How to use an asthma inhaler

If you have asthma, you may need to use one or more asthma medications to manage the condition. It is important that you use your asthma inhaler correctly to get the full benefit of the medication you are taking.

Most people with asthma, however, do not use the correct technique.

What is an asthma inhaler?

Most asthma medicines are inhaled through the mouth using an inhaler or puffer. There are several types and the device you use will depend on your age, how your lungs work and which device you find easiest to use. A doctor, pharmacist or nurse should show you how to take your asthma medicine.

Some medicines are breathed in directly from the inhaler; others are breathed in through a ‘spacer’ — you puff the medicine into a container and breathe through a mouthpiece at the other end.

This increases the amount of medicine that reaches the small airways of the lungs.

Most children over 4 can use a small spacer and puffer. Babies and children under 4 may need a face mask.

(The videos below and more can be found on the NPS MedicineWise YouTube page.)

Metered dose inhalers (puffers)

A puffer, or a metered dose inhaler, is the most common type of inhaler. Using it with a spacer will get more medicine into the lungs.

Tips for correct use

• Shake the inhaler before use.
• Breathe out fully.
• Hold the inhaler in the right position.
• Breathe in deeply as you puff the medicine into your mouth, then hold your breath for as long as possible (and for at least 5 seconds).
• Make sure you shake the inhaler in between puffs.

Autohalers

An Autohaler is an alternative way to take some asthma medicines. The inhaler is activated by breathing in.

Tips for correct use

• Make sure you hold the inhaler in the right position.
• Breathe out fully before you breathe in, and continue to breathe in after you hear the click.
• Try not to breathe out into the inhaler and replace the cap after use.
• Make sure you shake the inhaler in between puffs.

Other types of inhaler (dry powder inhalers)

There are many other types of inhaler. These include the Accuhaler, Turbuhaler, HandiHaler, Ellipta and Genuair. These inhalers all come with instructions. A doctor or nurse should teach you how to use them.

Tips for correct use

• Make sure you do not tilt the inhaler while you are loading the dose.
• Breathe out fully before you breathe in, and make sure you breathe in with a strong, complete breath.
• Do not breathe out into the inhaler.
• Make sure you close the inhaler after you use it.

Check list for good usage

• Ask a health professional to demonstrate how to use your inhaler and check your technique.
• Make sure the inhaler is not past its expiry date.
• Make sure your inhaler is not empty.
• If you are using a spacer, make sure it is clean — visit the Australian Asthma Handbook for recommendations on how to clean a spacer.