Inhaler technique

[soph2000]

Has anyone found any benefit from showing children online videos for improving inhaler technique?

Do they tend to remember the correct technique or forget after a while? Any other suggestions for improving how well they retain technique?

[Poobah]

I've lost count of the number of times I've been asked to demonstrate my inhaler technique, so it's something to practice whatever age you are. I'm prone to raising my shoulders (wrong) and use my diaphragm the wrong way on exhalation and inhalation, so even now I have to stop and focus when I use my inhalers. When I do it incorrectly I can't hold my breath as necessary. One physio suggested using a mirror at home when taking my regular inhalers so that I could see whether my shoulders were misbehaving.

I've seen others take inhalers and been tempted to intervene as their technique is awful (I don't).

[Gina9756]

I tried showing my youngest daughter (8) some videos, recommended by the nurse. They helped her for a while but gradually she forgot some of the steps again. I think kids especially need reminding of the right steps several times in order to remember them all properly.

[clairebear778]

My two daughters (age 8 and 3) have asthma, and I talk to their nurse about inhaler technique quite often, as it seems to be an important issue especially in children.

She recommended some youtube videos to help my eldest learn the right steps. They helped for a while but gradually she forgot some of the steps again. Kids seem to need reminding of the right steps several times in order to remember them all.

My youngest is still using a spacer with a facemask, and our doctor has been helping us use these. He had us singing nursery rhymes which helped distract her and made her start breathing naturally, and in good time.