When to check your inhaler technique
It may be time to check you are using your inhaler correctly if:
- Taking your inhaled medicine doesn’t seem to improve your breathing
- A mist of medicine particles comes out of the top of the inhaler when you use it
- A mist of medicine particles comes out of your mouth when you breathe out after using your inhaler
- Taking your inhaler medicine is felt mostly on your tongue.
- You have been prescribed a new inhaler device
- You haven’t had your delivery device technique checked in the last 12 months, face to face by a health professional.
The steps for using an inhaler correctly differ between brands. Each time you start a new inhaler device, or your medicine is changed, or a new medicine is added, ask your health professional to show you how to use your inhaler correctly.
Who can check my inhaler technique?
If you are not sure that you are using your inhaled medicines properly, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. They can show you how to use your inhalers and other devices, check your technique, or recommend a different type of device for you. It is important to make sure they review your technique at least every year. If you are using more than two inhalers, talk to your doctor about the possibility of reducing the number you need to use. This can often be done without changing the type of medicine inside the inhaler device.