When you use an inhaler, a handheld device that delivers medication directly to the lungs. Also known as a puffer, it’s one of the most common tools for managing asthma and COPD—but only if you use it right. Studies show that up to 90% of people don’t use their inhalers correctly. That means even if you’re taking your medicine every day, you might be getting less than half the dose you think you are. It’s not the drug that’s failing you—it’s the technique.
Proper inhaler use isn’t about pressing the canister and breathing in. It’s timing, posture, breath control, and coordination. For a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), you need to press the device and start breathing in slowly at the exact same moment. If you’re too early or too late, the medicine hits your throat instead of your lungs. With dry powder inhalers, you need a fast, deep breath to pull the powder in. Spit out the dose, and you’re wasting money and risking flare-ups. Even the best inhaler won’t help if you’re not using it like it’s designed.
People often skip the spacer—a simple plastic tube that connects to the inhaler. Spacers aren’t just for kids. They help adults too, especially those with shaky hands or trouble timing their breath. A spacer holds the medicine in a chamber so you can breathe it in at your own pace. It also cuts down on throat irritation from steroids. And don’t forget to rinse your mouth after using steroid inhalers. It’s not a suggestion—it’s how you prevent thrush and hoarseness.
Some patients think if they don’t feel a spray, the inhaler is empty. Not true. Many inhalers have no physical sensation, even when they still have doses left. That’s why tracking puff counts matters. Most devices now come with counters, but if yours doesn’t, write the date you opened it and note how many puffs you use per day. Most last 30 to 120 doses. Running out without knowing is dangerous.
What about inhaler types? MDIs are the most common, but dry powder inhalers like Turbuhaler or Diskus are becoming popular because they don’t need hand-breath coordination. But they do require a strong, quick inhale. If you’re older or have weak lungs, you might struggle. That’s not a failure—it’s a signal to talk to your pharmacist about switching devices. There’s no one-size-fits-all inhaler. The right one is the one you can use correctly.
And here’s something no one tells you: inhaler technique changes over time. Even if you got it right five years ago, muscle strength, coordination, or lung function can shift. That’s why you should have your technique checked at least once a year—not just when you’re having trouble. Pharmacists can watch you use it in under a minute. No appointment needed. Just walk in.
What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from people who’ve been there. From how to clean your inhaler without breaking it, to what to do when you drop it in the sink, to why your child’s inhaler isn’t working even though they’re using it the way you were taught. These aren’t theory pages. They’re fixes for the mistakes you didn’t know you were making.
Most people use asthma and COPD inhalers incorrectly, wasting up to 90% of their medicine. Learn the right technique for MDIs, DPIs, and soft mist inhalers-and how to avoid common mistakes that keep you from breathing easier.
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