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Treatment

Using a Dry-Powder Diskus Inhaler

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Step-by-Step

  1. Hands scrubbing with soap under faucet with running water.

    Wash your hands.

  2. Arrow pointing to date on top of inhaler.

    Check the expiration date.

  3. Thumb pushing on thumb grip on side of inhaler.

    Slide the inhaler open.

  4. Thumb pushing on dose release lever on side of inhaler.

    Load the medicine.

  5. Check mark by hand holding inhaler correctly and "no" symbol by hand holding inhaler incorrectly.

    Hold the inhaler level. Don’t shake it.

  6. Person standing straight and person sitting straight in chair.

    Sit or stand up straight.

  7. Person holding inhaler, with head turned aside while breathing in and out.

    Breathe out completely.

  8. Side view of person holding inhaler to their mouth.

    Close your lips tightly on the mouthpiece.

  9. Person holding inhaler to their mouth, inhaling medicine.

    Breathe in quickly and deeply.

  10. Person holding inhaler to their mouth, with clock showing time passing.

    Hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds.

  11. Person holding inhaler, with head turned aside, breathing out through pursed lips.

    Breathe out slowly.

  12. Finger pushing dose release lever back to where it was.

    Reset the inhaler.

  13. Thumb pushing on thumb grip on side of inhaler.

    Slide the inhaler closed.

  14. Person holding a glass of water and swishing water in their mouth.

    Rinse your mouth out.

  15. Person spitting water into sink.

    Spit.

Featured in

Online Medical Reviewer: Deborah Pedersen MD

Online Medical Reviewer: Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH

Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN

Date Last Reviewed: 07/01/2025

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

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Wash your hands. Check the expiration date. Take the cap off. Shake the inhaler for 5 seconds. Press on the top 3 times to prime, if needed. Sit or stand up straight. Breathe in once. Breathe out completely. Hold the inhaler 2 finger-widths from...

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