Got an inhaler and not sure you're using it properly? You're not alone. A correctly used inhaler makes the medicine work where it counts — in your lungs. Get this right and you’ll have fewer flare-ups, fewer ER trips, and more days without wheeze.
There are a few main kinds:
- Reliever (short-acting bronchodilators): fast relief during an attack. Think quick rescue when you suddenly wheeze or feel tightness.
- Preventer (inhaled corticosteroids): used daily to cut inflammation and reduce future attacks. These won’t help an immediate flare-up.
- Long-acting bronchodilators and combination inhalers: help control symptoms over time and are often paired with steroids.
- Dry powder inhalers (DPI) vs. pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDI): DPIs need a strong, fast breath in; pMDIs spray medicine and often work better with a spacer for correct delivery.
Wrong technique is the top reason inhalers fail. Try these clear steps:
- For pMDI (with or without spacer): shake the inhaler, breathe out fully, place mouth on mouthpiece (or spacer), press the canister once and breathe in slowly and deeply for 3–5 seconds, hold your breath for 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
- For DPI: load the dose, breathe out away from the device, put it in your mouth, inhale quickly and deeply, hold for about 10 seconds.
Use a spacer for pMDIs if you have trouble coordinating the press-and-breathe step. Practicing with your nurse or pharmacist for a few minutes can make a big difference.
Watch for common mistakes: not shaking the inhaler, inhaling too fast/too slow, exhaling into a DPI, or skipping the hold-breath step. If you cough after using a steroid inhaler, rinse your mouth to lower the chance of thrush.
Storage and refills: keep inhalers at room temperature, avoid freezing or high heat. Track doses if your device doesn’t have a counter. Don’t wait until you’re out — get a refill before you run low.
Travel and emergencies: carry your reliever inhaler everywhere. If you fly, keep inhalers in carry-on luggage. If symptoms worsen despite using your reliever exactly as directed, seek medical help right away.
Buying online? Only use licensed pharmacies. You’ll usually need a prescription for preventer or combination inhalers. Ask the seller to confirm licensing and always check the patient leaflet for expiry and storage details.
If asthma still limits your activities or you need reliever more than twice a week, talk to your doctor about a treatment review. A small tweak to your inhaler type or technique can make life easier.
Get the facts on Advair Diskus and Breztri Aerosphere: from real out-of-pocket copay costs to which works better for asthma and COPD. Save on your inhaler today.
