"Hello, I’m [Your Name], a medical student. I understand you've recently been admitted after an asthma attack, and you wanted to go over how to use your inhalers properly. Is that right?"
"Before we demonstrate, it would be helpful to hear your thoughts. What’s your current understanding of how to use an inhaler?"
"Thanks. I also know from the notes that you sometimes feel embarrassed using them. That's a very common feeling, but we can talk about how to manage that."
"Let's first talk about why the technique is so important. By using the inhaler properly, you're making sure the medicine flows evenly and gets deep into your lungs where it needs to work."
"If the technique isn't quite right, the medication might just hit the back of your throat. If it's anywhere but the lungs, it can't take effect. This makes asthma attacks more likely, and means your reliever won't work as well when you need it most."
"As you've experienced, asthma can be life-threatening, so a good technique can be genuinely life-saving."
"You also asked about the difference between your inhalers, which is a great question."
"The blue inhaler (Salbutamol) is your 'reliever'. You use it when you feel symptoms like chest tightness or wheezing. It works quickly to open up your airways."
"The brown inhaler (Beclometasone) is your 'preventer'. It's a steroid that you must take every day, even when you feel well. It works over time to reduce the inflammation in your lungs, which stops attacks from happening in the first place."
"If you use the brown inhaler correctly every day, you'll find you need to use the blue one much less, which can help with the feeling of embarrassment you mentioned."
"Okay, let's go through the steps. First, always take the cap off, check nothing is inside, and give it a good shake."
"Next, sit or stand straight and breathe out gently. Then, put your lips tightly around the mouthpiece to make a good seal."
"As you start to breathe in slowly and deeply, press down firmly on the canister to release one puff of medicine. Keep breathing in until your lungs feel full."
"Then, take the inhaler out of your mouth, hold your breath for about 10 seconds, and then breathe out slowly."
"If you need a second puff, wait about 30 seconds before repeating the process. And crucially, after using the brown inhaler, always rinse your mouth with water and spit it out. This prevents side effects like a sore throat or oral thrush."
"That's the process. How does that sound? Would you mind having a go now to see how that feels?"
"And what happens if your asthma still isn't controlled? If you're using your inhalers correctly but still needing your blue one often, we have more options. There's a treatment ladder we can go up, which might involve changing doses or adding tablets. The respiratory team will discuss this with you."
"Most importantly, if you are ever having an attack and 10 puffs of your blue inhaler don't help, you must call 999 for an ambulance straight away. That is a medical emergency."
"Do you have any other questions for me today?"