Top tips for giving your child their inhalers:
- Always ensure perfect technique, zero doses missed, and always supervise your child taking their inhalers
- Use distraction methods such as videos, music, games or toys.
- Use praise and even a reward sticker chart to help encourage your child.
- Try not to force the mask on their face - try to encourage and reassure, and make it as least frightening as possible.
- Take out the inhaler and give your child their spacer to play with and even role-play on their teddies or favourite doll to make it more fun.
- Lastly, did you know you can also use their inhaler and spacer whilst they are asleep without needing to wake them up first - but try not to make a habit of it, or you'll be missing out on important mouthcare!
Click on the following pics to see how to perfect your inhaler technique for the type of inhaler you have been prescribed:
Metered dose inhaler
Symbicort SMART turbohaler
Inhaler Technique - Metered Dose Inhalers
Follow these pictures below to perfect your inhaler technique when using a pressurised metered-dose inhaler (evohaler). Having a good inhaler technique is crucial to ensure the medicine gets to your lungs correctly to control your symptoms, and reduce side effects.
1. Take your inhaler, remove the protective cap and ensure there's nothing inside.
2. Check inside your spacer also, and ensure it has been cleaned regulalry (see "How to clean your spacer"). Change your spacer every 6 months.
3. Place the inhaler in the end port of the spacer.
4. Shake firmly 5 times.
5(a). Place the mask of the spacer around your mouth and nose ensuring you have a good seal.
5(b). If you use a spacer with a mouth-piece (i.e. instead of a mask), make a good seal with your lips around the mouth-piece. Older children (over the age of 5 years) should be able to use a mask with a mouthpiece. Ask your doctor or nurse if this is right for you. 
6. As you breathe in, press the inhaler to give one metered dose of your medication.
7. Breathe in 5 times gently through your mouth, i.e. for approximately 10 seconds, breathing in the medication within your spacer device.
8. Wait 1 minute before taking another dose. Follow your Asthma Action Plan strictly.
If you would like more support on how to best take your inhalers, please discuss with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Video: MDI Inhaler technique with mask
Please watch the below video to learn how to perfect your technique.
Inhaler technique - Symbicort SMART turbohaler
available in different strengths, as prescribed by your doctor
Get ready to use:
How to Take:
You can view a video on how to take you turbohaler from Asthma+Lung UK:
