What should you know about asthma pump inhaler?

The prescribed schedule depends on the medicine inside and your asthma plan. Device appearance does not tell you whether it is a reliever, preventer, or combination inhaler, so identify it by its label.

A pressurised metered-dose inhaler releases a measured spray and requires slow inhalation coordinated with pressing the canister. A dry-powder inhaler is usually activated by a stronger, deeper breath. Other breath-actuated devices reduce the need to coordinate pressing and breathing.

Relievers address airway muscle tightening, while preventers are taken regularly to reduce airway inflammation and future symptoms. Some devices contain more than one medicine. The same technique does not suit every design.

Start by confirming the device instructions. Prepare or prime it when directed, breathe out away from the mouthpiece, make a good seal with your lips, and inhale in the way required for that device. Keep the mouthpiece clean and dry, replace the cap, and monitor the dose counter where provided.

After an inhaled corticosteroid, rinse your mouth and spit out the water. Bring every inhaler and any spacer to appointments so a clinician or pharmacist can watch your technique. Repeated symptoms, night waking, or increased reliever use warrant a control review rather than simply continuing extra doses.

Call emergency services if breathing is severely difficult, you cannot speak comfortably, your lips look blue or grey, you feel faint or confused, or symptoms continue to worsen despite following your action plan. Sit upright if that makes breathing easier and use the prescribed reliever as directed while help is coming.

Obtain prompt clinical advice when treatment is helping less than usual, symptoms return soon after relief, or you are unsure whether the device is functioning. A clinician can assess the episode as well as the inhaler.

Request a written explanation of which inhaler is for daily control and which is for sudden symptoms. Ask the clinician to observe a full dose, explain cleaning and storage, and show how to tell when the device is empty.