Using a Rescue Inhaler

• Although the use of a spacer is not required, its use does allow for the medication to be breathed more deeply into the lungs. A spacer is a device that fits onto the mouthpiece of the inhaler. Without it, improper use can result in more of the medication ending up in the mouth than the lungs. When using an inhaler, shake the canister first. Then exhale so the lungs are empty. Make sure your tongue is flat in your mouth and not bowed up or it'll block the flow of medicine. Hold the inhaler in front of your mouth and not inside it. As you press on the canister, inhale deeply and hold in the medicine for 5 to 10 seconds. Don't exhale immediately. Let the medicine stay before exhaling slowly. Repeat if you are required to take more than one puff. Afterwards, you may need to rinse out your mouth.
  
  

Using a Diskus

• The diskus inhalers contain tablets which must be crushed by the diskus mechanism and then inhaled. Grasp the inhaler firmly with both hands. One hand will steady the diskus while the other operates the thumb lever which will crush the tablet. Begin by pushing with your thumb to slide open the diskus. This should result in revealing the mouthpiece as it clicks into place. Move the thumb from the thumb notch to the thumb lever and press. During this phase, a counter will click and count down by 1 as the tablet is being crushed. Hold the diskus level so you do not spill the medicine. Do not shake this inhaler. Place your mouth tightly over the mouthpiece, making a good seal with your lips. Inhale deeply and hold the medicine in your lungs for 5 to 10 seconds before exhaling. Close the cover on your diskus.
  
  

Using a Twisthaler

• Asmanex makes a twisthaler, which is an inhaler that twists. Remove the cap by unscrewing it in a counter-clockwise direction. This action automatically loads a dose of the medication and causes the counter to go down by 1. Hold the twisthaler tightly in the mouth, making a good seal and inhale. As with all asthma medications, hold the medicine in your lungs for 5 to 10 seconds before exhaling. Replace the cap with a clockwise turn.
  
  

Using a Nebulizer

• Follow the instructions for hooking up the nebulizer machine. The hose must be connected to the air compressor. Fill the medicine cup with your medication as prescribed then attach the mouthpiece and hose to the filled cup. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, making a firm seal with your lips. Now breath in (and out) until you have used up all the medicine. This process generally takes 10 to 15 minutes. Remember to breath only through your mouth. Use of a nose clip may help. Some people prefer a set up which includes a small face mask over the mouthpiece. When finished, thoroughly wash the cup and mouthpiece with water and allow them to air dry.