to press the canister of the MDI and breathe in slowly with your mouth. Do this for 10 seconds to ensure the medicine gets to the right place, which is your lungs.
- That’s all about using an MDI correctly with a chamber. Depending on the number of puffs prescribed by your doctor, you can repeat the process for each puff.
- Once you’re done, all that remains is to replace the MDI’s cap.
Effective ways to use your Ventolin Inhaler without a chamber
What if you don’t have a valved holding chamber to use with your MDI? It’s simple; you can still use your MDI device correctly without an MDI. To do this, all you need is to follow the steps below:
- Remove the cap on your MDI and shake thoroughly. Read more about priming to ensure your inhaler blue device is working correctly.
- Next, consider breathing out completely.
- After this, position the MDI’s mouthpiece in between your teeth and then use your lips to seal the device appropriately.
- Now, you need to push down the canister top once and breathe in slowly. As usual, do this for 10 seconds to ensure your asthma medication gets deep into your lungs.
- If you need to take more puffs, repeat the entire process for each puff advised by your doctor.
Best practices for cleaning your MDI device
To clean your MDI device the right way, below are a few steps you can follow:
- Start by removing the canister from your Ventolin inhaler’s plastic casing. After that, you need to also remove the mouthpiece cap.
- Next, consider rinsing the plastic casing appropriately by using warm running water.
- Air-dry the casing overnight. Of course, you need to have a spare inhaler blue device at home in case of any emergency.
- Once the casing has air-dried, replace the canister in the appropriate position. Next, test and be sure the device is working correctly. Do this by pressing the canister to release a single puff into the air.
- Lastly, consider replacing the mouthpiece cap.
