Which device is used to deliver precise amounts of medication to the lungs during inhalation?

The metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is a device specifically designed to deliver a measured dose of medication directly to the lungs during inhalation. It consists of a pressurized canister containing medication and a propellant that allows for the medication to be aerosolized. When the user presses down on the canister, it releases a specific amount of medication in a fine mist that can be effectively inhaled into the lungs.

This method is beneficial for patients with respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as it allows them to receive their medication in a targeted manner, which enhances its effectiveness and minimizes systemic side effects. The proper technique involves coordinating the activation of the inhaler with inhalation to ensure optimal delivery of the medication deep into the pulmonary system.

Other devices mentioned, while useful for inhalation therapies, do not provide the precise dosing that an MDI offers. A spacer, for example, can be used with an MDI to enhance delivery by allowing the medication to be suspended in a chamber before inhalation, but it does not itself deliver the medication. A nebulizer creates a mist from liquid medication, but it usually delivers larger volumes of medication over a longer duration rather than a precise dose at the time