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How to Use a Metered Dose Inhaler

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Get to Know Your MDI

MDI parts, photo courtesy of A.D.A.M.

Parts of a Metered Dose Inhaler

A.D.A.M.
It's essential that you know how to use your metered dose inhaler correctly. If you don't practice the correct technique, then you could end up not getting your full dose of medicine. When that happens, you might notice your asthma control is not where it should be. The steps in this tutorial will help you get the most out of your metered dose inhaler.

Break It Down

First, you need to understand the different parts of your metered dose inhaler. Depending on the type of medicine your doctor has prescribed, your inhaler may or may not look exactly like the one pictured on the pages of this tutorial. However, all metered dose inhalers contain these main parts:

  • Metal canister that contains your medicine
  • Plastic tube called a mouthpiece
  • Plastic cap that fits over the end of the mouthpiece

The canister has a pointy tip that fits into a hole in the mouthpiece. When you press down on the end of the canister, it's like pushing down on the tip of a spray can. Medicine sprays out through the mouthpiece.

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