Do you sometimes feel a little short of breath? Or maybe your doctor has told you to inhale a small amount of medicine through a small device because of a condition like asthma? Well, a device that is used to deliver medicine directly into the lungs is called a dry powder inhaler or `(Dry Powder Inhaler)`, which we call `(DPI)` for short. It does not push the medicine into your lungs, you have to take a deep breath and inhale the medicine. Today, we will talk in more detail about this `(DPI)` type called `Twisthaler®`.
What is a Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)?
Simply put, a DPI is a small, handheld device that contains a very finely powdered medicine. When you put the device in your mouth and inhale forcefully, the medicine goes directly through your airways into your lungs. The special thing about this is that, unlike the old metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), it does not use a propellant to push the medicine out. The speed and depth of your breathing determine whether the medicine goes in properly or not. Therefore, it is very important to breathe in a little harder and continuously when using this.
So what kind of `Twisthaler® DPI` is it?
Twisthaler® is one of those DPIs we talked about. It contains a steroid called mometasone. You may have heard your doctor call it Asmanex®, which is the brand name. Twisthaler® usually comes in two main strengths: a 110 microgram (mcg) gray pill, and a 220 microgram (mcg) pink pill. Your doctor will prescribe the right strength for your condition.
When you first buy a Twisthaler®, it comes in a foil packet. It is a good idea to take it out and write the date you started using it on the cap. This is because you can only use the Twisthaler® for 45 days from that date. Otherwise, it has a little counter called a ``dose counter'', and when the number reaches "0" it means you are out of medication. At that point, you should throw away the old one and start using a new one.
The way this counter works is also very easy. Every time you open the cap of the `Twisthaler®`, a number on the counter goes down. This means that it shows how many doses of medicine you have left to use. If the counter shows "00" it means that there is no medicine left. Then put it aside and get a new one.
How do you prepare the Twisthaler® for medication?
Okay, now let's see how to prepare this properly for use. It is very important to follow these steps exactly so that the medicine is absorbed properly.
1. First, hold the Twisthaler® straight in your hand.
2. Then, turn the white cap on top to the left (counter-clockwise).
3. As soon as you lift the cap, you will see a number decrease on that counter I mentioned earlier. That's when the next dose of medicine is ready.
It's very simple, isn't it? But don't panic when doing this, just do it once.
How do I inhale the medicine correctly?
This is the most important part . If you do this exactly, you will get the full benefit of the medicine. Is it good to listen carefully?
1. First, hold the Twisthaler® a little away from your mouth and exhale all the air in your lungs. It's like holding your breath for a moment and exhaling "Fu...".
2. Next, hold the Twisthaler® horizontally, i.e. parallel to the ground. Place the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips tightly around it. Remember, however, not to cover the two small ventilation holes with your lips. They should remain open.
3. Now the most important thing: Take a deep breath in, loudly and continuously, but not too quickly. Breathe in until your lungs are completely full. As if you were taking a deep breath and clearing your mind.
4. After inhaling, hold your breath for about 10 seconds. Count from one to ten in your mind, it will be easier. This is when the medicine is best absorbed into the lungs.
5. After ten seconds, remove the Twisthaler® from your mouth and exhale slowly.
6. Now clean the mouthpiece by wiping it with a clean, dry cloth or tissue.
7. Then put the cap back on, this time turning it clockwise to close it tightly. You should turn it until you hear a "click". It is very important to do this correctly, because that is when the next dose of medicine will be ready.
8. If your doctor has told you to take the medication more than once (for example, several puffs), you will need to repeat these steps from the beginning for each dose.
9. Finally, since this is a steroid, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water, gargle, and spit out the water. Never swallow the water. This is a must-do, or you may develop a fungal infection in your mouth, or your voice may become hoarse.
Important: You may not taste the medicine at all, or you may notice a very faint sweet taste. This is normal. This may be different from the inhalers you have used before. But if you follow the steps exactly as described, you can be sure that you will get the full dose of medicine.
How do I take care of my Twisthaler® DPI?
For this device to work properly, it is also very important to maintain it well.
- Always store your Twisthaler® at room temperature, in a dry place. Do not store in areas with high humidity, such as the bathroom.
- Never put it in water or wash it with water. If the medicine inside gets wet, it will not work.
- Do not shake the Twisthaler® or blow air into it.
- Although some types of inhalers use a spacer device or holding chamber, never use a spacer with the Twisthaler®.
- Remember, unlike other inhaled medications, you may not taste the medicine at all, or you may only feel a very slight sweet taste. This is normal. If you follow the instructions carefully, you will get the correct dose of medicine.
Final Take-Home Message
Okay, so we've talked a lot about the `Twisthaler®`, haven't we? Now let's remember this.
- The Twisthaler® is a Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI). This means that the medicine is delivered to the lungs by your breathing rate.
- Write the day you start using a new one on the cap. Get a new one in 45 days, or when the counter reaches "0".
- When taking the medicine, take a deep, long breath in. Then hold your breath for 10 seconds.
- Rinse your mouth and throat with water after each use and throw the water away. This is essential because this is a steroid medication.
- Keep the Twisthaler® in a dry place, do not immerse it in water, and do not shake it.
- If you have any further questions about this, don't hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist. They will help you.
If you follow these instructions carefully, the Twisthaler® will help you control your asthma-like breathing problems and stay healthy!
` Asthma, DPI, Twisthaler, Dry Powder Inhaler, Mometasone, Steroid Inhaler, Breathing Difficulty
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න