Asthma Care: Proper Inhaler Use

Using an inhaler seems simple, but most people don’t use it correctly.  When it is used the  wrong way, less medicine gets to the lungs.  To use an inhaler, asthmatics should: 

1. Shake the inhaler.  
2. Breathe out all the way.  
3. Hold inhaler one to two inches in front of mouth.   
4. Breathe in slowly through mouth and press down on inhaler one time. 
5. Hold breath and count to 10. 

If using a spacer or holding chamber, first press down on inhaler, then wait five seconds before breathing in.  (Spacers allow the medicine to get deep into the lungs.  They are usually recommended for children.)