As you start to breathe in, push down on the top of the inhaler and keep breathing in slowly and deeply to carry the medicine far into your lungs. Hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds with your mouth closed, then breathe out slowly. If you use more than one puff, wait at least 1 minute before inhaling again. If using inhaled steroids, rinse your mouth with water but don't swallow. Once a day, clean the inhaler and cap with soap and rinse in running water.
Some people have trouble using an inhaler the right way, especially children.
You can use a spacer or holding chamber to help. It lets you use more than one breath to take in one puff of medicine. Some types release the medicine while you breathe in and out normally. The spacer or holding chamber attaches to the inhaler. Press the inhaler button to release a puff of medicine into the spacer or chamber.