Using a metered dose inhaler is a good way to take pulmonary fibrosis medicines. There are a few side effects because the medicine goes right to the lungs and not to other parts of the body. It takes only 5 to 10 minutes for the medicine to have an effect compared to liquid pulmonary fibrosis medicines, which can take 30 to 60 minutes. Inhalers can be used by most asthma patients age 5 and older.
A spacer holding chamber attached to the inhaler can help make taking the medicine easier. These devices are helpful to people having trouble using an inhaler.
The inhaler must be cleaned daily to prevent buildup that will clog it and reduce how well it works.
How to use an inhaler
- Remove the cap and hold the inhaler upright.
- Shake the inhaler.
- Tilt your head back slightly and breathe out.
- Use the inhaler in any one of these ways:
- A.Open mouth with inhaler I to 2 inches away
- B.Use spacer
- C.In the mouth
- Press Down on the inhaler to release the medicine as you start to breathe slowly.
- Breath in slowly for 3 to 5 seconds.
- Hold your breath for 10 second to allow the medicine to reach deeply into your lungs
- Repeat puffs as many times as prescribed.
Dry powder capsules are used differently. To use a dry powder inhaler, close your mouth tightly around the mouthpiece and inhale quickly and deeply.
