The Turbuhaler® is a breath-activated device – this means it will release a dose of medicine when you take a breath in through the mouthpiece.
- The Turbuhaler delivers the medicine in a dry-powder form. There's no propellant added to the medicine.
- When you breathe in a dose of the medicine, you will hardly notice any powder in your mouth.
- Preventers, relievers, symptom controllers and combination medicines are available as turbuhalers.
- Children from 5 years of age should be able to use a dry powder inhaler.
Examples of medicines available as a Turbuhaler
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When is a Turbuhaler device suitable?
Since the Turbuhaler is a breath-activated device, to use the Turbuhaler properly, you must be able to breathe in deeply.
- Adults and children 5 years of age and older should be able to use a Turbuhaler.
- Some people (eg, those with severe COPD) may not able to breathe in well enough to activate the Turbuhaler.
If you don't know if a Turbuhaler is the correct device for you, talk to your healthcare provider.
How to use a Turbuhaler device
To get the most benefit, it is important to use the correct technique. Ask your healthcare provider to explain how to use your Turbuhaler.
The video below provides some guidance on how to use a Turbuhaler device. A Turbuhaler is the name of the device used to deliver the medicine to your lungs and airways. There are different names for each Turbuhaler depending on the medicines inside the device.
- It's important to know the name and colour of your Turbuhaler, eg, Bricanyl®, Oxis® or Pulmicort®.
- Your Turbuhaler may be a different colour to the one in the video below. Read more about understanding your medicines(external link).
Video: How to use your Turbuhaler device
(Healthify He Puna Waiora & Auckland District Health Board, NZ, 2018)
Using a Turbuhaler device:
- Open: Unscrew and remove the cap. Hold the Turbuhaler upright.
- Load the dose: Twist the base anticlockwise and then back in the other direction until you hear a click. Your Turbuhaler is now loaded with 1 dose of medicine
- Breathe out: Breathe out, away from the Turbuhaler. Don't blow directly into the Turbuhaler.
- Inhale your dose: Place the mouth piece in your mouth and form a seal with your lips. Breathe in deeply. Remove the turbuhaler and hold your breath for up to 10 seconds.
- Close: Replace the cap and twist until it's on properly.
- Rinse your mouth: Rinse and spit out the water or clean your teeth after using any inhaler that contains a corticosteroid. Ask your healthcare provider if you’re not sure.
Cleaning and storing a Turbuhaler device
Wipe the mouthpiece with a clean dry tissue. Don't wash the mouthpiece or allow it to get wet when cleaning. Keep the cap on when you're not using it. The device may get blocked if you breathe out or dribble into it. It can also block up if it's stored in a place where there's high humidity (dampness) with the cap off or unsealed.
When to start a new Turbuhaler
There's a window under the mouthpiece on the outside of the Turbuhaler called a dose indicator window. When it turns red it's time to get a new Turbuhaler.
Common problems when using a Turbuhaler device
To get the most benefit, it's important to use the correct technique. Here are a few common problems:
- Not holding your Turbuhaler upright (vertical) while loading the dose.
- Covering the air inlets with your lips.
- Breathing in through your nose instead of your mouth.
- Shaking the inhaler to see how much is left.
- Storing your Turbuhaler in a damp place with the cap off.