Breathing problems: Using a metered-dose inhaler

Why should I use a metered-dose inhaler?

Using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is beneficial because:

• It provides a puff of medicine in an accurate, measured dose.
• It can help keep your symptoms under control and minimize long-term damage to your lungs.
• When an MDI is used effectively, most of the medicine is delivered directly to your lungs and does not travel throughout the body. This may prevent or decrease side effects in the rest of your body.
• You may be able to use less medicine than is found in a pill but get the same effect.
• The medicine may work faster than a pill.

Test Your Knowledge

1. An MDI may help avoid side effects of medicine.

1. True
2. False

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS Cynthia Tank	Last Updated: May 8, 2008
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Ken Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology
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