The inhaler administration method is critical when managing asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the workplace. According to the National Asthma Council Australia, using your inhaler correctly is critical for effectively controlling your condition.
Different types of inhalers require specific techniques, whether you use a standard puffer, a dry powder inhaler, or other medication delivery devices. Proper technique ensures the right amount of medicine reaches your lungs, improving symptom control and reducing the risk of side-effects.
This guide provides essential information for employees and employers on how to use, maintain, and troubleshoot inhaler devices in the workplace setting. When it’s important when you have asthma or COPD to manage your condition effectively, especially during working hours, understanding proper inhaler usage can make a significant difference in your quality of life and workplace productivity.
How to Use an Inhaler Device: Checklist for Inhaler Administration Method
You play a crucial role in managing your asthma. Promptly report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider and designated employer contacts.
Proper inhaler technique is essential and includes:
- Priming the inhaler if it has not been used for the first time or hasn’t been used for a while, referring to the instructions that came with your inhaler.
- Shaking the device before use to properly mix the medication
- Breathing in slowly and deeply after pressing the puffer
- Holding your breath for about 5 seconds or as long as comfortable
- Exhaling passively away from the inhaler
Regularly inspect your inhaler and spacer for faults or malfunctions. If you notice any issues, such as a non-functioning inhaler or damaged spacer, report them to your supervisor immediately.
How to Use A Spacer and MDI
A spacer helps more of the medicine reach your lungs when using a metered dose inhaler (MDI or puffer). To properly use a spacer with your metered dose inhaler:
- Assemble the spacer according to the instructions in the package.
- Remove the cap and shake the inhaler upright.
- Insert the mouthpiece of the inhaler into the end of the spacer
- After usage, clean your inhaler and the inside of the spacer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If your child uses a spacer, they might need to use a face mask attached to the spacer for proper delivery.
Common Inhaler Medication Misuse
It’s important to be aware of common inhaler misuse patterns. Incorrect inhaler techniques can lead to ineffective medication delivery and potentially dangerous health consequences. Here are some specific examples of inhaler misuse to watch out for:
- Failing to shake the inhaler before use: Many puffers require shaking to properly mix the medication. Employees who skip this step may not receive the full dose.
- Poor coordination of breath and inhaler actuation: Proper inhaler use requires inhaling slowly and deeply while simultaneously pressing down on the canister. Employees who struggle with this coordination may not inhale the medication effectively.
- Inhaling too quickly or forcefully: Inhaling too quickly or forcefully can cause the medicine to hit the back of the throat instead of reaching the lungs. This can lead to reduced effectiveness and oral side-effects.
- Not holding the breath after inhalation: Holding the breath for 5-10 seconds after inhaling allows the medication to settle into the lungs. Employees who exhale too quickly may not receive the full benefit.
Incorrect Breathing Techniques
Incorrect breathing patterns, such as rapid inhalation with metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) or slow breaths with dry powder inhalers (DPIs), can reduce medication delivery. Failing to exhale fully before inhaling wastes lung capacity, while pressing the canister too early or late misses the ideal timing for medication release. Not lifting the chin slightly can also hinder efficient delivery of medicine to your lungs.
|
Error |
Impact |
Correction |
|
Fast MDI inhalation |
Reduced deposition |
Slow, steady breaths |
|
Incomplete exhalation |
Wasted lung capacity |
Exhale fully before inhaling |
|
Mistimed actuation |
Medication waste |
Press canister at inhalation start |
Maintain deep, steady breaths for 3-5 seconds with MDIs and rapid inhalations with DPIs. Slightly lift the chin to open airways, ensuring ideal medication delivery during an asthma emergency.
Dose Variability Risks
Inconsistent inhaler technique can lead to significant dose variability risks. When you don’t use your inhaler correctly, the measurement and calculation of medicine actually reaching your lungs becomes unpredictable. This can result in either under-treatment (not getting enough medicine) or potential overdosing.
Factors affecting dose delivery include:
- Not keeping the inhaler upright during usage
- Improper closing of lips around the mouthpiece
- Incorrect timing of pressing the puffer while breathing in
- Storing inhalers improperly, affecting medicine potency
Unlike other medication forms like sublingual, rectal, topical, or nasal applications where the medicine delivery process might be more straightforward, inhaled medications require precise technique. The variability in dosing can be particularly concerning with corticosteroid inhalers, where consistent dosing is crucial for effective long-term management of asthma and COPD.
Oral Infection Risks
Incorrect inhaler use at work can lead to preventable oral health issues like thrush, dry mouth, and tooth decay. Poor technique leaves medication residue in the mouth, promoting fungal growth and inflammation. Sharing poorly cleaned spacers also spreads infection.
