Dosing aerosol

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A metered dose aerosol is a portable inhaler that can be used to inhale medication in a controlled manner. They are used in particular for asthma but also for other lung diseases. It depends on the correct application - otherwise the effect will fizzle out. Read here how to use a metered dose aerosol correctly.

Dosing aerosol for asthma and COPD

Dosing aerosols are used to administer active substances to those with lung disease by inhalation. They are mainly used for asthma (acute and long-term therapy), which is why the devices are also known as "asthma spray". They are also often used by COPD patients.

In the case of the metered aerosol, the active ingredient is in an aluminum container the size of a cork. This in turn is in a plastic tube. The drug entered the airways through a mouthpiece. These include anti-inflammatory drugs (glucocorticoids) or drugs that relax the constricted bronchi (beta-2 sympathomimetics).

Dosing aerosol: application

The use of a metered aerosol is in principle straightforward. First of all, you need to shake it so that the active ingredients are evenly distributed in the aluminum container. Then pull the protective cap off the mouthpiece and exhale. So that the active ingredient can get as deep as possible into the lungs, you should straighten your upper body and tilt your head slightly back. Take the mouthpiece between your lips and breathe in slowly and deeply through it. At the same time, press the container down in the plastic tube, which releases a puff of spray.

Then hold your breath for about 10 to 20 seconds and then breathe out slowly through your nose. Then put the protective cap back on the mouthpiece.

Dosing aerosol: differences

In addition to the classic dosing aerosols, there are now some with a so-called spacer. This is an inhalation aid that is attached to the mouthpiece. Their advantage is that the triggering of the spray and the inhalation can take place independently of one another, since the active ingredient remains in the spacer.

The Autohaler, on the other hand, is a metered dose aerosol that is tensioned with a spring before use. This means that the device automatically triggers the spray when you inhale. The same application takes place with the Easi-Breathe, but here there is no pre-tensioning.

Dosing aerosol: Risks

Always make sure that your metered dose aerosol still contains a sufficient amount of the active ingredient. A small display on the outside provides information about this.

Always keep your metered dose aerosol clean and, above all, clean the spacers that are used thoroughly after use.

Shake the device before each puff so that the correct amount of active ingredient is dosed per puff.

If you have any questions about your metered dose aerosol or its use, ask your doctor for advice.

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