UNION HOSPITAL ASTHMA
Asthma Education and Prevention Program

How To Use Asthma Devices

• Sit up straight or stand up and lift the chin to open the airways

• Remove the cap from the mouthpiece and shake the inhaler vigorously

• If you haven’t used the inhaler for a week or more, or if it is the first time you have used  the inhaler, prime first

• Take a few deep breaths and then breathe out gently. Immediately place the mouthpiece in your mouth and put your teeth around it (not in front and do not bite), and seal your lips around the mouthpiece, holding it between your lips

• Start to breathe in slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece. As you breathe in, simultaneously press down on the inhaler canister to release the medicine. One press releases one puff.

• Continue to breathe in deeply to ensure the medicine gets into your lungs

• Hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as you comfortably can, before breathing out slowly

• If you need to take another puff, wait for 30 seconds, shake your inhaler again and repeat steps 4 to 7  

How many puffs are left? 

• Don’t let your asthma medications run out without getting a refill!
  
  
• When you get a new inhaler, look on the box to see the number of puffs the inhaler contains
  
  
• Divide the number of puffs your new inhaler contains, by the number of puffs you take, and then by the number of times you use it. This will tell you have many days it will last
  
  
• Mark the date the inhaler is due to run out on your calendar so you will be able to have a refill on hand. You could also right it on the label of the mdi

Care of your Inhaler

• Look at the hole where the medicine sprays out from your inhaler
  
  
• If you see powder in or around the hole, clean the inhaler
  
  
• Remover the metal canister from the L-shaped mouthpiece
  
  
• Rinse only the mouthpiece and cap in warm water
  
  
• Let them dry overnight
  
  
• Place the canister back inside and put on the cap

How to use your Aerolizer

• Remove the cap

•  To open, hold the base of the aerolizer firmly, and turn the mouthpiece in the direction of the arrow

• Remove the capsule from the blister pack and place in capsule shaped compartment

• Return the mouthpiece to the closed the position

• Keep inhaler upright and firmly squeeze the side buttons fully once. This will pierce  the capsule. Release the buttons

• Exhale fully

• Place mouthpiece in mouth and tilt head slightly backward. Close lips around   mouthpiece and inhale deeply

• Hold breath as long as possible, while removing the inhaler from the mouth

• Exhale

• After use open inhaler to check that the capsule is empty. If not, close the inhaler and re-inhale following steps 6, 7, and 8

• After each use, remove the empty capsule from the capsule department

• Wipe the mouthpiece and capsule department with a dry cloth

• Store the blister packs in a dry place at room temp

• Wash your hands

•   Open: hold the outer case in one hand and put the thumb of the other hand on the grip.

• Slide: the lever away as far as it will go until a click is heard

• Inhale: hold the diskus inhaler away from the mouth and exhale completely

• With the mouthpiece to the lips, inhale quickly and deeply thorough the discus

•  Remove the diskus inhaler, hold your breath for about 10 seconds, breath out slowly

• Close: Slide the thumb grip as far as it will go until a click is heard

• Store the device in a dry place, not a damp environment (bathroom)

• Keep away from direct frost, heat, or sunlight

How to use your Nebulizer  

• Wash you hands

• Place medicine in the nebulizer cup

• Breathe in normally and every 10 breaths take in a deep breath and hold it for 5 to 10 seconds, making sure to get all of the medication into your lungs.

• A nebulizer treatment should last about 10 minutes or until the mist is gone

• A dirty nebulizer can make you sick, so it is important to keep your nebulizer clean

• After the treatment, remove the nebulizer from the tubing and then take apart the mouthpiece or facemask, tubing if present, and nebulizer cup

• Empty out the nebulizer cup, rinse out the cup with water, shake off excess water and place on a paper towel to dry

• At the end of the day wash the nebulizer cup and mouthpiece or facemask in warm soapy water (mild dishwashing liquid is a good choice). Rinse the soap completely of the equipment and place on a clean paper towel to dry

• Disinfect your nebulizer cup and mouthpiece/mask at least once a week using a vinegar/water solution

Helpful Tips:

• If a mist does not form check to see if the machine is plugged in or battery is charged

• Make sure tubing is securely connected and make sure there are no kinks

• Check the nebulizer cup for cracks and clean the air filter

• Unscrew and remove the cap

• Hold  the turbohaler in an upright position and turn the base as far as possible in one direction, then turn back until a click is heard  

• Exhale

• Place the mouthpiece between the lips and inhale quickly and deeply through the mouth. Remove turbohaler from mouth and hold breath for 10 seconds, exhale  

• Repeat steps 1-3 for the prescribed number of inhalations

• Replace the cap

Care of the Turbohaler  

• Clean the mouthpiece using a dry tissue or cloth, gently wiping away any particles which have collected inside the mouthpiece. Never wash the turbohaler