Your child has been given given an inhaler. The following instructions tell you how to use it correctly and safely.
Inhalers
What is a ‘preventer’ inhaler?
Preventer inhalers are normally brown/Purple/Orange or red and white and should be given to your child everyday using their spacer, as prescribed by your GP or asthma nurse.
What is a reliever inhaler?
Reliever inhalers are normally blue and should only be used as and when required, as prescribed by your child’s GP or asthma nurse.
If your child becomes short of breath or complains of a ‘tight chest’ you can give up to 10 puffs of the blue inhaler every 30–60 seconds. If the child becomes worse or the 10 puffs do not improve the child’s symptoms seek immediate further medical advice.
If you attend your GP or A&E with your child please take their inhaler and spacer with you.
Inhaler technique
- Remove the mouthpiece cover from the inhaler.
- Shake the inhaler well; insert the mouthpiece into the hole at the back of the spacer
- Place the spacer mask over the child’s nose and mouth; ensuring a good seal around the nose and mouth. If the spacer does not have a mask and has a mouthpiece, place the spacer mouthpiece into the child’s mouth.
- Ask the child to breathe in and out slowly and gently through the mask/mouthpiece. If a whistling sound is heard they are breathing to hard, encourage your child/young person to slow their breathing down. You should be able to see the valve at the front of the spacer moving in and out.
- Press the inhaler canister down ONCE and get the child/young person to continue to breathe slowly in and out for the count of 10.
- Remove the spacer from their face/mouth
- If more puffs are required remove the inhaler from the spacer and shake inhaler, then repeat steps TWO to SIX
- Once the required number of ‘puffs’ have been given, remove the inhaler from the spacer and put the mouthpiece cover back on the inhaler to keep out any dust and fluff.
Top tips when using inhalers
- Always use a spacer device with your inhaler
- Breathe out fully before using your inhaler – this creates more space for air to enter your lungs when you take your next breath in
- Shake the inhaler between each ‘puff’ – this makes sure the medicine and propellant are mixed together properly
- Brush your teeth or wash your mouth out after using the steroid (‘preventer’) inhaler – this can stop you getting a sore throat
Paediatric wheeze discharge plan
This is your child’s discharge plan for the next 1–2 weeks.
Please make an appointment for your child to see their GP 48 hours after discharge.
How much of your child’s blue inhaler to give for the next 1–2 weeks
Day One: 10 puffs, 6 times per day.
Day Two: 8 puffs, 6 times per day.
Day Three: 6 puffs, 4 times per day.
Day Four: 4 puffs, 4 times per day.
Day Five: 2 puffs, as many times as requested per day.
Continue with your child’s normal dose of treatment when well from day six onwards. If your child continues to be unwell please see their GP.
For further information regarding inhaler technique:
www.asthma.org.uk
www.monkeywellbeing.com
What to do in an emergency:
- Take 2 puffs/doses of your reliever inhaler (usually blue)
- Sit up and loosen tight clothing
- If no improvement, continue to take one puff/dose of reliever inhaler (usually blue) every minute for five minutes or until symptoms improve
- If your symptoms do not improve in five minutes, or you are in doubt – call 999 or go to the nearest Accident and Emergency Department
- Continue to take one puff/dose of your inhaler every minute until help arrives
After an emergency you should call your GP and ask for an urgent appointment (even if you feel better).
Do not ignore worsening conditions – get medical help immediately, day or night.
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