Paediatrics - Correct Inhaler Technique – Using your Child’s Prescribed Inhaler/Inhalers at Home

Your child may have been prescribed inhalers on discharge from hospital/clinic.

Here is a guide on how to use them

1. Firstly, prepare your Volumatic spacer device/Aerochamber by washing as per manufacturer’s guide (this will come with your spacer/aerochamber) if not already prepared for you.
2. If you have a Volumatic spacer device, put the two parts together and attach mask to the mouthpiece if using for a younger child, if using for an older child use mouthpiece attached. If you are given an aerochamber the correct size for your child should already be prescribed.
3. Take the cap off the inhaler making sure the mouthpiece is clean, while holding the inhaler up right place your thumb on the bottom of the inhaler and your first finger on the top. Shake the inhaler several times up and down (if the inhaler is new or hasn’t been used in 3 days one puff should be released into the air).
4. Insert the mouthpiece of the inhaler into the spacer/ aerochamber – it should fit easily and securely.
5. Place the mask over your child’s mouth and nose ensuring a good seal with the skin. If using the mouthpiece and no mask, ensure a good seal with the lips.
6. Press down once on the aerosol canister inside the inhaler with your finger, release one puff into the spacer/aerochamber.
7. Hold the mask/mouthpiece in place and encourage your child to take five deep, slow breaths in and out, for younger children hold the mask in place and count for ten seconds.
8. If more than one dose/puff is required, wait for one minute then repeat the previous steps.
9. Your child should rinse their mouth out with water or brush their teeth afterwards.

You can access videos on how to correctly use different types of inhaler and spacer devices online at Asthma + Lung UK.
www.asthmaandlung.org.uk