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

When breathing is a little difficult, when the chest feels tight, or when someone has an asthma attack, an inhaler is like a best friend. But some people are afraid to use an inhaler, others are embarrassed. In fact, an inhaler is a very valuable medical device that helps save our lives and control breathing difficulties. So today, let's find answers to all the questions about this inhaler.

Simply put, what is an inhaler?

An inhaler is a small device that you can hold in your hand. Its main function is to deliver medication directly into your lungs. The main function of these medications is to open up your blocked airways and reduce inflammation in your lungs. They can come as a dry powder, a metered-dose spray, or a soft mist.

What is the difference between an inhaler and a nebulizer?

Although both of these deliver medicine to the lungs, there is a big difference between the two. Think about it, an inhaler is something that you can take anywhere, is small, and is easy to use. But a nebulizer is a bit bigger, and it requires electricity or batteries. Let's look at these differences clearly.

Who needs to use an inhaler?

Inhalers are often used by people with long-term lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) . Here we will talk about two main types of inhalers:

1. Preventer/Controller Inhalers: These are used daily to prevent symptoms from occurring and control the disease.

2. Reliever/Rescue Inhalers: These are used to provide immediate relief when you have an asthma attack or when your COPD condition worsens, that is, when you suddenly have difficulty breathing.

Types of inhalers and the medicines they contain

There are several types of inhaler devices and the medications they contain. Let's look at each one separately.

Main types of inhaler devices

• Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDI): These are the "puffer" type that we are all familiar with. They contain medication in a pressurized canister. When you press this, a specific dose of medication is released.
• Dry Powder Inhalers (DPI): These contain the medicine in powder form. The medicine is delivered to your lungs when you take a deep, rapid breath.
• Soft Mist Inhalers: These convert a liquid medicine into a very fine mist and deliver it to the lungs.

Main types of drugs contained in inhalers

Let's understand these types of drugs, their functions, and examples in this table.

How to use an inhaler correctly?

To get the most out of your inhaler, it's important to know how to use it properly. There are slight differences between each type of inhaler, so be sure to ask your doctor or a trained nurse to show you how to use it and show you how.

Here are the general steps:

1. Preparation: Remove the cap from the inhaler. If it is an MDI, shake it well. Some DPI types require you to load a dose.

2. Exhale: Breathe out as much air as possible from your lungs.

3. Placing the inhaler in your mouth: Hold the mouthpiece of the inhaler firmly between your lips.

4. Taking medicine internally:

• For an MDI (puffer): Press the canister while slowly inhaling. Timing is very important. You can use a device called a ``spacer'' to make this easier. Ask your doctor about this.
• For a DPI (powder): Take a quick, deep breath in. You inhale the powder with your breath.

5. Breath holding: After taking the medicine, hold your breath for about 10 seconds if possible. This gives the medicine time to reach the lungs properly.

6. Rinse your mouth (very important!): If you are using an inhaler containing steroids (ICS), rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after using it and spit it out. This can help prevent thrush from forming in your mouth.

Risks and things to be aware of

Although inhalers are a very safe medication, there are a few things you should know.

• It is risky to use a long-acting bronchodilator (LABA) inhaler alone for asthma without a steroid (ICS) inhaler.
• There may be a slightly increased risk of developing pneumonia when using ICS inhalers for COPD. Talk to your doctor about this.
• Many times, risks arise from using the inhaler incorrectly , so it is very important to learn the correct method.
• If you're wondering, "How many puffs of your inhaler is too many?", the answer is , "Don't use more than the amount your doctor has prescribed." If you feel like you're not getting enough of the prescribed dose, it could mean that your condition is not well-controlled. See your doctor right away.

When should I see the doctor again?

If your symptoms are not well controlled, be sure to see a doctor. What are those times?

• If you need to use your `Rescue Inhaler` more than twice a week.
• If you wake up at night due to difficulty breathing.
• If you find it difficult to use the inhaler you have been given.
• If the medication does not relieve symptoms.

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