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.