Wash hands
Prepare inhaler as directed (MDI, DPI, or nebulizer)
If using an MDI:
Remove cap
Shake well
Breathe out fully
Seal lips around mouthpiece
Start to inhale slowly and press the canister once
Continue slow, deep inhalation
Hold breath 5–10 seconds
Breathe out slowly
If a second puff is needed, wait 30–60 seconds and repeat steps
Rinse mouth and spit after steroid inhalers
If using a spacer with an MDI:
Attach spacer to the inhaler
Shake well
Breathe out fully
Seal lips around spacer mouthpiece
Press canister once
Inhale slowly and deeply through the spacer
Hold breath 5–10 seconds
Breathe out slowly
If a second puff is needed, wait 30–60 seconds and repeat
Rinse mouth and spit after steroid inhalers
If using a DPI:
Keep device dry
Load dose if required by the device
Breathe out fully away from the inhaler
Seal lips around mouthpiece
Inhale quickly and deeply (one strong breath)
Hold breath 5–10 seconds
Breathe out slowly
If a second dose is needed, repeat as instructed
Rinse mouth and spit after steroid inhalers
If using a nebulizer:
Wash and dry hands
Assemble nebulizer parts
Measure medication into the medication cup (use only as prescribed)
Add saline only if instructed
Sit upright
Place mouthpiece in mouth or fit mask properly
Turn on the nebulizer
Breathe in slowly and deeply; breathe out normally
Continue until treatment is finished and mist stops
Clean and disinfect parts after each use as directed
For steam inhalation (only if appropriate and safe for you):
Fill a bowl with hot (not boiling) water
Sit upright and keep face at a safe distance
Drape a towel over head and breathe in gently through mouth or nose
Stop if you feel dizzy, burn risk, or irritation
Seek urgent care if:
Severe trouble breathing
Lips or face turn blue/gray
Chest pain, confusion, or fainting
Inhaler does not help as prescribed
Wheezing or symptoms rapidly worsen