how can I use the inhaler correctly?

Question

I was diagnosed with strep throat and put on antibiotics. Then, it moved to my sinuses and I got short of breath if I even walked around.

The doctor changed the antibiotic and gave me an inhaler because I registered in the 300 point range, below the 400 point range of what I should register on the air meter for my age and height.

I tried to use the inhaler and it is like all the medication shoots into my tongue and won't go down my throat.

Any advice on how to get it to work correctly??
What am I doing wrong? I never used one before.
Thanks.

Answer 1

Stand up straight. Take a deep breath, then blow it out forcefully. Place the inhaler nozzle in your mouth and close the lips around it tightly. Tilt it toward the roof of your mouth (rather than resting it on your tongue), and when you depress the canister (press it sharply, not softly) draw in a deep breath at the same time. Hold your breath to the count of 5, then exhale slowly.

Answer 2

OK...never put an inhaler in your mouth or on your lips. not that it is harmful, but as you say it all ends up on your tongue and cheeks. first and best way to use an inhaler is to use a spacer....try googling aerochamber. this is a type of spacer to use and on one of the websites is a tutorial. Second best thing to do is to put the spacer the width of two fingers away from your mouth, to where it is not touching you at all. Then exhale completely and pump the inhaler and inhale deeply at the same time. It may seem that some of the medicine stays in the air, but think about it. when you put it in your mouth it stays in your mouth, then goes to your stomach. Is it doing you any good in your stomach??? NO!! so theres my advice, i hope it helps

Answer 3

Put the open edge between your lips, close your lips on it tightly, press the inhaler, at the same time exactly take a deep breath. Keep the breath for a while before u exhale.

Answer 4

Don't put the end all the way into your mouth. Maybe this is what you're doing wrong. Place the end between your lips, push down on the canister and inhale slowly.

There's a picture at nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002210.htm

Answer 5

you need to shake the inhaler up and down(on the long axis) several times to distribute the medicine. press the inhaler for a puff, and at the same time, deeply inhale. hold the breath as long as you can, then, slowly exhale; repeat the process.

Answer 6

Inhale deeply as you actuate the inhaler. Use your stomach muscles to inhale not your chest so it will go deeper in your lungs.

Answer 7

well 1st you have to shake it completely, then point it to your throat take a deep breath, exhale and skwirt, in hale the medication and hold your breath for a few seconds.

Answer 8

I added you because I am not on my office...........covering for someone else at their office..........as soon as I get back will give you info on somehting natural that you may want to check out................it is a plant that has helped many not have to use the inhaler and it helps maintaining a healthier immune system!!

Answer 9

Here are some links w/ directions:
http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/002210.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002210.htm
http://www.principalhealthnews.com/topic/inhaleradult

If these don't help you, please ask your pharmacist or call your doctor's office. A pharmacist is more likely to be available over the weekend.

Answer 10

Pretend that you're gasping for air.