Which instruction will the nurse include when teaching a patient to use a dry powder inhaler (dpi)?

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1. Follow your device instructions to load the medication dose. Multi-dose inhalers are preloaded with medication, which you typically prepare with a click of the device. Single-dose inhalers use separately packaged capsules that you drop into the chamber.
2. Stand or sit up straight and breathe out completely. Emptying your lungs is one of the most important steps.
3. Put the mouthpiece into your mouth, close your lips tightly around it and breathe in quickly and forcefully.
4. Take the DPI out of your mouth, hold your breath for 5-10 seconds, then exhale slowly.
5. If your treatment plan calls for a second dose, reload and repeat the steps.
6. When using a capsule device, open the chamber and check to see if the powder has been fully inhaled. If you see remaining powder, close the device, exhale fully, close your mouth around the mouthpiece and inhale again. When the capsule is empty, remove and discard it.
7. Close the device and store in a dry place. Do not wash with water; use only a dry cloth to wipe the mouthpiece.

• Do not open the device until you are ready to use it. • Never open or swallow the capsule – always use it with its matching DPI
• Do not shake the DPI.
• Do not use a holding chamber or spacer with a DPI.
• With most DPIs, the mouthpiece should be pointed up or held horizontal when using in order to not dump the medication after loading.
• Rinse your mouth after using, if instructed by your physician.
• Multi-dose devices have an indicator to alert you to the number of doses remaining, or when the device is almost empty.
• General instructions are that you should not allow your DPI to get wet. The mouthpiece should be wiped regularly with a clean, dry cloth.
• Inhaling the dry powder may cause some people to cough; talk with your doctor if this happens.

Resources from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the NIH

How to Use a Dry Powder Inhaler:
English Version

How to Use a Dry Powder Inhaler:
Spanish Version

National asthma guidelines suggest using a daily symptom diary. This could be Allergy & Asthma Network’s AsthmaTracker™. It helps you keep track of symptoms, peak expiratory flow rates, and medications used.

What is an AsthmaTracker?

The AsthmaTracker™ can help you track how well your symptoms respond to your treatment plan. You write down your symptoms, peak expiratory flow rate and medication use each day. This will help you notice a pattern to your symptoms. With this you can develop strategies to stop the symptoms before they can stop you.

What is a peak flow meter?

A peak flow meter is a handheld device that measures the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). This is how much air you can forcibly push out of your lungs at a particular time.

Asthma Storylines – an app for managing asthma

The free Asthma Storylines app is a self-care tool for managing asthma. Track symptoms, learn more about daily patterns and record topics to discuss with your healthcare team.