W 05,06 Inhaler Technique

Question 1

Inahaler technique and how to take 2nd dose?

Answer 1

Remove cap (some must be squeezed at the sides to release)

Check inside and outside of the inhaler including the mouthpiece for the presence of loose objects.

Check the dose counter (if the device has one).

Hold the inhaler upright between fingers and thumb with your thumb on the base, below the mouthpiece.

Shake the inhaler well to ensure loose objects are removed and that the contents of the inhaler are evenly mixed.

Breathe out as far as is comfortable gently (away from inhaler).

Put the mouthpiece between teeth (without biting) and close lips to form a good seal.

Start to breathe-in slowly through your mouth and at the same time press down firmly on the canister.

Continue to breathe in slowly and deeply.

Hold breath for about 5 seconds or as long as comfortable.

While holding breath, remove the inhaler from your mouth.

Breathe out gently (away from inhaler).
If more than one dose is needed, wait about half a minute, and repeat all steps starting from step 3.

Replace cap.

Question 2

How to Test your inhaler?

Answer 2

Before using for the first time or if your inhaler has not been used for a week or more remove the mouthpiece cover by gently squeezing the sides of the cover, shake the inhaler well, and release two puffs into the air to make sure that it works.

Question 3

What is the General Inhaler Cleaning Instruction (Puffers (standard MDIs)?

Answer 3

A standard puffer consists of a plastic case or holder with a cap, and a metal canister. The plastic case needs to be cared for differently depending on the type of medication you are using the puffer for. The metal canister does not need to be cleaned

Question 4

Corticosteroid-containing preventer medication (e.g. Flixotide, Seretide, Symbicort)

Answer 4

These puffers need to stay dry, so must never be washed. Remove the mouthpiece cover. Do not remove the canister from the plastic casing.
Wipe the inside and outside of the mouthpiece with a dry cloth or tissue.

Question 5

Dry powder inhalers

Answer 5

Dry powder inhalers include Accuhaler, Breezhaler, Ellipta,Spiromax and Turbuhaler.
These inhalers need to stay dry, so must never be washed. The mouthpiece can be wiped with a dry tissue if needed.

Question 6

Accuhaler Resources for demonstrating and revision:

Answer 6

Check dose counter
Open cover (use thumb grip)
Load dose: keep device horizontal while sliding lever until it clicks (Do not shake)
Breathe out gently (away from inhaler)
Place mouthpiece in mouth (without biting) and close lips to form a good seal. (Keep inhaler horizontal)
Breathe in steadily and deeply
Hold breath for about 5 seconds or as long as comfortable
While holding breath, remove inhaler from mouth
Breathe out gently (away from inhaler)
Close cover to click shut
If more than one dose is needed, repeat all steps starting from step 2

Question 7

How we use Turbuhaler?

Answer 7

Unscrew and remove cover
Check dose counter
Keep inhaler upright while twisting grip at the base: twist around and then back until click is heard
Breathe out gently (away from inhaler)
Place mouthpiece between teeth (without biting) and close lips to form a good seal. (Do not cover the air vents)
Breathe in strongly and deeply
Remove inhaler from mouth
Breathe out gently (away from inhaler)
If more than one dose is needed, repeat all steps starting at step 3
Replace cover

Question 8

How you use Breezhaler?

Answer 8

(Never wash)
Remove cap.
Tilt the mouthpiece to open.
Remove capsule from blister and place in chamber.
Close the mouthpiece until it clicks.
Press side piercing buttons in once and release. (Do not shake.)
Breathe out gently (away from inhaler).
Put the mouthpiece between your teeth (without biting) and close lips to form good seal.
Breathe in rapidly and steadily, so capsule vibrates.
Continue to breathe in as long as comfortable.
Hold breath for about 5 seconds, or as long as comfortable. While holding breath, remove inhaler from mouth.
Breathe out gently (away from inhaler).
Open mouthpiece and remove used capsules.
If more than one dose is needed,* repeat all steps starting from step 3.
Close mouthpiece and cap.
Tips
Always close the inhaler after use
(Never wash) you get new breezhaler device with repeats

Question 9

How to take your Spacer care?

Answer 9

Clean your spacer before you use it for the first time and then about once a month
It’s not unusual for your spacer to look a bit cloudy
Wash your spacer in warm water with kitchen detergent and allow to air dry without rinsing
Drying with a cloth or paper towel can result in electrostatic charge (‘static’) on the inside of the spacer, which make the medication stick to the sides
Wipe the mouthpiece clean of detergent before use
Spacers should be checked by your doctor, pharmacist or nurse every 6-12 months to check the structure is intact (e.g. no cracks) and the valve is working.