From the Guidelines
Proper inhaler use is crucial for effective asthma management, and patients should be educated on the correct technique to ensure medication reaches the lungs effectively. The most recent and highest quality study 1 emphasizes the importance of patient skills, including taking medications correctly, demonstrating inhaler technique, and using devices as prescribed.
Key Steps for Proper Inhaler Use
- Shake the inhaler if required by the manufacturer's instructions
- Remove the cap and exhale completely away from the inhaler
- Position the inhaler mouthpiece between your lips, creating a tight seal, or hold it 1-2 inches from your open mouth if using the open-mouth technique
- Inhale slowly and deeply through your mouth, pressing down on the canister once to release the medication
- Continue inhaling for 3-5 seconds to draw the medication deep into your lungs
- Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds, then exhale slowly
- If a second dose is prescribed, wait 30-60 seconds before repeating
- For steroid inhalers, rinse your mouth afterward to prevent thrush
Additional Recommendations
- Using a spacer device can improve medication delivery, especially for those who struggle with coordination 1
- Regular cleaning of the inhaler mouthpiece prevents medication buildup and maintains proper function
- Healthcare professionals should ensure that patients can use their inhalers adequately 1
- Patients should be educated on self-management skills, including self-monitoring, assessing level of asthma control, and recognizing early signs and symptoms of worsening asthma 1
From the FDA Drug Label
How to use your WIXELA INHUB inhaler Follow these steps every time you use WIXELA INHUB. Step 1. Open your WIXELA INHUB. • Hold the INHUB in one hand and with your other hand on the grip lower the mouthpiece cover from top to bottom. Step 2. Push down the lever. • Hold the INHUB in the vertical position Push the yellow lever down to the end of the purple arrows (you may hear a click). Step 3. Inhale your medicine • Before you breathe in your dose from the INHUB, breathe out (exhale) as long as you can while you hold the INHUB away from your mouth. • Put the mouthpiece to your lips. • Breathe in quickly and deeply through the INHUB. • Remove the INHUB from your mouth and hold your breath for about 10 seconds, or for as long as is comfortable for you. Step 4. Close the INHUB. • Push the mouthpiece cover up to the closed position, this will automatically return the yellow lever to the start position. Step 5. Rinse your mouth • Rinse your mouth with water after breathing in the medicine.
To use the inhaler properly, follow these key steps:
- Open the inhaler by lowering the mouthpiece cover
- Push down the lever to prepare the dose
- Inhale the medicine quickly and deeply
- Hold your breath for 10 seconds
- Close the inhaler and rinse your mouth with water For correct use of the INHUB, remember to:
- Hold your breath for about 10 seconds after inhaling
- Rinse your mouth with water after each dose
- Do not take an extra dose, even if you did not taste or feel the powder 2
From the Research
Proper Inhaler Use
Proper inhaler use is crucial for effective management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [(3,4)]. The correct technique for using aerosol inhaler devices is essential to ensure that patients receive maximum benefit from their prescribed medication 5.
Factors Influencing Inhaler Choice
Several factors influence inhaler choice, including:
- Inhaler attributes and the efficiency with which it delivers the medication
- Patient characteristics and preferences
- Dosing regimen
- Clinical setting
- Support available for both patients and healthcare providers 4
- Cognitive and physical ability of the patient
- Ease of use
- Convenience
- Costs
- Patient preferences 6
Types of Inhalers
There are several types of inhalers available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, including:
- Nebulizers
- Pressurized metered-dose inhalers
- Dry powder inhalers
- Soft mist inhaler 3
- Breath-actuated inhalers 7
Importance of Education and Support
Education and support are crucial for patients to develop good inhaler technique and to increase the likelihood of achieving improved disease outcomes and enhance persistence with device adherence 3. Healthcare professionals should also aim to increase their knowledge of the devices they prescribe and develop systems to ensure comprehensive support to patients in clinical practice 3.