Actionsets help people take an active role in managing a health condition.  Asthma: Using a metered-dose inhaler

Introduction

Diseases affecting the lungs—such as asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)—share many of the same medicines. These medicines are often delivered through a metered-dose inhaler (MDI).

Key points

Using an MDI:

  • Delivers most of a measured dose of medicine directly to your lungs.
  • Can help keep your symptoms under control and may help prevent long-term damage to your lungs.
  • May prevent or decrease 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.

What? - What is the medical information or key concepts related to the action? What is a metered-dose inhaler?
Why? - Why the action is important? Why should I use a metered-dose inhaler?
How? - Learn the steps involved in taking action. How to use a metered-dose inhaler
Where? - Other resources and organizations that can help you take action Where to go from here

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Author: Paul LehnertLast Updated: April 28, 2005
Medical Review:

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