Your child could use his asthma inhaler incorrectly



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Photo: BSIP / UIG via Getty Images

The correct use of an inhaler for asthma is a complex process in several stages. If you do not do it just rightyou can not get the full benefit of the drugs, which could worsen the asthma or give the impression that the medicine does not help.

Unfortunately, as Dr. Perri Klass writes for the New York Times, a new study shows that many patients are not taking their asthma medications properly. In particular, neither children nor adults wait for the necessary minute between each puff.

How to properly use an inhaler for asthma

1. Remove the cap and shake the inhaler for three to five seconds. Connect the inhaler to the spacer. The spacer is a chamber located between the inhaler and the patient's mouth, which keeps the drug in suspension and facilitates its inhalation. Dr. Francine M. Ducharme, a professor of pediatrics and preventive and social medicine at the University of Montreal, said at times, children and adults should use a spacer "to make sure that the drug is properly inhaled into the lungs rather than deposited in the mouth.

2. Exhale completely and properly place the mouthpiece or mask around your mouth forming a tight seal.

3. Release the medicine from the inhaler by pressing the cartridge and inhale slowly and deeply through the spacer. (If your spacer has a whistle function, you do not do not want to hear the whistle; hissing means you inhale too fast.) Hold your breath for 10 seconds and exhale again.

4. Wait a minute before repeating the process.

5. Rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after each use.

Even if you have taught your child the proper method of inhalation – and even if you think he's mastered the technique – you must continue to monitor him whenever possible to make sure he's there. do not take a shortcut.


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