Winter can be particularly difficult for asthma patients. Cold air might cause your airways to narrow causing shortness of breath and chest tightness. Refresh your memory on how to use your asthma inhalers properly to get rapid and substantial relief, by the following steps:

1. Priming your inhaler:  This is only done when you first use a new inhaler or have not used it in a while (the duration could vary form 3 days to 28 days according to the brand of inhaler). The priming instructions vary by inhaler type. So, read the instructions on the information booklet that came with your inhaler. Priming is done by shaking the inhaler and spraying it into the air away from your face a few times.

2. Stand up or sit straight. This allows your lungs to fully breathe in and out.

3. Remove the protective cap from the mouth piece.

4. Hold the inhaler with your thumb at the base and index finger on the canister. (a)

5. Shake the inhaler in the upwards and downwards direction. This facilitates the drug to mix well with the propellent present inside the canister. (a)

6. Breathe out fully. This will create more space in the lungs for the next breath in to allow longer inhalation off the drug. (b)

7. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth between your teeth and above your tongue and seal your lips tightly around it to ensure no medication escape into the air. (c)

8. Incline your head backwards. This will minimise the deposition of the drug at the back of your mouth and throat. (c)

9. Begin a slow deep inhalation and simultaneously push down the canister while you continue to inhale. (c)

10. Remove the inhaler from your mouth carefully. (d)

11. Hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as it is comfortable.  (d)

12. Breathe out gently. (d)

13. If you are instructed to take another puff, repeat the process again after 30 to 60 seconds. Do not forget to shake the inhaler before every puff.

Now that you mastered the technique, you can go on to help others optimise their inhaler use.

Dr Manzia Noor works at Comilla Medical College. E-mail: [email protected]