How to Use a Metered-Dose Inhaler - Medical Animation
This animation may only be used in support of a single legal proceeding and for no other purpose. Read our License Agreement for details. To license this image for other purposes, click here.
How to Use a Metered-Dose Inhaler - Medical Animation
MEDICAL ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT: People who have lung conditions like asthma or COPD often take their medications using a handheld device called a metered-dose inhaler or MDI. A metered-dose inhaler sprays medicine through your mouth so that it can reach your airways. If you're inhaler is not used the right way, some medicine may not enter your mouth or some may remain in the back of your mouth, either way it may not reach your airways where it is needed. This video will show you the general steps for using an inhaler correctly. It's important to follow the instructions that came with your metered-dose inhaler. A metered-dose inhaler has three main parts, the mouthpiece cover, the plastic sleeve with the mouthpiece, and the medicine container. Before using your metered-dose inhaler, remove the mouthpiece cap and shake the inhaler. If this is the first time you are using your inhaler or if you haven't used it in a while, you may need to prime it. Check the instructions for how and when to do this with your inhaler as they can differ depending on the type of inhaler and medicine. When you are ready to use your inhaler, stand or sit up straight. Breathe in deeply and breathe out completely to empty your lungs. After shaking the inhaler, put the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it to form a tight seal. As you breathe in through your mouth, press down firmly on the top of your inhaler to release one puff of medicine. Keep breathing in slowly through your mouth for three to five seconds until your lungs are completely full. It is recommended to hold your breath for approximately 10 counts. Finally, breathe out slowly through your mouth. If your medicine dose requires two puffs, you may need to wait before taking the second puff. Follow the instructions that came with your inhaler to know how long to wait between puffs. After using a steroid inhaler, rinse out your mouth with water and spit it out. It's important to keep your inhaler clean so that it works properly. Check your inhaler's instructions for the right way to clean it. Proper use of your metered-dose inhaler may help you control the symptoms of your lung condition. If you have questions about the use of your inhaler, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Ask them to watch you use your inhaler to see if you are using it properly.
"I wanted to take some time out to let you know what a wonderful job you did
with the 'collapsed lung/fractured rib' illustrations. They were both
detailed and accurate. My medical expert was comfortable working with them
and he spent at least an hour explaining to the jury the anatomy of the
lungs, the ribs and the injuries depicted in the illustrations. Needless to
say, the jury was riveted to the doctor during his testimony.
The jury returned a verdict for $800,000.00 and I'm sure we would not have
done so well if not for the visualizations we were able to put forth with
your assistance. Lastly, my special thanks to Alice [Senior Medical
Illustrator] who stayed late on Friday night and patiently dealt with my
last minute revisions."
Daniel J. Costello
Proner & Proner
New York, NY
"For us, the defining feature of effective demonstrative evidence is
whether, by itself, the piece will tell the story of the case. Medical legal
Art provides our firm with illustrations and animations that are clear and
persuasive. Their exhibits tell the story in a way that allows the jury to
understand a very complex subject, very quickly."
James D. Horwitz Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder, P.C. Bridgeport, CT
"Our firm was able to settle our case at an all day mediation yesterday and
I am confident that the detail and overall appearance of the medical
illustrations significantly contributed to the settlement. When we require
medical illustrations in the future, I will be sure to contact [MLA]."
Noel Turner, III
Burts, Turner, Rhodes & Thompson
Spartanburg, SC
"For modern audiences, it is absolutely essential to use medical
demonstrative evidence to convey the severity and extent of physical
injuries to a jury. Your company's high quality illustrations of our
client's discectomy surgery, combined with strong expert testimony, allowed
the jury to fully appreciate the significance of our client's injuries.
We are very pleased with a verdict exceeding $297,000.00, far in excess of
the $20,000.00 initially offered by the defendant. The medical demonstrative
evidence provided by Medical Legal Art was an asset we could not have
afforded to have been without."
Medical Legal Art creates medical demonstrative evidence (medical
illustrations, drawings, pictures, graphics, charts, medical animations,
anatomical models, and interactive presentations) for use during legal
proceedings, including research, demand letters, client conferences,
depositions, arbitrations, mediations, settlement conferences, mock jury
trials and for use in the courtroom. We do not provide legal or medical
advice. If you have legal questions, you should find a lawyer with whom you
can discuss your case issues. If you have medical questions, you should seek the advice of a healthcare provider.