In managing asthma or COPD, many people think they’re doing it right, but small mistakes, like not shaking the inhaler or breathing in too fast, can stop the medicine from working. That leads to more flare-ups and more wheezing.
Poor inhaler technique is shockingly common. Studies show most users make at least one critical error. These mistakes may seem small, but they can have real health consequences.
Let’s learn how to use Symbicort the right way so you can make sure every dose works exactly as it should.
| 🔑 Key Takeaways ➤ Start by reading the full instructions that come with your Symbicort inhaler, especially if it’s your first time using it. ➤ If it’s new or hasn’t been used in over 7 days, shake the inhaler, then spray it twice into the air to make sure it’s ready. This is called priming. ➤ Always shake the inhaler for 5 seconds before each use, then check the mouthpiece to make sure it’s clean. ➤ Breathe out fully before using the inhaler, then breathe in slowly and deeply as you press down on the top. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds after inhaling. ➤ After two puffs, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out to help prevent mouth infections like thrush. ➤ Watch the counter on the inhaler to track how many doses are left, and get a refill before it runs out completely. ➤ Use Symbicort exactly as prescribed, usually two puffs in the morning and two at night, and don’t use it for sudden symptoms. ➤ Check in regularly with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you’re still using the inhaler the right way. |
How to Use Your Symbicort Inhaler Correctly
Source: My Symbicort
Using your Symbicort inhaler properly is essential to managing asthma or COPD. If you skip steps or do them incorrectly, you may not get the full dose of medicine, which can lead to more symptoms or flare-ups. Studies have shown that poor technique is common and leads to worse health outcomes.
So, let’s break down exactly how to use your Symbicort inhaler.
Step 1: Preparing Your Symbicort Inhaler
Before anything else, read the full patient information leaflet that comes with your prescription. It includes important safety details and complete directions.
According to the manufacturer’s guidelines, take the inhaler out of its foil pouch. If it’s your first time using it or if it hasn’t been used in more than 7 days, shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds. Then, press down to release a test spray. Shake it again for 5 seconds and release a second test spray. This is called priming the inhaler. It makes sure the medication is properly mixed and the device is working correctly.
After priming, shake the inhaler again for 5 seconds before using it. Then, remove the mouthpiece cover by squeezing both sides gently and pulling it straight off. Look inside the mouthpiece to check for dust or foreign objects, which could block the spray. This is a small step but very important to avoid inhaling particles that shouldn’t be there.
Step 2: Inhale the Medication the Right Way
Now it’s time to take your medication. Start by breathing out fully to empty your lungs. This helps make room for the medicine.
Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it to form a tight seal. Make sure the inhaler is upright and the mouthpiece is aimed at the back of your throat. As you start to breathe in slowly and deeply, press down on the top of the inhaler firmly to release the medication.
Keep breathing in and then hold your breath for about 10 seconds, or as long as comfortable. Before you breathe out, release your finger from the top of the counter and remove the inhaler from your mouth.
To take the second puff, repeat these exact steps: shake the inhaler for 5 seconds, exhale fully, place the mouthpiece in your mouth, inhale slowly while pressing the top, and then hold your breath.
| 💡 Did You Know? According to a study, errors during these inhalation steps, specifically not breathing in deeply, not holding your breath, and not exhaling calmly afterward, were strongly linked to worse COPD symptoms and more frequent severe exacerbations. In the PIFotal study, 81.3% of patients made at least one critical error, and those with multiple errors had poorer overall health. These steps have real health consequences if skipped or done incorrectly. |
Step 3: After Using the Inhaler
After your two puffs, close the mouthpiece cover by pushing it in until it clicks. Then, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out. Don’t swallow it. This helps prevent a fungal infection in the mouth or throat, known as oral thrush. Symbicort contains budesonide, a corticosteroid, and rinsing after use is important to avoid side effects.
The official safety information confirms this. It warns that failing to rinse could lead to thrush, which is more common when corticosteroids are left in the mouth.
Step 4: Reading the Actuation Counter
Each time you press the inhaler, the actuation counter on the top will decrease by one. However, the arrow next to the number may not visibly move with every single puff.
When first primed, the counter will show 120 puffs for a full prescription or 60 puffs for a sample or institutional pack. As you use the inhaler, keep an eye on this number.
When the arrow reaches the yellow zone (around 20 puffs remaining), it’s time to contact your doctor or pharmacist for a refill. Do not wait until the inhaler is empty. Once the arrow reaches the red zone or reads “0,” discard the inhaler, even if it still releases spray. You may no longer be receiving the correct dose. Also, if it has been more than 3 months since opening the foil pouch, it must be thrown away regardless of the remaining doses.
This matches findings of a study, which reported that many patients believe the inhaler still works even after the medication has run out, leading to underdosing and poor control of symptoms. In the ELIOT study, only 87% of participants achieved correct inhaler technique within three training sessions. Maintaining mastery over time was also a challenge, as incorrect habits returned after 12 weeks.
