Inhaler technique – Turbohaler

1. Unscrew and lift off the mouthpiece cover.
2. Hold the Turbohaler upright with the coloured grip at the bottom. Twist the grip in one direction, then twist it back again as far as it will go. You should hear a click and the dose is ready.
3. Breathe out gently as far as is comfortable away from the Turbohaler.
4. Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and seal your lips around it.
5. Breathe in as quickly and deeply as possible.
6. Remove the Turbohaler from your mouth, hold your breath for up to 10 seconds then breathe out slowly. If your inhaler contains a steroid ingredient, you should rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after using it; this is to prevent infections such oral thrush.
7. For a second dose, wait 30 seconds then repeat steps 2 to 6. Replace mouthpiece cover after use.

Wipe the outside of the mouthpiece once a week with a dry tissue. Do not use water or any liquids to clean your Turbohaler.

The dose counter tells you how many doses you have left in your Turbohaler. The counter is marked in intervals of 10 doses. When you see a red mark at the edge of the counter window, there are 20 doses left and you should then arrange for a new inhaler from your prescriber.

7 Steps to Success, Inhaler Technique (2014) (adapted).

Asthma UK, ‘How to use your inhaler’ videos.

Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, “My Lungs My Life” videos.

‘Getting the basics right, Inhaler Technique’. Primary Care Respiratory Society (2016).

Royal Sussex County Hospital COPD Nurse Specialist: 01273 523109.

Worthing Hospital Respiratory Nurse Specialists: 01903 205111. Extension: 85858.

St Richard’s Hospital Respiratory Nurse Specialists: 01243 788122. Extension: 32395.

You can also contact your community pharmacist or practice nurse for advice.

The information here is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.