Acute Medicine | Breathlessness 02 knowledge C for GPs

Evaluation and advice on good inhaler technique
Session overview
Description
This session will show you how to assess your patients' inhaler techniques, and describes the different range of inhalers that are available and when different types of inhalers or a nebuliser should be prescribed.

Learning objectives

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• describe the different inhaler devices available
• explain how you will show patients how to use different types of inhalers
• state when to use different inhaler devices

Inhalers have been around since the 1800s (Figure 1) and are the primary mode of delivering treatment for patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

It is important for patients to use inhalers properly to gain maximal benefit from the medication.

Inhalers exist in many different shapes and sizes. This session will examine the different types of inhalers available and how to educate patients to use them properly.