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Inhaler with an Aerochamber® - Respiratory Therapy HF#6841

Respiratory



 




Inhaled medicines are often delivered by using a device called a metered dose inhaler.  The metered dose inhaler is a small aerosol canister in a plastic holder that delivers a burst of medicine directly to the lungs. 

 

An Aerochamber® makes it easier for you to use the inhaler.  It makes sure that the right amount of medicine gets into the lungs.  The purpose of the Aerochamber® is to hold the medicine released from the inhaler so that you have time to inhale it into your lungs. 

 

Preparing the Inhaler and Aerochamber® for Use

 

Prime the inhaler by shaking the inhaler for 5 seconds.  Then, spray 4 puffs into the air away from your face.  Your inhaler should be primed before the first use or if you have not used it regularly in 2 weeks. 

 

How to Use Your Inhaler and Aerochamber®

 

  1. Remove the mouthpiece caps from the Aerochamber® and the inhaler.
  2. Put the inhaler mouthpiece into the larger end of the Aerochamber®.
  3. Shake the inhaler and Aerochamber® well.  This mixes the medicine properly.
  4. Tilt your head back slightly and gently breathe out to empty your lungs of air.
  5. Put the Aerochamber® mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.
  6. Squeeze the inhaler once to release one puff.  The medicine will be delivered into the Aerochamber®.
  7. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth over 3-5 seconds.  If you are not able to take a single deep breath, you may take 3 or 4 slow deep breaths.  
  8. Hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as you can to allow the medicine to reach all of the areas of your lungs.
  9. Remove the Aerochamber® from your mouth and breathe out.
  10. Resume normal breathing.
  11. Wait 1 minute between puffs, or as prescribed by your doctor.   
  12. Repeat steps 3 through 11 for more puffs.

 

 

How to Use an Aerochamber® and Mask with Your Child's Metered Dose Inhaler

 

  1. Remove the mouthpiece caps from the Aerochamber® and the inhaler.
  2. Put the inhaler mouthpiece into the larger end of the Aerochamber®.
  3. Shake the inhaler and Aerochamber® well.  This mixes the medicine properly.
  4. Support your child in a sitting position with the child's chin tilted up slightly.
  5. Gently place the mask over your child's mouth and nose.  Squeeze the inhaler once to release a puff of medicine into the Aerochamber®.
  6. Continue to hold the mask over your child's mouth and nose for several breaths (5-6).  You should see the flap valve inside the spacer open slightly with each breath.
  7. Remove the mask from your child's face.
  8. Wait 1 minute between puffs, or as prescribed by your doctor. 
  9. Repeat steps 3 through 6 for more puffs.

 


Important Metered Dose Inhaler Facts

 

  1. Store your inhaler at room temperature.
  2. If you are using a steroid inhaler, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after each use.  If you are giving your child a steroid inhaler using the Aerochamber® with mask, wipe their face with warm water and have them rinse their mouth if possible.
  3. Check the expiration date stamped on the inhaler canister occasionally.
  4. Each inhaler has a certain amount of puffs or "actuations".  If your inhaler does not have a counter on it you will need to figure out how many puffs you use a day.  Then, mark it on a calendar so you know when to start a new inhaler. 

 

Cleaning the Inhaler and Aerochamber®

 

Once a week, use a dry cotton swab to clean the opening where the puff sprays out of the inhaler.  Do not put the inhaler in water.  Wash the Aerochamber® with dish soap and warm water weekly.  Rinse with warm water and air dry on a clean towel. 

The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #6688.

 

 



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 09/29/2012

Copyright © 09/29/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6841

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