When is the dose loaded in the accuhaler

Read the information below, or if preferred you can download the leaflet here or watch the video demonstration here. Inhalers are commonly prescribed for patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as they are very effective at delivering the medication straight to the lungs where it is needed. Using your inhalers correctly is an important part of asthma or COPD treatment.

You should be shown how to use inhalers properly by a healthcare professional when they are first prescribed. If another dose is required repeat steps 3 to 5.

How can I tell when the accuhaler is empty? How should you look after an accuhaler? Avoid breathing into the accuhaler as moisture will cause the device to become clogged. Avoid getting your accuhaler wet — keep it in a dry place. Keep the accuhaler closed when it is not being used. Facebook Twitter Youtube. You will get a new Breezhaler with your repeat prescription every month. Looking for Where to get medical help A health professional or service Patient portals Newsletters View all.

Inhaler devices Print A A A. The medicine is in a small canister, inside a plastic case. When the inhaler is pressed, a measured dose of medicine comes through the mouthpiece. Exactly the same dose is released each time. MDIs contain different medicines including preventers, relievers, symptom controllers and combinations of medications. Read more about asthma medicines in adults , asthma medicines in children and medications for COPD. Using a spacer A spacer is an attachment to use with your MDI.

Shake the inhaler to mix the medication. Sit upright, tilt your head back slightly as if you are sniffing and breathe out gently.

Hold the device upright, insert the inhaler into your mouth, ensuring that your lips firmly seal the mouthpiece. At the beginning of a slow, deep breath, breathe in through the mouthpiece as you press the inhaler to release one dose or 'puff'. Breathe in fully, remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as is comfortable.

Breathe out gently through your nose. Common mistakes when using the MDI Breathing in too fast. Breathing out so hard that you cough. Pressing the puffer too early before you have started to breathe in if you see a mist of medication from your mouth, then you are making this mistake. Tilting your head down — it should be tilting back slightly. Pressing the inhaler two times during a single inhalation.

Giving the inhaler a 'test puff' into the air and wasting the medication. Breathing in through the nose instead of the mouth. How to look after your MDI Your inhaler can get blocked, especially where the medicine sprays out. Clean your inhaler weekly to ensure it doesn't get blocked. To clean the inhaler, remove the plastic cap, remove the metal canister don't put it in water , rinse the plastic case under warm water for at least 30 seconds. Shake off any excess water, and leave the plastic case and cap to dry overnight.

Put the metal canister back in, and replace the cap. Storing your MDI Always keep the cap on your inhaler when it is not in use. Store spare inhalers in cool places not in car glove boxes. Carry a spare clean plastic case so you can change it if the one you are using becomes blocked. When to start a new inhaler By shaking the inhaler it is possible to hear if there is any medicine left in the canister.

Always have a spare inhaler ready, start this before the old one is completely empty. It may help to write the start date on the inhaler, so you can work out how long it will last with daily use. There are usually puffs per canister. Turbuhaler The turbuhaler is a breath-activated device — this means that it will release a dose of medication when you inhale on the mouthpiece.

The turbuhaler delivers the medication in a dry-powder form. There is no propellant added to the medicine. When you breathe in a dose of the medication, you will hardly notice any powder in your mouth. Preventers, relievers, symptom controllers and combination medicines are available as turbuhalers. Examples of medicines available as a turbuhaler terbutaline Bricanyl formoterol Oxis budesonide plus formoterol Symbicort budesonide Pulmicort When is a turbuhaler suitable?

Adults and children 7 years of age and older should be able to use the turbuhaler. Some people, such as those with severe COPD may not able to breathe in well enough to activate the turbuhaler. How to use your turbuhaler To get the most benefit, it is important to use the correct technique. Hold the turbuhaler upright. Load the dose: twist the base anticlockwise and then back in the other direction until you hear a click. Your turbuhaler is now loaded with one dose of medicine Breathe out: breathe out, away from the turbuhaler.

Do not blow directly into the turbuhaler. Inhale your dose: place the mouth piece in your mouth and form a seal with your lips. Breathe in deeply. Remove the turbuhaler and hold your breath for up to 10 seconds. Close: replace the cap and twist until it is on properly. Common problems when using a turbuhaler To get the most benefit, it is important to use the correct technique. Here are a few common problems: Not holding your turbuhaler upright vertical while loading the dose.

Covering the air inlets with your lips. Breathing in through your nose instead of your mouth. Shaking the inhaler to see how much is left. Storing your turbuhaler in a damp place with the cap off.

Thanks to Ms Judi Wicking, asthma and respiratory educator, and the patient who participated in this film clip. The National Asthma Council Australia retained editorial control. Although all care has been taken, this video is a general guide only, which is not a substitute for assessment of appropriate courses of treatment on a case-by-case basis.

The National Asthma Council Australia expressly disclaims all responsibility including for negligence for any loss, damage or personal injury resulting from reliance on the information contained herein. See all videos. How to use Accuhaler. Print page Using your inhaler puffer properly is important when you have asthma or COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.