How to use an inhaler correctly? Let's learn everything about it!

When it's hard to breathe, when your chest feels tight, or when you're feeling a little dizzy, most of us immediately think of an inhaler. This small device that you can hold in your hand can actually save your life at times. But how many of us really know about this inhaler? How many types are there? Is the same type given for every illness? And most importantly, how exactly do you use it? Okay, let's talk about all this simply and clearly today.

Simply put, what is an inhaler?

An inhaler is a small device that you hold in your hand and delivers medication directly into your lungs. It works quickly by delivering the medication directly into your airways, providing relief. It is mainly used to open up your blocked airways or reduce inflammation in your lungs. These inhalers are designed to deliver the medication as a dry powder, a metered-dose spray, or a soft mist.

What is the difference between an inhaler and a nebulizer?

Many people get these two confused. Both inhalers and nebulizers are used to administer medication for lung diseases. But there are big differences between the two. Let's see what they are.

Who needs an inhaler?

Inhalers are often used by people with long-term lung diseases such as asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder) . These people are mainly given two types of inhalers.

1. Daily/Preventer Inhalers: These are used daily to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

2. Fast-acting/Rescue Inhalers: These are used to provide immediate relief during an asthma attack or when COPD flares up and breathing becomes difficult. This is what we call a "rescue inhaler."

Even for someone who does not have asthma, a doctor may sometimes prescribe an inhaler temporarily for respiratory infections such as bronchitis.

Main types of inhalers and the medications they contain

Inhaler devices can be divided into three main types. And the types of medication they deliver also differ. Let's take a closer look at this.

Types of inhaler devices

• Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs): These are what we usually call "puffers". The medicine is in a canister under pressure. When we press it, the medicine is quickly released as a spray. At that moment, we have to breathe in properly.
• Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs): These contain the medication in the form of a powder. The medication is not sprayed out. The medicine is inhaled into the lungs when we inhale quickly and deeply . They come in various shapes, such as a tube or a round disc. (Ex: Diskus®, HandiHaler®).
• Soft Mist Inhalers: These devices convert liquid medication into a very fine mist. This mist travels more slowly than the spray from MDIs, making it easier to inhale.

Main types of medications contained in inhalers

What happens to an inhaler depends on the medicine inside it. Let's understand these types of medicines from the table below.

The correct way to use an inhaler

This is the most important part. To get the most out of your inhaler, you need to use it correctly . If you use it incorrectly, the medicine will settle in your mouth and throat instead of reaching your lungs. The way you use each type of inhaler is slightly different.

Here are some steps that are usually followed.

How to use an MDI (puffer):

1. First, remove the cap from the mouthpiece.

2. Shake the inhaler well (about 5 seconds).

3. Exhale as deeply as possible and empty your lungs.

4. Place the mouthpiece of the inhaler in your mouth and close it tightly with your lips.

5. Now press the canister one at a time as you begin to breathe in slowly and deeply .

6. Continue to breathe in slowly and when finished, remove the inhaler from your mouth.

7. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds . This gives the medicine time to reach your lungs.

8. Then exhale normally.

9. If the doctor has told you to take another puff, wait about a minute and then do it again.

Using a spacer: Some people, especially young children, have difficulty timing their inhalation. In such cases, a device called a spacer tube can be used. The inhaler is connected to this, the medicine is injected into the spacer, and then the patient can breathe in slowly through it. This greatly reduces the amount of medicine wasted.

How to use a DPI (powder inhaler):

These are different from MDIs.

1. Load the dose of medication according to the inhaler's instructions (some require you to twist a cutter, some require you to click).

2. Turn your head away from the inhaler and breathe out as much as possible. Never breathe into the inhaler , as this can cause the powder to become wet and clog it.

3. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close it tightly with your lips.

4. Now inhale very quickly and deeply , as if you were using a vacuum cleaner.

5. Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for about 10 seconds .

6. Then slowly exhale.

Very important: If you are using an inhaler containing a corticosteroid (e.g. ICS), rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after each use and spit it out . This can help prevent the development of a fungal infection (thrush) in the mouth and throat.

When do you need to see a doctor?

If you have any questions about your inhaler, talk to your doctor. It's important to seek medical advice, especially in situations like this.

• If you find it difficult to use the inhaler you have been given.
• If your symptoms are not controlled despite using medication.
• If you wake up at night because of a cold.
• If you need to use your rescue inhaler more than twice a week, this may mean that your disease is not well controlled.

At times like this, your doctor may change the dosage of your medication or switch you to a different type of inhaler.