What are Breath-Actuated Inhalers?
Inhalers that release medication when you breathe in through them are termed as breath-actuated inhalers. Breath-actuated metered-dose inhalers combine the advantages of MDIs, such as mobility and the ability to hold several doses, while overcoming the major shortcoming of pMDIs – the need for coordination. Simply breathe in to activate the breath activated metered-dose inhaler, which will then release the medication in calculated dosage amounts. This type of asthma inhaler has been proven to be the easiest to use by individuals both in hospitals and at home.
How to use BAIs?
This is a general guide on using a breath-activated metered-dose inhaler. Your specific inhaler’s instructions may differ to some degree.
- Shake the mouthpiece for five seconds after removing the cap. This is necessary to ensure that you receive the complete and correct dose of medication.
- Lift the lever while holding the inhaler upright. If required, prime your inhaler.
- Exhale completely while keeping your mouth away from the spacer.
- Lift your chin slightly and gently place the mouthpiece, enclosing it tightly with your lips.
- For about five seconds, carefully inhale through your mouth. A puff of medicine will be released. Fill up your lungs with the maximum capacity of air and hold your breath for 10 seconds.
- Exhale slowly.
- Close the lever.
Steps 3 through 7 can be repeated as many times as necessary to achieve the correct dose as directed by your doctor. Although these are commonly followed procedures, it is always recommended to consult your doctor before using inhalers and reach out to him or her for any related questions.
Advantages of BAIs
Portable and convenient- Easy to carry and fit anywhere. Has a comfortable shape to fit in hand and mouth.
Simple to use- Easy to use mechanism; simply place it on the mouth and breathe in. Suitable for all ages as there is no coordination involved.
Minimized coordination errors- BAI minimizes coordination errors; the well-researched and effective hand-breath-triggering mechanisms work seamlessly and there is only minimal inhalation force required to trigger the device.
Closed system- A closed internal system ensures no dust or unwanted particles enter the airway of the patient.
Easy-to-read dose counter- Ensures the patient knows how many doses are available and when they must be refilled.
How to clean
While inhalers don’t require much care, it’s still necessary to keep them clean, because these are devices that you will use virtually every day. If you’ve recently had a respiratory infection, cleaning your inhaler is vital. Cleaning is advised once a week for pressurized metered-dose inhalers. You can clean the mouthpiece by removing the cap and wiping the inside and outside with a clean, dry cloth. The mouthpiece cap can be replaced after it has been cleaned. The metal canister should not be removed from the actuator, nor should any part of the inhaler be washed or soaked in water, as this may cause damage to the device.
Cleaning spacers begins with gently turning and drawing the two halves apart, followed by rinsing the two halves in clean water or a soap solution. It is recommended that spacers be replaced every six months.
