Using A Metered-dose Inhaler (MDI)
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Introduction
Diseases affecting the lungs—such as asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)—share many of the same medications. These medications are often delivered through a metered-dose inhaler (MDI).
Key points
Using an MDI:
- Delivers most of a measured dose of medication directly to your lungs.
- Can help keep your symptoms under control and may help prevent long-term damage to your lungs.
- May prevent or decrease side effects of the medication.
- May let you use less medication than is found in a pill but get the same effect.
- May result in the medication working faster than a pill form.
What are a metered-dose inhaler and a spacer?
Why should I use a metered-dose inhaler?
How to use a metered-dose inhaler
Where to go from here
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| Last updated: | June 16, 2006 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Ken Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology |
| Editors: | Katy E. Magee, MA, Pat Truman |
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