Did you know...

• Approximately 500 Canadians die each year as a result of asthma.
• There are over 60,000 admissions to Canadian hospitals for treatment of asthma.
• Over 12,200 children under the age of 18 are hospitalized annually for asthma in Ontario. 
• In Ontario, asthma is the leading cause of hospital admission for children.
• Approximately 5% of the Canadian population 12 years of age and older takes medication for asthma.

General Asthma Facts

• Effects 15 million people worldwide.
• More than 1 million Canadians of asthma.
• Approximately 10 million have asthma in the United States.
• There are now over 440 million inhalers used each year

Metered Dose Inhalers (MDI)

• Metered does inhalers, or MDI, or puffers, deliver a precise does of medication to the airways when used appropriately.

• Breathe out to the end of a normal breath Position the mouthpiece end of the inhaler about 2-3 finger widths from your mouth, Open your mouth widely & tilt your head back slightly
• Or you can close your lips around the mouthpiece Start to breathe in slowly, then depress the container once
• Once you have breathed in fully, HOLD your breath for 10 seconds or as long as you can
• If you need a second puff, wait 1 minute and repeat the steps

Care of a Metered Dose Inhaler (puffer)

Suggested:
Keep the inhaler clean. Once a week, remove the medication canister from the plastic casing and wash the plastic casing in warm, soapy water. When the casing is dry, replace the medication canister in the casing and place the cap on the mouthpiece.   Ensure that the hole is clear. Check the expiry date. Check to see how much medication is in the inhaler.

• The Allergy and Asthma Information Association www.cadivision.com/allergy/aaia.html
• The Asthma Crusaders asthmacrusaders@aol.com
• Canada Post www.canada-shops.com/stores/theazmate
• The Lung Association www.lung.ca
• Asthma Stuff e-commerce solution www.asthmastuff.com