How to Use a Metered-Dose Inhaler - Medical Animation
This animation may only be used in support of a single legal proceeding and for no other purpose. Read our License Agreement for details. To license this image for other purposes, click here.
How to Use a Metered-Dose Inhaler - Medical Animation
MEDICAL ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT: People who have lung conditions like asthma or COPD often take their medications using a handheld device called a metered-dose inhaler or MDI. A metered-dose inhaler sprays medicine through your mouth so that it can reach your airways. If you're inhaler is not used the right way, some medicine may not enter your mouth or some may remain in the back of your mouth, either way it may not reach your airways where it is needed. This video will show you the general steps for using an inhaler correctly. It's important to follow the instructions that came with your metered-dose inhaler. A metered-dose inhaler has three main parts, the mouthpiece cover, the plastic sleeve with the mouthpiece, and the medicine container. Before using your metered-dose inhaler, remove the mouthpiece cap and shake the inhaler. If this is the first time you are using your inhaler or if you haven't used it in a while, you may need to prime it. Check the instructions for how and when to do this with your inhaler as they can differ depending on the type of inhaler and medicine. When you are ready to use your inhaler, stand or sit up straight. Breathe in deeply and breathe out completely to empty your lungs. After shaking the inhaler, put the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it to form a tight seal. As you breathe in through your mouth, press down firmly on the top of your inhaler to release one puff of medicine. Keep breathing in slowly through your mouth for three to five seconds until your lungs are completely full. It is recommended to hold your breath for approximately 10 counts. Finally, breathe out slowly through your mouth. If your medicine dose requires two puffs, you may need to wait before taking the second puff. Follow the instructions that came with your inhaler to know how long to wait between puffs. After using a steroid inhaler, rinse out your mouth with water and spit it out. It's important to keep your inhaler clean so that it works properly. Check your inhaler's instructions for the right way to clean it. Proper use of your metered-dose inhaler may help you control the symptoms of your lung condition. If you have questions about the use of your inhaler, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Ask them to watch you use your inhaler to see if you are using it properly.
"Our practice involves medical negligence cases exclusively. We have six
attorneys and one physician on staff. We have used Medical Legal Art's
staff for every one of our cases over the past 12 years and have found their
services to be extraordinary. The transformation of medical records into
powerful graphic images has without fail been handled expertly,
expeditiously and effectively translating into superb results for our
clients, both in the courtroom and in settlement. Every case can benefit
from their excellent work and we unqualifiedly recommend their services.
They are the best!"
Chris Otorowski
Morrow and Otorowski
Bainbridge Island, Washington
www.medilaw.com
"The Doe Report's Do-It-Yourself Exhibits program enables easy customization
of complex medical exhibits at a reasonable expense and in a timely manner.
Practically speaking, custom medical exhibits are no longer an unthinkable
luxury, but a routine necessity."
Jack S. Cohen
Levy, Angstreich, Finney, Baldante & Coren
Philadelphia, PA
"This past year, your company prepared three medical illustrations for our cases; two in which we received six figure awards; one in which we received a substantial seven figure award. I believe in large part, the amounts obtained were due to the vivid illustrations of my clients' injuries and the impact on the finder of fact."
Donald W. Marcari
Marcari Russotto & Spencer, P.C.
Chesapeake, VA
"Medical Legal Art has always performed quality and efficient work. The
doctors that review the exhibits are always amazed at the precise
descriptions and drawings."
Michael Beckman
Viles Law Firm, P.A.
Fort Meyers, FL
Medical Legal Art creates medical demonstrative evidence (medical
illustrations, drawings, pictures, graphics, charts, medical animations,
anatomical models, and interactive presentations) for use during legal
proceedings, including research, demand letters, client conferences,
depositions, arbitrations, mediations, settlement conferences, mock jury
trials and for use in the courtroom. We do not provide legal or medical
advice. If you have legal questions, you should find a lawyer with whom you
can discuss your case issues. If you have medical questions, you should seek the advice of a healthcare provider.
