Inhaler Counselling

Question 1

Confirm the following

Answer 1

ID, DOB
Why were they prescribed an inhaler
What are they prescribed
-reliever
-preventer
-combination

What is their understanding of their treatment

Question 2

SABA key info and SE

Answer 2

This is your reliever inhaler
It is used to relieve sudden asthma attacks
It works by relaxing the airways

Main SE
-fine tremor in you hands
-feeling anxious
-palpitations
-muscle cramps

Question 3

ICS key info and SE

Answer 3

This is your preventer inhaler
-it helps reduce the swelling in your airways and stops them from tightening up, making it difficult to breathe
-even if you don’t have symptoms, it’s important that you use this every day. You’re not getting symptoms because you are doing well to control your asthma

Main SE
-sore throat or mouth
-hoarse voice
-cough
-oral candida
REMIND PATIENT TO RINSE MOUTH AFTER ICS USE

Question 4

Inhaler technique

Answer 4

Clean hands
Check which inhaler it is
Check EXP
Look at remaining doses
Shake inahler to mix aerosol and medication

Stand or sit up straight
Hold in dom hand
Open lid to check the inside is clean
Deep breath out
Tight seal with your lips around the mouthpiece
Inhale gently and press down on inhaler to release dose
Remove inhaler, hold breath for 10s
Breathe out

If repeat doses, wait 30s between doses

Question 5

Use of a spacer
-technique
-care

Answer 5

This is a spacer. This is easier to use, it requires less coordination than the inhaler alone. So when you’re very unwell, this can help you get the medication down into your airways where it can act

Prepare the inhaler as explained
Attach inhaler mouthpiece to spacer
Breathe out gently until lungs feel empty
Place lips around spacer mouthpiece to create a seal
Release 1 puff
Breathe normally in and out 10 times through the spacer

Repeat if additional doses prescribed

Should be washed with warm soapy water once a month and left to airdry
-don’t wipe dry as static can cause drug particles to stick to the side

Question 6

Closing the consultation

Answer 6

If they are having difficulty breathing, are wheezy and are not responding to their reliever inhaler, please call 999 for urgent medical attention

PIL