How to use an asthma inhaler

The pMDI inhaler is the standard inhaler recommended for patients with asthma. It’s also commonly referred to as a ‘puffer’. Using a pMDI inhaler is very simple.

1. Remove the cap from the mouthpiece (you may need to squeeze the sides of the cap to release it)
2. Check the dose counter (if applicable)
3. Hold the inhaler upright and shake it well
4. Gently exhale to empty your lungs
5. Place the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips to form a tight seal. Do not bite down on the mouthpiece
6. Start to breathe in slowly through your mouth while simultaneously pressing down firmly on the canister
7. Continue to breath in slowly and deeply for the remainder of the breath
8. Hold your breath for around 5 seconds, or as long as feels comfortable
9. Remove the inhaler and then gentle and slowly exhale
10. If an additional dose is needed, repeat the steps listed above and then replace the cap

An Accuhaler may look quite different to a pMDI inhaler but using it should still be simple to do.

1. Hold the Accuhaler with one hand, placing the thumb of your other hand on the thumb grip. Push it around until it clicks to open the inhaler
2. Check the dose counter to make sure you have medication available
3. Slide the lever down until it clicks to load the medication
4. Exhale gently (away from the mouthpiece)
5. Place your mouth over the mouthpiece and take a deep, steady breath through your mouth (not your nose)
6. Remove the Accuhaler and hold your breath for 10 seconds
7. Close the Accuhaler by placing your thumb into the grip and sliding it back around until the cover clicks back into place
8. If an additional dose is required repeat steps as necessary

The Easi-Breathe inhaler looks very similar to the pMDI inhaler and is just as simple to use.

1. Shake your inhaler up and down between 3 and 5 times
2. Holding your inhaler upright, open the cap covering the mouthpiece
3. Exhale away from the inhaler and place the mouthpiece into your mouth, sealing your lips firmly around it
4. Be careful not to cover the air holes in the top of the device with your fingers, breathe in slowly and deeply until your lungs feel full. You’ll hear a click and feel the dose, but should continue breathing until you have taken a deep breath
5. Remove the device from your mouth, and hold your breath for up to 10 seconds before breathing out slowly
6. Replace the cap
7. If you require an additional dose, repeat steps as necessary

An Autohaler is breath-activated, meaning you don’t need to rely on hand-breath coordination to successfully administer the treatment.

1. Remove the cover from the mouthpiece
2. Shake your Autohaler well
3. Holding the inhaler upright, push the lever up until it clicks into place
4. Exhale away from the inhaler and then place the mouthpiece into your mouth and seal your lips firmly around it
5. Breathe in slowly and steadily until you hear a click and feel a puff of medicine in your mouth.
6. With the Autohaler still in your mouth, hold your breath for 10 seconds
7. Remove the Autohaler and exhale fully
8. Press the lever down and replace the cap over the mouthpiece
9. If a further dose is required, repeat steps as necessary

As its name suggests, the Easyhaler is designed to be simple to use.

1. Remove the cap and shake the Easyhaler up and down between three and five times
2. Hold the device upright between your thumb and forefinger
3. To prepare the dose, press down once on the coloured button with your forefinger until you hear a click, then release
4. Exhale away from the Easyhaler as far as you comfortably can
5. Place the mouthpiece into your mouth and seal your lips around it
6. Breathe in as quickly and deeply as you can until your lungs are full
7. Remove the Easyhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds
8. Breathe out slowly
9. If you need a second dose, wait 30 seconds and then repeat steps as required