If your inhaler contains a steroid medication, it’s especially important to rinse your mouth with water and spit after each use to reduce the risk of oral thrush. This is often forgotten in workplace settings where access to facilities might be limited. Proper mouth rinsing is not just good practice—it’s essential for preventing complications from long-term inhaler use.
Improving Inhaler Technique
Improving how you use your inhaler is crucial for managing asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease effectively. Your healthcare provider can show you how to use your specific type of inhaler correctly during consultations, but regular technique reviews are essential.
Steps for improving your inhaler technique include:
- Ask for a demonstration from your healthcare provider or pharmacist who can show you how to use your particular device properly.
- Use a mirror to practice and observe your technique at home before needing to use it at work.
- Consider asking a colleague or workplace first aid officer to check your technique occasionally.
- If you struggle with coordination, ask your doctor about easier to use alternatives or about adding a spacer device.
- Regularly review the instructions that came with your inhaler, as technique can be forgotten over time.
If you find using standard inhalers difficult, discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider. Some people find breath-actuated inhalers easier to use as they automatically release medicine when you breathe in through the mouthpiece. Others might benefit from nebulisers that convert liquid medication into a fine mist for easier inhalation through a face mask or mouthpiece.
Equipment Maintenance and Cleaning
Proper maintenance of your inhaler and any accessories like spacers is vital for effective asthma and COPD management. To clean your inhaler and accessories properly:
- Check the canister regularly to ensure it’s not empty by floating it in water (a full canister will sink, while an empty one will float).
- Wash plastic mouthpieces and spacers in warm soapy water weekly, rinsing thoroughly and allowing to air dry without wiping to prevent static that can affect spray distribution.
- Keep track of expiry dates on your medication and request replacements before they expire.
- Store inhalers at room temperature, away from extreme heat or cold which can affect medication efficacy.
- Clean the inside of the spacer monthly according to manufacturer instructions to prevent build-up that could affect medicine delivery.
For dry powder inhalers, never wash the device as moisture will affect the powder medication. Instead, wipe the mouthpiece with a dry cloth and keep the cap on when not in use. Some inhalers have dose counters that show when they’re running low – make sure to check these regularly in the workplace setting to avoid running out of medication during work hours.
Preventative Measures for Asthma Management
Managing asthma and COPD in the workplace goes beyond just knowing how to use your inhaler correctly. Preventative strategies are essential for minimising symptoms and reducing reliance on relief medications.
Key preventative measures include:
- Identifying and avoiding workplace triggers such as dust, chemicals, or cold air.
- Taking preventer medications consistently as prescribed, even when feeling well.
- Maintaining an updated Asthma Action Plan and sharing it with designated workplace contacts.
- Using appropriate protective equipment in environments with known triggers.
- Arranging your workspace to minimise exposure to potential asthma triggers.
Regular measurement of peak flow using a peak flow meter can help track your lung function and identify early warning signs of worsening asthma. This can be particularly useful in workplace settings where environmental triggers might be present. Consider keeping a daily log of readings to help identify patterns related to workplace exposures.
The National Asthma Council Australia recommends a proactive approach to asthma management rather than relying solely on reliever medications when symptoms occur. This includes regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to review medication needs and adjust your Asthma Action Plan as necessary.
Workplace Support for Asthma Management
Creating a supportive workplace environment for employees with asthma or COPD is essential for their wellbeing and productivity. Employers can take several steps to ensure proper management of these conditions:
- Provide dedicated storage for emergency medications in accessible locations.
- Ensure multiple colleagues are trained in recognising and responding to asthma emergencies, including the use of reliever medications.
- Maintain a register of employees with asthma or COPD and their emergency contacts.
- Include asthma emergency response in workplace first aid protocols.
- Consider environmental modifications to reduce common asthma triggers in the workplace.
First aid training specifically for asthma and anaphylaxis is an invaluable investment for any workplace. This training should include recognising symptoms, assisting with inhaler or auto-injector use, and emergency procedures if symptoms don’t improve.
For comprehensive workplace first aid training that includes asthma emergency management, consider enrolling your workplace in specialist training. These courses ensure your workplace is prepared to handle respiratory emergencies effectively and can potentially save lives during critical situations.
FAQs
How do I know if I'm using my inhaler correctly?
Your doctor, pharmacist, or asthma educator can check your technique. Signs of incorrect use include medication tasting in your mouth, not feeling relief of symptoms, or experiencing more side effects than expected.
Do different types of inhalers require different techniques?
Yes, each type of inhaler requires a specific technique. Metered dose inhalers (puffers) require slow, deep breaths, while dry powder inhalers need quick, forceful inhalation. Always follow the specific instructions for your device.
How can I tell when my inhaler is empty?
Some inhalers have dose counters. For those without counters, keep track of how many doses you’ve used based on the manufacturer’s stated number of doses per inhaler. Never float test inhalers with HFA propellants as this method isn’t reliable for these devices.
