Ventolin inhaler

[fruitsalad]

My doctor has prescribed me this to see if it helps with exercise induced asthma is there a knack to using an inhaler because I'm sure I'm not using it properly I have read the instructions that come with it but they have not been much help tia

[daffy654]

Ask your practice nurse to show you how to use it. They should let you practice with a 'blank' inhaler until you get it right.

The trick is basically to ensure a tight seal around the mouthpiece, breath in firmly but steadily then press the inhaler whilst continuing to breath in, hold your breath for a few seconds then repeat.

[NoMercy]

Exhale completely. Take two puff and inhale deeply and hold for a few seconds before exhaling slowly.

[guilliebrougues]

I was going to suggest that you see the practice nurse and she will show you how to use it and make sure that you are doing it correctly.

[furrypusscat]

Shake inhaler immediately before use. Breathe out fully then place inhaler mouth piece into mouth and inhale at the same time as pressing top downwards, remove inhaler from mouth and hold breath for a couple of seconds. Slight taste left in mouth. Repeat procedure if prescribed two doses.

[fruitsalad]

Daffy that is just what I need a blank one to practice on yes I will certainly try and see the nurse for a lesson thanks for the tip

[islasmum]

I don't use an inhaler, but my partner does, twice a day.
CHe puts the inhaler in his mouth and takes a deep breath in whilst pushing on the inhaler for one dose,then removes the inhaler but keeps mouth shut then holds his breath for about 5 seconds and breathes normally. I'm aware that I may not have explained it very well, and no doubt will be corrected if I'm wrong, but I've watched him take this for the last few years, and he's ok!

[islasmum]

There were no ansswers here when I posted!

[fruitsalad]

Thanks guys it's making more sense now I think

[Ouzel]

Just to add the the excellent advice already given - if you have a problem with one of the 'spray' type inhalers, ask for a powder version (Accuhaler).
I found it much easier, and more pleasant, to use.

[daffy654]

If you still can#t get to grips with it you can ask them for an Aero Chamber which makes using an inhaler very easy indeed.

http://www.aerochambervhc.com/index.aspx

[wolf63]

It can't be difficult to use - my cat has one! ;-)

He uses (with a little help from his human) a device like the one posted in Daffy's link. His is an Aerokat and works beautifully.

[carlton23]

Seeing actors in TV films taking two quick puffs and reviving so quickly makes me realise why people don`t know how to use ventolin correctly, and should be corrected during rehearsals.

[237SJ]

If you can`t get to grips with the inhaler, you can use Ventolin with a spacer.

[SMP]

You can also get an Easi-Breathe inhaler, as you breathe in through your mouth it triggers the inhaler to release the ventolin, so you don't have to time your inhaling with pressing the inhaler.

[boxtops]

If you can't see your practice nurse, nip round to your pharmacy - someone there will help you.