Resources · Managing Your Condition
Puffers & Inhalers

Turbuhaler

Dry-powder inhaler (reservoir) — breathe in hard.

For patients & health professionals
Spiromax Managing Your Condition · 25 of 26 Zonda
Authorship & review
Dr Sean James Ledger, BSc Physio (Hons) MSc PhD FHEA
Director and Principal Physiotherapist
Ahpra registration PHY0002298174
Version
1.0
Last updated
12 August 2026
Next review
12 August 2027
Every guide on this site is reviewed at least once a year, and sooner when the evidence changes.
How these guides are written and reviewed →
In plain language

A Turbuhaler is a dry-powder inhaler. There is no spray — you draw the fine powder out yourself, so you need to breathe in forcefully and deeply. You load a dose by twisting the coloured grip at the base back and forth until it clicks.

Turbuhaler
Turbuhaler. Device shown for identification — your medicine and colour may differ.
Check which of your Turbuhalers does what

The Turbuhaler is a device, not a medicine. Bricanyl (terbutaline) is a fast-acting reliever; Pulmicort (budesonide) is a preventer; Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) may be prescribed as a preventer only, or as both preventer and reliever (MART). Extra doses are only safe if MART has been prescribed for you. Check the name on the inhaler, and follow your written action plan.

Examples of this type

Different medicines come in this device. Common examples include:

Brand names are examples only and availability changes — always go by the name on your own inhaler and your prescriber's instructions.

How to use it — step by step

1
Unscrew the capTwist off and lift the white cap. Hold the inhaler upright (mouthpiece up).
2
Load a doseTwist the coloured grip as far as it will go in one direction, then back the other way until it clicks. That loads one dose.
3
Breathe outBreathe out gently, away from the inhaler — never into the mouthpiece, as moisture spoils the powder.
4
Seal and breathe in hardPlace the mouthpiece between your teeth, seal your lips, and breathe in as forcefully and deeply as you can.
5
HoldTake the inhaler out and hold your breath for about 6 seconds, then breathe out gently.
6
FinishReplace the cap. Rinse your mouth after steroid-containing doses.

Getting the best from it

  • A fast, hard inhalation is essential — you may not taste or feel the powder, and that is normal.1,2
  • Keep it upright while loading, and keep it dry.
  • Use the dose counter/window; a red mark means it is nearly empty.

Looking after your inhaler

Wipe the outside of the mouthpiece with a dry tissue weekly — never wash it or use water. Store with the cap on in a dry place.

Not sure your technique is right?

Most people lose some accuracy over time.3,4 We can check your inhaler technique at your appointment.

Book an appointment

References & evidence base

  1. National Asthma Council Australia. Inhaler technique for people with asthma or COPD. Information paper for health professionals. Melbourne: National Asthma Council Australia, 2026.
  2. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Inhaler technique — device-specific checklists. Sydney: ACSQHC, 2020.

Further reading

References are numbered in citation order (Vancouver/BMJ style) and were current at the time of writing. Always follow the leaflet for your specific device and your prescriber's instructions.

How we treat this at the clinic

Everything starts with an assessment — your symptoms, breathing, exercise tolerance and daily function measured properly, so what follows is built on your lungs rather than an average.

Physiotherapy Assessment →
Important: This page is general information on inhaler technique, not a prescription or medical advice. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber and pharmacist, and the leaflet inside your specific medicine. If you are unsure your inhaler is working, or your breathing worsens, contact your care team — or in an emergency call 000. For a technique check, contact Inspire Clinic.

Corrections: If something on this page is wrong, out of date or unclear, we want to know. Email reception@inspireclinic.au with the page name and what you believe is incorrect. Substantive corrections are made promptly, and the guide’s version and last-updated date are changed to reflect it.