Understanding Your Breo Ellipta Inhaler
Breo Ellipta is a dry powder inhaler (DPI) prescribed for the long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The medication it delivers is a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone) and a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (vilanterol), which works to reduce inflammation and relax the muscles around the airways. Proper technique is essential for ensuring the medication reaches your lungs, where it is most needed.
Unlike metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), dry powder inhalers like the Breo Ellipta are breath-activated. This means there is no need to press a button and time your inhalation. The dose is released as you breathe in. It's important to remember that this device should never be shaken. The Breo Ellipta features a convenient dose counter, so you always know how many doses remain.
How to Administer Breo: A Step-by-Step Guide
Following these simple steps precisely will ensure you receive the correct dose of your medication every time.
Step 1: Open and Prepare the Dose
To start, hold the inhaler upright. Slide the cover down until you hear a distinct 'click' sound. This action prepares a single dose of medication for inhalation. As the cover slides down, the dose counter on the side will decrease by one number. Do not slide the cover open and shut without inhaling, as this will waste a dose.
Step 2: Exhale Away from the Inhaler
Before bringing the mouthpiece to your mouth, turn your head away from the device and breathe out fully and gently. Do not breathe into the inhaler, as this can affect the dry powder and prevent it from being properly inhaled.
Step 3: Inhale the Medication
Place the curved mouthpiece firmly between your lips and close your lips tightly around it to form a good seal. Ensure your tongue or teeth do not block the mouthpiece. Make sure your fingers do not block the air vents on the side of the inhaler. With your head tilted slightly back, take one long, steady, and deep breath in through your mouth. Do not breathe through your nose.
Step 4: Hold Your Breath
After removing the inhaler from your mouth, hold your breath for at least 3 to 4 seconds, or for as long as is comfortable. This allows the dry powder to settle deep into your lungs for maximum effect.
Step 5: Breathe Out and Close the Inhaler
Breathe out slowly and gently, away from the device. Slide the cover upwards as far as it will go to cover the mouthpiece and close the inhaler. You will hear a 'click' when it is securely closed.
Step 6: Rinse Your Mouth
Because Breo contains a corticosteroid, it is vital to rinse your mouth with plain water after using the inhaler. Gargle and spit out the water. Do not swallow it. This step helps prevent a fungal infection in the mouth and throat called oral thrush.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Common Mistake | Correct Action |
|---|---|
| Not exhaling first | Always exhale fully and gently, away from the inhaler, before bringing it to your lips. |
| Not sealing lips tightly | Form a firm seal with your lips around the mouthpiece to prevent medication from escaping. |
| Blocking air vents | Hold the inhaler so your fingers don't cover the small air vents on the sides. |
| Forgetting to rinse | Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after each dose to prevent oral thrush. |
| Not holding breath | Hold your breath for at least 3-4 seconds to allow the medicine to settle in your lungs. |
| Using for rescue | Breo is for maintenance; use a separate rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms. |
| Shaking the device | Do not shake the Breo Ellipta, as it is a dry powder inhaler. |
Breo vs. Other Inhaler Devices
It's important to understand how Breo compares to other inhaler types you may use. Knowing the differences ensures you use each device appropriately.
| Feature | Breo Ellipta (DPI) | Advair (DPI/HFA) | Albuterol (Rescue MDI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) | Dry Powder (DPI) or HFA | Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI) |
| Frequency | Once daily, for maintenance | Twice daily, for maintenance | As needed, for rescue |
| Mechanism | Breath-activated | Breath-activated (Diskus) or button-pressed (HFA) | Button-pressed; requires coordination |
| Purpose | Long-term control of asthma/COPD | Long-term control of asthma/COPD | Relief of sudden symptoms |
| Rinse Mouth | Yes, to prevent oral thrush | Yes, contains corticosteroid | No, unless combination with steroid |
| Shake Before Use | No | Yes, with HFA version | Yes, typically |
Maintenance and Monitoring
Proper care and monitoring are part of effective inhaler use. Here are some key points:
Checking the Dose Counter
Your Breo Ellipta has a dose counter on the side. The numbers will count down with each use. When the counter shows fewer than 10 doses remaining, the number will turn red. Once the counter reaches zero, the inhaler is empty and should be discarded.
Cleaning Your Inhaler
The inhaler should be kept dry at all times. If you need to clean the mouthpiece, simply wipe it with a clean, dry tissue. Do not wash the inhaler with water or use any liquid cleaners, as this can damage the device.
Conclusion
Mastering how to administer a Breo inhaler is a crucial step towards effective management of respiratory conditions. By following the simple, step-by-step process of opening, inhaling, holding your breath, and rinsing your mouth, you can ensure that the medication is delivered correctly to your lungs. Paying attention to common mistakes and understanding the differences between your Breo and any rescue inhalers will further improve your treatment outcomes and overall lung health. For more information and resources on respiratory health, you can visit the American Lung Association.
