How to Use an Asthma Inhaler

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Do you have asthma? Or does your child have asthma? If so, you've read the paper inside your (or your child's) prescription. Is it difficult to read? Just read these simple and accurate directions to use an inhaler properly.

Steps

1. You need an inhaler. Or which ever inhaler your doctor prescribed for you. (or your child)
2. Make sure your mouth is clean and clear. You do not have to brush your teeth. You just have to clear whatever is in your mouth. Which means you can not take your inhaler while chewing gum or chewing any other object or food in your mouth. Also if you just ate, clean your mouth with a napkin.
3. Place your index finger on top of the metal canister. Don't press hard or you'll waste a dose.
4. Place your thumb on the bottom of the inhaler with the index finger still on top the metal canister, not pressing hard. Keep that position.
5. Take off the cap from the mouth piece.
6. Shake the inhaler. Don't shake it too hard. Or the canister will fly off.
7. Exhale one time.
8. Place the mouthpiece in between your lips.
9. Press the metal canister with your index finger firmly. While inhaling once.
10. Once you've inhaled once, take your finger off the canister and remove it from your mouth.
11. Hold your breath for at least 10 seconds, and exhale.
12. If your doctor prescribed another dose. Repeat steps 3-12
13. When you are done, close the mouthpiece with the cap and place the inhaler in a dry area.

Tips

• Some inhalers can cause hoarseness and candiasis - it can be useful to rinse out your mouth with water after taking your inhaler
• If a child is using an inhaler. Get an adult to do it for the child for the first time.
• If your doctor also prescribed a spacer just put the spacer on the inhaler and do the exact same thing.

Warnings

• If your inhaler has a dose counter: When it goes to 000 do not use it or you will not get enough medication.
• Do not puncture the metal canister.

Things You'll Need

• A inhaler that your doctor prescribed for you.
• A faucet

Related wikiHows

• How to Treat Asthma Attacks
• How to Reduce Your Exposure to Pollen
• How to Reduce Your Children's Exposure to Chemicals
• How to Control Asthma in Schools

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