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Asthma

Asthma Treatments

Inhaler image  How Do I Use an Inhaler?
Inhaled medication has to get into your lungs to work.  Your health care provider will show you these steps to follow in using your inhaler:  
  
  • Remove the cap and shake the inhaler.
  • Breathe out.
  • Hold the inhaler as instructed.
  • Breathe in slowly through your mouth as you press down on the inhaler.
  • Keep breathing in slowly and deeply.
  • Hold your breath for 10 seconds.  Breathe out.
  • Repeat as instructed.
Some people have trouble using an inhaler the right way.  Your health care provider can give you a spacer (or holding chamber) or a nebulizer to make it easier for you to take your medication.  A spacer or holding chamber attaches to your inhaler. It helps direct the medication into your lungs.
 
  • Attach the spacer or holding chamber to your inhaler.
  • Shake well.
  • Press the inhaler button to release a puff of medicine into the spacer or holding chamber.
  • Breathe out, and then breathe in slowly and deeply on the mouthpiece.
  • Hold your breath for 10 seconds, and then breathe out.
  • Repeat as instructed.

Source:  Mayo Clinic

 
Last Reviewed: November, 2006