Your doctor may prescribe a medication for you in the form of a dry powder inhaler, or DPI, to help control your asthma. A DPI delivers powdered medication into your lungs.

Each DPI works a little differently, so be sure to have your healthcare provider coach you on exactly how to use it.

As an example, let’s take a closer look at the diskus DPI. A diskus has a mouthpiece and a lever. It also shows you how many doses you have available.

To use a diskus, hold the device in the palm of one hand. Put the thumb of your other hand in the thumb grip, or dent, and push until the device clicks open.

Next, slide the lever as far as it will go until you hear a click. This loads a single dose of medication.

Exhale deeply, away from the device. Then put the mouthpiece in your mouth. Take a quick big breath in. This will bring the medication into your lungs.

Take the diskus out of your mouth and hold your breath for ten seconds. Exhale slowly through your nose.

Wipe the mouthpiece with a clean paper towel after each use.

Close the device by putting your thumb in the thumb grip, and sliding it until the device clicks shut.

It is important to rinse your mouth after using a DPI that contains a steroid medication. This removes any powder that has settled on your tongue or in your mouth and will help prevent a yeast infection, or thrush.

If you have any questions about your DPI medication, or feel that you may be experiencing side effects, talk with your healthcare provider.

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