Inhalers are generally prescribed to people who have a pulmonary disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. Using an inhaler correctly helps your medicine work better.
An inhaler is not to be confused with a nebulizer, which is another type of device used to help people with breathing.
Inhalers differ from nebulizers mainly in that an inhaler pumps the medication into your mouth and lungs, whereas a nebulizer produces a fine mist that is delivered through a face mask. An inhaler is also easier to transport, and the medicine delivered through one reaches your lungs faster.
Many Designs for Better Breathing
There are three common types of inhalers: metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), dry powder inhalers (DPIs) and soft mist inhalers (SMIs).
MDIs have a canister that holds the medicine and a propellant that helps the medicine turn into a mist. Some people call these inhalers “press-and-breathe inhalers.” Before you use this type of inhaler, you have to shake it. And if you haven’t used it for two weeks or if it’s your first time using it, you need to prime it. Priming means you spray the medicine into the air, away from your face, to test if the spray is working properly. MDIs or press-and-breathe inhalers work best when used with an attachable chamber that holds the medicine a little longer, which gives the user more time to breathe the medicine in.
DPIs give you medicine in a dry powder form. This special kind of inhaler works when you breathe in. As you take a deep breath, the medicine comes out of the inhaler and goes into your lungs.
SMIs give you medicine in the form of a mist. Before you use an SMI, you have to get it ready by putting in a new cartridge and making sure it’s working properly by priming it.
When prescribing different inhalers, health care providers take into consideration a person’s age, how well they can think and understand things, how good they are at using their hands, and if they can breathe in at the same time as pressing the inhaler.
Step-by-Step
Each type of inhaler has advantages and disadvantages, but how well it works depends on how much medicine actually goes into the person’s lungs.
An attachment known as a spacer is often used to help ensure the medicine reaches your lungs efficiently. With a spacer attached to the mouthpiece of the inhaler, the medicine is pumped into the spacer first, and then the person inhales the medicine with a couple of deep breaths.
For correct usage of an MDI inhaler:
- Remove the cap. Remove the cap from the inhaler. Make sure it’s clean and free from any dust or debris.
- Prime the inhaler. If you haven’t used the inhaler for a while, prime it following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Shake the inhaler. Hold the inhaler upright and shake it well to mix the medicine inside.
- Attach the spacer. If a spacer was provided, attach it to the inhaler.
- Exhale. Take a slow breath out, making sure to empty your lungs completely.
- Form a seal. Place your lips tightly around the mouthpiece of the inhaler or spacer. Make sure your tongue is not blocking the opening.
- Activate the inhaler. Press the inhaler’s button to spray the medication into your mouth or the spacer.
- Breathe in. Take a slow and deep inhalation through your mouth to allow the medicine to enter your lungs.
- Hold your breath. After inhaling the medicine, hold your breath for about 10 seconds. This gives the medicine time to reach deep into your lungs.
- Breathe out. Finally, exhale slowly and completely.
- Repeat if necessary. If your doctor has prescribed more than one inhalation, wait for about one to two minutes before taking the next puff. Shake the inhaler again and repeat the process.
- Clean and store. After each use, put the cap back on the inhaler. It’s important to keep the inhaler clean and store it in a safe place.
Depending on your specific inhaler, there are different steps to take when breathing in.
- MDIs are devices that hold the medicine in a special spray. To use an MDI, press the canister and breathe in at the same time.
- DPIs are inhalers that give you medicine without needing anything to push it out. When you breathe in, the medicine goes into your lungs. It’s like taking a deep breath and getting the medicine at the same time.
- SMIs work in a similar way to DPIs because you use your breath to take in the medicine. But SMIs have more tiny particles compared to MDIs and DPIs. These tiny particles of medicine move into your lungs more slowly and completely.
Clean Your Inhaler for Fresh Air
You should typically clean an inhaler at least once a week. To know when to clean your inhaler, take a look at the little opening where the medicine comes out. If you notice any powder inside or around it, it’s time to clean your inhaler.
To sanitize your inhaler, take out the metal canister from the plastic mouthpiece. Rinse only the mouthpiece and the cap using warm water. Be careful not to get water on any other parts. Then, leave the mouthpiece and cap to air-dry overnight. In the morning, put the canister back into the inhaler and replace the cap.
Remember, it’s important to only rinse the mouthpiece and cap and not any other parts of the inhaler. You should also rinse your mouth with water after using an inhaler to clear out any residue.
Always follow the instructions given by your health care provider when using your inhaler. If you have any questions or difficulties, ask them for help.
More to Read
- Adult-Onset Asthma: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
- How are Allergies and Asthma Connected?
- All About Nebulizers
- Questions To Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist About Your COPD Medications
Medically reviewed by Jason Birnbaum, MD.
