Using an AeroChamber® With Inhaled Medication

Many medicines are available as inhaled treatments. Inhaled methods deliver medicine directly to the airway, which is helpful for lung diseases. The patient and healthcare provider can choose from a variety of delivery systems for inhaling medication.

The metered dose inhaler (MDI) consists of a pressurized canister of medicine in a plastic case with a mouthpiece.  The AeroChamber® consists of a plastic tube with a mouthpiece, a valve to control mist delivery and a soft sealed end to hold the MDI.  The holding chamber assists delivery of medicine to the small airways in the lungs.  This increases the medicine's effectiveness.  Its portable size, efficiency and convenience make the MDI a desirable method for inhalation treatment.

How To Assemble the AeroChamber®

1. Remove the caps from the mouthpiece on the inhaler and on the AeroChamber®. Look for foreign objects in the AeroChamber®.
2. Put the inhaler mouthpiece into the wider rubber-sealed end of the AeroChamber®.
    
3. Shake the inhaler and AeroChamber®. This mixes the medication properly.

Taking an Inhaled Treatment:

1. Gently breathe out.
2. Put the mouthpiece in your mouth between your teeth and close your lips around it.
3. Press the inhaler once. The medication will be delivered into the AeroChamber®.
4. Breathe in slowly and deeply over 3 - 5 seconds. If you breathe in too fast, the AeroChamber® may whistle.
5. Hold your breath for up to ten seconds. This allows the medication time to deposit in the airways.
6. Resume normal breathing.
7. Repeat steps 1 - 6 when more than one puff is prescribed.

Cleaning and Care for the Aerochamber®

Step 2

1. Clean the AeroChamber® once a week or sooner if needed. Regular cleaning will prevent powder accumulation inside the AeroChamber®.
2. Remove the back rubber piece for the AeroChamber®.
3. Soak both parts for 15 minutes in lukewarm water with liquid detergent. Move gently in the water. The AeroChamber® is not dishwasher safe .
4. Rinse in clean water.
5. Shake off excess water. Do not rub dry.
6. Air dry in a vertical position.
7. Replace the back rubber piece when the unit is completely dry and ready for use.

This information has been approved by Ann Mullen, R.N., M.S., AE-C  and David Tinkelman, MD (January 2008).