🩺 Set up

"Hi, my name is [Your Name], I’m a pharmacy student. I’ll just wash my hands. Can I confirm your name and date of birth?"

"You’re here to collect your inhaler. Is it okay if I show you how to use it and answer any questions? Have you used this type of inhaler before?"

"Is there anything in particular you want to know, or worries you have about using your inhaler?"

💊 What is the inhaler for?

"There are two main types of inhalers. The blue one is a reliever for when you’re breathless or wheezing, working quickly to open your airways. The brown (or another color) is a preventer to use daily, which contains a steroid and helps prevent symptoms over time."

🕒 How to use the inhaler

1. "Check the dose counter to make sure it’s not empty and that the mouthpiece is clean."
2. "Hold the inhaler upright, open the cover fully (for some types), and shake if it’s an MDI."
3. "Sit or stand upright with your chin up."
4. "Breathe out fully away from the inhaler."
5. "Seal your lips around the mouthpiece (don’t block the vent)."
6. "If it’s an MDI, breathe in slowly and deeply while pressing the canister. For a DPI, breathe in quickly and deeply—you may hear a click."
7. "Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly away from the device."
8. "For a second dose, wait a few moments, then repeat. Close the cover or replace the cap afterwards."

⚠️ Key safety and extra advice

"If your inhaler contains a steroid, rinse your mouth after use to prevent soreness or thrush. You may be given a spacer, especially for children or if you find coordination tricky—keep it clean and use it as shown. If you’re using your reliever more than three times a week, see your GP or asthma nurse."

"Always store your inhaler in a cool, dry place and check the expiry date. Asthma + Lung UK have helpful videos and advice online."

✅ Summary & teach-back

"So in summary: check your inhaler and mouthpiece, breathe out away, inhale as shown (slow for MDI, quick for DPI), hold your breath, rinse after steroids, and close the cover at the end."

"Would you like to have a go demonstrating it back to me, just so I know you feel confident? Any questions before we finish? Thanks for your time!"