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How to Use a Metered Dose Inhaler

by Kathleen MacNaughton, R.N.
for About.com

Updated: July 31, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

6 of 10

Exhale Slowly

Photo courtesy of A.D.A.M. (exhale slowly)

Exhale Slowly

A.D.A.M.
Once you've held your breath for a count of ten (or as close to that as you could), open your mouth and exhale slowly and completely. Following this step and the one before it helps to ensure that you get the medicine to travel deeply into the smallest of your airways, the alveoli that are deep in your lungs. That's where the medicine will do the most good.
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