Mdis

MDIs can refer to several concepts, depending on the field. The two most common meanings are metered-dose inhalers in medicine and multi-document interfaces in computing.

Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) are portable devices that deliver a specific amount of medication as an aerosol with each actuation. They use a propellant to aerosolize the drug, allowing it to be inhaled into the lungs. Doses are pre-measured, and many inhalers require priming when new or unused for a period. Common therapeutic agents delivered by MDIs include relief medications for asthma and COPD (such as short-acting bronchodilators) and controller medications (like inhaled corticosteroids), sometimes in combination with other agents. Proper technique is essential for effective delivery; patients may use spacers to improve deposition or reduce throat irritation. Dosing and frequency vary by medication and condition, and instructions typically emphasize slow, deep inhalation, followed by a breath-hold. Side effects can include throat irritation, cough, or tachycardia, and incorrect use is a frequent source of reduced efficacy. Environmental concerns have led to changes in propellants (from older chlorofluorocarbons to hydrofluoroalkanes), and some patients are steered toward alternative inhaler types such as dry powder inhalers.

Multi-document interfaces (MDIs) are a software design concept in which a single parent window contains multiple child documents or sub-windows, allowing users to work on several documents within one application frame. This approach was common in earlier desktop environments; users could switch among documents within the same window, sometimes via an internal tab or list. MDIs can improve context retention but may introduce window management complexity, leading to the preference for single-document interfaces or tabbed layouts in modern applications. Other uses of the acronym MDIs exist in specialized domains, so context is important.