An inhaler is a handheld device that turns asthma medicine into a spray.
Suffers of asthma may also use a spacer. A spacer is a holding chamber shaped like a football or tube. It makes it easier and more effective to take asthma medication from an inhaler.
Infants and young children can place a plastic facemask over the mouth and nose to inhale the medicine. Older children may use a smaller mouthpiece.
How to use an inhaler
Follow the steps below to use an inhaler. If required you can assist someone in using their inhaler in the same way.
Step 1
Remove the inhaler cap.
Step 2
Shake the inhaler well.
Step 3
Breathe out away from the inhaler.
Step 4
Place the mouthpiece between teeth and seal lips around it. Press down once firmly on the inhaler top to release 1 puff, while breathing in slowly and deeply.
Step 5
Remove inhaler from mouth. Hold breath for 4 seconds or as long as comfortable.
Step 6
Breathe out slowly away from the inhaler.
How to use a spacer with an inhaler
Follow the steps below to use a spacer. If required you can assist someone in using their spacer and inhaler in the same way.
Step 1
Remove the inhaler cap.
Step 2
Shake the inhaler well.
Step 3
Assemble the spacer by inserting inhaler upright into spacer.
Step 4
Place the mouthpiece between teeth and seal lips around it. Breathe out gently, into the spacer.
Step 5
Press down once firmly on the inhaler to fire 1 puff into spacer. Breathe in and out normally for 4 breaths.
Step 6
Remove spacer from mouth and breathe out gently. If more than one dose is needed, remove inhaler from spacer and repeat all steps starting from Step 2.
