inhaler technique?

[Gingercat77]

I have been asthmatic for around 20 years now. Our old practice nurse taught me to take my inhaler ( clenil - used with spacer with normal mouth port, no mask) by shake, spray and hold in lungs for 15 seconds. this is the way I’ve taken it for twenty years with no issues.

However, the new asthma nurse insists I am doing it incorrectly. Instead of holding in lungs, I should take 5 normal breaths in and out of the spacer.

I just cannot do this!

does it make any huge difference if I feel that medicine is working?

many thanks.

[Chip_y2kuk]

There are two different (and correct ) ways I know .. as you describe the asthma nurse has suggested tidal breathing 1 spray 5 normal breaths

And the "old fashioned way" (I'm not sure of it's actual name) spray and hold it for as long as you can once you've breathed it in.

My daughter is under alder hey and they "advocate" the tidal method... 1spray 5 breaths and if required repeat the process for the correct number of sprays.

But I was always told by the asthma nurse to breathe in and hold it

I was also told to have a hot drink after taking my steroid inhaler "to wash any left over steroid out of your mouth and prevent thrush" (ive always done this and never had thrush) .... they now tell you to clean your teeth and use mouthwash and all kinds but common sense of " have a hot drink to wash it away" has been lost.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

Asthma and Lung UK are happy with either - you can check technique is ok with these videos which show both methods: asthmaandlung.org.uk/living...

It seems like some healthcare professionals get very hung up on one way without considering what works best for the patient. Given ALUK are happy with either, I would do what works for you (and show your asthma nurse the link above if they keep on about it).

I can do both but find the tidal breathing easier so just do that.

Re the rinsing - I rinse and gargle with cold water which I then spit out. It works for me without needing mouthwash etc. I'm on high dose steroid inhaler.

[Homely2 Administrator]

I was taught the one breath way originally. However my breathing at the time was really not working and I could not effectively do the one breath way, so they moved me to tidal breathing, which I found easier.I have never had any indication that one way is better than the other, I have always been told to do what suits me.

[Gingercat77]

thank you everyone for your valuable input!