Important Daily Use Guidelines
Use Symbicort exactly as prescribed: two puffs in the morning and two in the evening, 12 hours apart. Never use more than what your doctor has directed. Symbicort is a maintenance medication, not a rescue inhaler. It does not work quickly enough to treat sudden symptoms.
Do not take any other medicine containing a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) while using Symbicort. This combination could increase the risk of serious heart-related side effects. If you find yourself needing your rescue inhaler more often than usual or it’s not working well, call your doctor right away.
Serious Risks if Misused
Misusing Symbicort can lead to side effects such as chest pain, increased blood pressure, tremors, fast or irregular heartbeat, and nervousness. Other possible risks include:
- Fungal infections (thrush in the mouth or throat)
- Pneumonia, especially in people with COPD
- Immune system suppression
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Increased wheezing immediately after use
- Severe allergic reactions, including swelling of the face or throat
- Low bone density, especially in people at risk for osteoporosis
- Slowed growth in children
- Eye problems, like glaucoma or cataracts
- Changes in blood potassium and sugar levels
- Regular follow-ups and correct usage help reduce these risks.
Keep Learning and Practicing
If you’re unsure about your technique, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help. You can also visit howtousesymbicort.com to watch an instructional video.
Research confirms that errors happen often and that patients tend to forget proper technique over time. According to a study, even after initial training, mastery declines, and refresher instruction is needed. In fact, when videos were reviewed by independent experts, patients using simpler devices like Spiromax had better long-term success than those using Turbuhaler.
This means reviewing how you use your device regularly can make a big difference in your results.
Final Words
Good technique helps your inhaler do its job. From shaking it the right way to rinsing your mouth after use, every detail counts.
So ask yourself, are you following all the steps? If you’re not sure, it’s worth checking. Your health depends on how well you use this simple but powerful tool.
FAQs on How to Use Symbicort
Do I need to shake the inhaler before using it?
Yes, always shake it well for 5 seconds before each puff.
Should I rinse my mouth after using Symbicort?
Yes! Rinse with water and spit it out (don’t swallow) to help prevent a mouth infection called thrush.
Can Symbicort be used for sudden breathing problems?
No, it’s not a rescue inhaler. Always keep a separate rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms.
What should I do if my asthma gets worse while using Symbicort?
Call your doctor. If your rescue inhaler isn’t working, get help right away.
Can kids use Symbicort?
Yes, for asthma in kids 6 and up, but their growth should be checked regularly.
Is it okay to use other inhalers with Symbicort?
Don’t use another inhaler with a LABA in it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to check your meds.
Sources
- AstraZeneca. (n.d.). Quick guide to using your Symbicort inhaler. Retrieved from https://www.symbicorttouchpoints.com/content/dam/physician-services/us/526-rwd-symbicort-hcp/pdf/03_using_the_symbicort_inhaler.pdf
- Kocks, J., Bosnic-Anticevich, S., van Cooten, J., Correia de Sousa, J., Cvetkovski, B., Dekhuijzen, R., Dijk, L., Garcia Pardo, M., Gardev, A., Gawlik, R., van der Ham, I., Janse, Y., Lavorini, F., Maricoto, T., Meijer, J., Metz, B., Price, D., Roman Rodriguez, M., Schuttel, K., Stoker, N., Tsiligianni, I., Usmani, O., Voorham, J., & Leving, M. T. (2023). Identifying critical inhalation technique errors in Dry Powder Inhaler use in patients with COPD based on the association with health status and exacerbations: Findings from the multi-country cross-sectional observational PIFotal study. BMC Pulmonary Medicine, 23, Article 302. https://bmcpulmmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12890-023-02566-6
- Price, D. B., Thomas, V., Dekhuijzen, P. N. R., Bosnic-Anticevich, S., Roche, N., Lavorini, F., Raju, P., Freeman, D., Nicholls, C., Small, I. R., Sims, E., Safioti, G., Canvin, J., & Chrystyn, H. (2018). Evaluation of inhaler technique and achievement and maintenance of mastery of budesonide/formoterol Spiromax® compared with budesonide/formoterol Turbuhaler® in adult patients with asthma: The Easy Low Instruction Over Time (ELIOT) study. BMC Pulmonary Medicine, 18, Article 107. Retrieved from https://bmcpulmmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12890-018-0665-x
- Price, D. B., Thomas, V., Dekhuijzen, P. N. R., Bosnic-Anticevich, S., Roche, N., Lavorini, F., Raju, P., Freeman, D., Nicholls, C., Small, I. R., Sims, E., Safioti, G., Canvin, J., & Chrystyn, H. (2018). Evaluation of inhaler technique and achievement and maintenance of mastery of budesonide/formoterol Spiromax® compared with budesonide/formoterol Turbuhaler® in adult patients with asthma: The Easy Low Instruction Over Time (ELIOT) study. BMC Pulmonary Medicine, 18, Article 107. Retrieved from https://bmcpulmmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12890-018-0665-x