How to Use an Asthma Inhaler
How to Use an Asthma Inhaler
How well do you know your asthma inhaler? What does it do for you? What drugs are in it? Do you puff and breathe, or breathe and puff?
Inhalers are the most effective way to get lifesaving medications to people with asthma and other lung diseases. Whether you have asthma or care for someone who does, here’s what you need to know about inhalers, including how to use one correctly.
Daily Asthma Diary
Print this daily asthma diary (in pdf format) and use it daily to track your symptoms and medication use. Be sure to print additional pages as needed.
Read the Daily Asthma Diary article > >
An asthma inhaler is a handheld device that delivers medication straight into your lungs. You get the drugs faster -- and with fewer side effects -- than you would if you took it by pill or IV.
Asthma inhalers can deliver drugs in a variety of ways.
Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) provide the drug through a small, handheld aerosol canister. They work like a spray can. You push the inhaler, it sprays out the medicine, and you breathe it in. A tube-like gadget called a spacer can help kids or people with trouble breathing use an MDI more easily.
Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) require you to breathe in quickly and deeply. That can make them hard to use during an asthma attack when you can’t fully catch a deep breath. Read the instructions carefully if you get a different brand, because they vary widely and the new one may not work like your old one.
Nebulizers deliver medication through a mouthpiece or mask. They’re easier to use because you can breathe normally. That makes them good for children or people with severe asthma who may not be able to use an MDI or DPI properly.
Many inhalers contain steroids, like prednisone, to treat inflammation. Others have a type of drug called a bronchodilator to open up your airways. Some have both -- this is known as a combination inhaler.
Anti-inflammatory asthma inhalers prevent asthma attacks and reduce swelling and mucus in your airways. They include:
For in-depth information, see WebMD's article on Asthma, Steroids, and Other Anti-Inflammatory Drugs.
Inhalers are the most effective way to get lifesaving medications to people with asthma and other lung diseases. Whether you have asthma or care for someone who does, here’s what you need to know about inhalers, including how to use one correctly.
Recommended Related to Asthma
Daily Asthma Diary
Print this daily asthma diary (in pdf format) and use it daily to track your symptoms and medication use. Be sure to print additional pages as needed.
Read the Daily Asthma Diary article > >
What Is an Asthma Inhaler?
An asthma inhaler is a handheld device that delivers medication straight into your lungs. You get the drugs faster -- and with fewer side effects -- than you would if you took it by pill or IV.
How Does the Inhaler Work?
Asthma inhalers can deliver drugs in a variety of ways.
Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) provide the drug through a small, handheld aerosol canister. They work like a spray can. You push the inhaler, it sprays out the medicine, and you breathe it in. A tube-like gadget called a spacer can help kids or people with trouble breathing use an MDI more easily.
Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) require you to breathe in quickly and deeply. That can make them hard to use during an asthma attack when you can’t fully catch a deep breath. Read the instructions carefully if you get a different brand, because they vary widely and the new one may not work like your old one.
Nebulizers deliver medication through a mouthpiece or mask. They’re easier to use because you can breathe normally. That makes them good for children or people with severe asthma who may not be able to use an MDI or DPI properly.
What Drugs Are In the Inhaler?
Many inhalers contain steroids, like prednisone, to treat inflammation. Others have a type of drug called a bronchodilator to open up your airways. Some have both -- this is known as a combination inhaler.
Anti-inflammatory asthma inhalers prevent asthma attacks and reduce swelling and mucus in your airways. They include:
- Steroids (Aerospan, Alvesco, Asmanex, Flovent, Pulmicort, and Qvar)
- Mast cell stabilizers (cromolyn sodium)
For in-depth information, see WebMD's article on Asthma, Steroids, and Other Anti-Inflammatory Drugs.
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