Inhalers are devices that put medicine into a form that you can inhale, or breathe in. Different inhalers have different types of medicine. In general, inhalers are used to treat lung conditions that can make it hard to breathe, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Doctors also sometimes prescribe inhalers to treat a cough caused by a lung infection called bronchitis.
If you are prescribed an inhaler, it will contain medicine to treat your specific lung problem. Some inhalers have medicines called “bronchodilators” that relax the muscles around the airways to open them up. Some have a medicine that treats inflammation.
You might need to use more than one inhaler to treat your condition. Or you might need an inhaler that has 2 medicines.
New inhaler medicines are being developed. For example, drug-makers are working on an inhaler containing an antibiotic to treat a condition that affects the lungs called cystic fibrosis.
Yes. There are 3 main types of inhaler devices, which use different technologies to deliver medicine. The 3 main types are:
—Metered dose inhalers (picture 1)
—Dry powder inhalers (picture 2)
—Soft mist inhalers (picture 3)
Inhalers work by putting the medicine into a form that a person can breathe in. The different types of inhalers do this in different ways. Plus, inhaler technology is changing all the time, so new devices become available often.
Most metered dose inhalers spray medicine when a person presses down on the top of the canister.
Dry powder inhalers release medicine when a person takes a deep breath in from the inhaler.
Soft mist inhalers spray medicine when a person presses down on a button on the side of the inhaler.
The directions for the different types of inhalers are different. Your doctor or nurse will show you how to use your inhaler.
It’s important to follow all your doctor’s directions when you use your inhaler, so that the medicine gets into your lungs.
One important point about metered dose inhalers is that they need to be “primed” the first time they are used. Priming involves shaking the inhaler and spraying it into the air, away from your face. The number of priming sprays is different from one inhaler to another, but 4 priming sprays are most common.
Dry powder inhalers must be kept away from humidity, so don’t store them in a bathroom with a shower or bathtub.
Your doctor or nurse will make a treatment plan that tells you when to use your inhaler. Some inhalers are used right away when symptoms start, to treat those symptoms. Other inhalers are used every day, to help control symptoms long-term and prevent future symptoms.
If you have any questions about when or how to use your inhaler, talk with your doctor or nurse.