Breathing Problems: Using a Metered-Dose Inhaler Introduction
Back to top Diseases affecting the lungs—such as asthma,
emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD)—share many of the same medicines. These medicines
are often delivered through a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). Using
an MDI: - Delivers most of a measured dose of medicine directly
to your lungs. - Can help keep your symptoms under control and
minimize long-term damage to your lungs. - May prevent or reduce
side effects of the medicine. - May let you use less medicine
than is found in a pill but get the same effect. - May result in
the medicine working faster than a pill form. A metered-dose
inhaler (MDI) is a handheld device that delivers a measured dose
of medicine directly to your lungs. The medicine is usually in
an aerosol form. Using a spacer with an MDI is the most
efficient way to get the most medicine to your lungs. A spacer
functions as a "holding" area for the medicine before you
inhale. Using a spacer wit