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Device guidance
Different devices work differently. A demonstration of your own prescribed inhaler is a good place to start. Use this guide to prepare your questions — not as a substitute for device-specific instructions.
Inhaler image. Your prescribed medicine and device may look different.
Bring your device, any spacer you use and the manufacturer's leaflet. Have your prescription or medicine list ready. Explain what you find difficult and ask to practise your technique with professional guidance.
In this guide
Bring the inhaler or device you actually use, its packaging and instruction leaflet. Tell the pharmacy if it is new to you or if something feels difficult. A demonstration should match your specific model — a general video or a similar-looking device may not be enough.
Ask a pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional to demonstrate the manufacturer's instructions for your model. Then show how you use it so they can check your technique and answer questions. Ask for clarification rather than guessing.
The way an inhaler is prepared and used depends on its design. Ask which type you have and which steps apply. Do not transfer instructions from one inhaler to another, change a prescribed dose or choose a medicine based on the device colour.
A spacer is an accessory, not a medicine. It is used only with compatible inhalers. Ask whether one is appropriate for your prescribed device, which model fits, and how to assemble and use that exact combination. Ask for device-specific cleaning instructions too.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your device and any professional advice. Cleaning methods and drying requirements vary. Do not wash or immerse parts unless the instructions allow it. Ask how to check for damage, expiry and remaining doses, where applicable, and when to discuss replacement.
Read the instructions for your thermometer model, including the intended measurement site, cleaning method and battery care. Ask the pharmacy to explain the display and any error messages. A reading alone does not replace assessment when you feel unwell.
Practical Care Tips
Wash once weekly in warm water with mild detergent. Do not scrub or dry with a towel, as static buildup causes medicine droplets to cling to the plastic walls instead of reaching your lungs.
Check the dose counter on newer canisters. Never submerge an inhaler in water to test buoyancy, as moisture damages modern propellants and valve mechanisms.
Store pressurized inhalers between 15°C and 25°C away from direct sunlight. If an inhaler gets too cold, warm the canister in your hands for a few minutes before inhaling.
Digital stick and infrared thermometers provide quick readings without the hazards of mercury glass thermometers. Clean the probe tip with 70% alcohol between uses.
Ask: “Can you check my technique?” “How do I know the device is ready to use?” “Is this spacer compatible?” “Which parts can I clean?” and “What should I do if the device seems damaged or does not work as expected?”
If you cannot use your prescribed device, contact a qualified healthcare professional for advice. Do not make treatment changes based on this article.
For severe or worsening symptoms, seek urgent medical care. Website information is general guidance and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you have severe breathing difficulty, seek urgent medical care; do not wait for a website response.
Visit Blusky Pharmacy in Biwi, Lilongwe for a conversation about your medicines and devices. Our outlet is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Plan your visitBiwi, Lilongwe · 0989878319 · Open 24/7
