How do you use an albuterol inhaler correctly?

Technique decides whether the medicine reaches your lungs. The MedlinePlus sequence for a standard albuterol (salbutamol) aerosol inhaler: remove the cap and check the mouthpiece is clear; if the inhaler is new, unused for over 14 days, or dropped, prime it first - shake well and release 4 test sprays into the air away from your face. Then: shake well; breathe out as completely as you can; seal your lips around the mouthpiece, canister pointing up; start one slow, deep breath in and press the canister ONCE as you begin breathing in; keep breathing in deeply; then hold your breath for 10 seconds and breathe out slowly. For a second puff, wait about a minute and repeat the shake. The common failures: pressing too early or too late (the mist hits your throat instead of riding the breath), breathing in fast and shallow, and skipping the hold. Maintenance that matters: use the dose counter - an aerosol inhaler delivers its labeled 60 or 200 doses, and sprays after that may carry the wrong dose; never float the canister in water to test it; and clean the mouthpiece weekly. Struggling to coordinate breath and press? Ask about a spacer - it holds the mist while you breathe normally and raises lung delivery for almost everyone. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, that can walk you through the steps.