The rule of 2 for inhalers mainly is used for asthma management and is when you use your rescue inhaler less than two times per week during the day, less than two times a month during the night and you have no limitation during any physical activities.
After using an inhaler you have to hold your breath for at least 10 seconds which allows the medication from the inhaler to enter your lungs and get absorbed effectively.
As you start to breathe in, press the button on your inhaler to release the medicine.
Then continue to breathe in until your lungs are full and then remove the inhaler and hold your breath for around 10 seconds.
After holding your breath, remove the inhaler and then breathe out slowly.
And if you are using an inhaled corticosteroid inhaler you should rinse your mouth with water and spit it out to avoid thrush.
And if you need to take another puff of the inhaler you should wait 1 minute before using the inhaler again.
You can drink water within a few minutes after using an inhaler although you should rinse your mouth with some water first.
After using the inhaler you should rinse your mouth with water, gargle and then spit.
Then you can drink water as normal.
If you don't rinse your mouth after using an inhaler you can develop a sore throat, oral thrush and other mouth and throat irritation due to the leftover residue from the inhaler.
To clean your mouth after an inhaler gargle and rinse your mouth with some water but don't swallow the water.
Simply put some water in your mouth and gargle and swish it around for 10 seconds or so and then spit it out and repeat if you still need to rinse your mouth out.
Failing to rinse your mouth after an inhaler can lead to oral thrush and throat irritation.
After using an inhaler and when you have asthma the best way to sleep is to either lay on your back with your shoulders and neck elevated or lay on your back with your head elevated and your knees bent with a pillow under your knees.
Another good sleeping position to sleep in after an inhaler and when you have asthma is on your left side with a pillow placed between your legs.
You should rinse your mouth out with water but not swallow and wait at least 10 to 20 minutes or so before drinking water after the inhaler.
If you don't rinse your mouth after using your inhaler it can lead to dry mouth, irritation and even oral thrush.
The best time to take an inhaler is in the evening.
Some people need to use their inhaler once a day and some people need to use the inhaler twice a day.