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Learning About Inhalers

An inhaler is used to send medicine right to your lungs. It's often used for asthma, COPD, and other lung diseases that make it hard to breathe. Using your inhaler the right way can help keep your symptoms under control.

Different devices can send medicine straight to your lungs. They include metered-dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, soft mist inhalers, and nebulizers. You may need to use more than one type of device.

Bring your inhalers with you to all appointments. Ask your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to teach you how to use them.

What do you need to know about using inhalers?

Learn to use your inhaler.

It's important to know the right way to use each type of inhaler. Here are a few ways to learn:

Talk to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist.
Read the instructions. These may direct you to an online video about your inhaler.

Prepare your inhaler.

Before using the inhaler you need to know:

Whether to prime it or shake it.
Whether to use a spacer.
How to load medicine into the inhaler. (Not all inhalers need medicine loaded.)

Use your inhaler.

Each kind of inhaler is used differently. You may learn:

How to hold it.
When or how to breathe.
How long to hold your breath.
If you need to rinse your mouth out after using it.

Care for your inhaler.

Each kind of inhaler needs different care. You may also learn:

How to read the dose counter or other ways to know how many doses are left.
How to know if you need a refill.
How or if to clean it. Some inhalers don't need cleaning.
How to store it.
When to throw it away.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter I150 in the search box to learn more about "Learning About Inhalers".

Adapted with permission from copyrighted materials from Healthwise, Incorporated (Healthwise). This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty and is not responsible or liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.