Don't rush this step!
How to Use a Metered Dose Inhaler With a Spacer
By Kathleen MacNaughton, R.N., About.com
Updated: December 5, 2006
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD
Once you've held your breath for a count of 10 (or as close to that as you could) after using the spacer and MDI, 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.
Index: How to Use a Metered Dose Inhaler With a Spacer
- Get to Know Your MDI
- Getting Ready to Use Your MDI With Spacer
- Setting Up Your MDI and Spacer
- Breathe In Through the Spacer for the First Puff
- Hold Your Breath After Using the MDI With Spacer
- Exhale Slowly After Using the MDI / Spacer
- Repeat Steps 1 Through 6 As Needed
- Keep Everything Working With Your Spacer and MDI
- Make Sure You Don't Run Out of Medicine!
Learn More About MDIs
MDI FAQsTips for Mastering MDIsAll About MDIs (Master Resource)
More MDI How To's
How to Use an MDI Without a SpacerHow to Use an MDI With a Mask
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