Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs)

Unlike MDIs, DPIs do not contain a propellant. Instead, they hold the medication in powder form that's released when you inhale through the mouthpiece. Inhaling forcefully and deeply is important with DPIs to disperse the powdered medication. No coordination is required between actuation and inhalation. However, some models still benefit from slow, deep inhalation.

Soft Mist Inhalers (SMIs)

SMIs work similarly to MDIs but utilize a different propellant system to create a soft mist of medication rather than an aerosol spray. Like MDIs, SMIs require coordination of actuating the canister and inhaling through the mouthpiece. They tend to deliver larger particle sizes that deposit mostly in the large airways rather than deep lung areas.

Nebulizers

Nebulizers are not technically inhalers but work on the same principles. Respiratory Inhalers They involve adding liquid medication to a nebulizer chamber that's connected to an air compressor. The compressor creates a mist of medication that's inhaled through a mouthpiece or face mask. Nebulizers are useful for very young children or patients who have difficulty using inhalers.

Importance of Inhaler Technique

How well you perform your inhaler technique directly impacts how much medication reaches your lungs to provide relief. Even slight deviations can reduce effectiveness significantly. For example, not exhaling fully before inhaling medication wastes much of the dose in your mouth rather than lungs. Not inhaling forcefully with DPIs leaves much of the powder in the device.

Common Mistakes with Respiratory Inhalers Use

Some common mistakes with inhalers include:

- Not priming the inhaler before the first use daily or after several days without use. This ensures a full dose is ready.

- Exhaling into the mouthpiece instead of away from it, which can deposit medication on the inside where future inhaled doses impact.

- Not holding your breath for at least 5-10 seconds after inhaling to allow deposition of the medication.

- Not inhaling forcefully or deeply enough through DPI mouthpieces.

- Not coordinating actuation and inhalation properly with MDIs and SMIs.

- Not cleaning devices regularly according to manufacturers' instructions.

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