Living Well With COPD | Page 13

Instructions for Using an MDI With a Holding Chamber If you have difficulty using the MDI, your doctor may prescribe a holding chamber with a mouthpiece or a mask. It includes a tube that attaches to your MDI. This may help you more easily use the MDI. Before using your MDI with a holding chamber: • Read the specific instructions that came with it. • Follow the priming directions carefully. • Follow the cleaning directions carefully. • Wash the holding chamber or spacer according to the instructions. 1 5 SLOW, DEEP BREATH SHAKE WELL STEP 1: Take the cap off your MDI. Check for and remove any dust, lint, or other objects. Shake the MDI well, if patient instructions recommend it. 2 ATTACH MDI STEP 5: Take a SLOW, DEEP breath through your mouth. Breathe in as much air as you can. Try to completely fill up your lungs. If you inhale too fast, some holding chambers will give a whistling sound. It means you are not doing the procedure correctly. 6 STEP 2: Attach the MDI to the holding chamber. HOLD BREATH STEP 6: Remove the mouthpiece from your mouth. Hold your breath for 10 seconds. If you cannot hold your breath for 10 seconds, hold your breath as long as you can. 3 EXHALE FULLY STEP 3: Sit up straight, or stand. Exhale fully, emptying your lungs as much as possible. 4 7 WAIT 1 MINUTE, SHAKE PRESS DOWN STEP 4: Put the mouthpiece of the holding chamber in your mouth. Close your lips around the mouthpiece and make a tight seal. Press down on the MDI to put one dose of medicine in the chamber. NEVER load more than one dose into the chamber. STEP 7: If you need another dose of medicine, wait 1 minute. After 1 minute, shake the inhaler again if patient instructions recommend it. Repeat steps 3 through 6. 8 RINSE IF CORTICOSTEROID STEP 8: Remove the MDI from the chamber. Recap both devices. If your medicine is an inhaled corticosteroid, rinse your mouth with water after your last puff of medicine. Spit out the water – DO NOT SWALLOW IT. 11