Updated on February 6, 2025.
Inhalers are often prescribed to people who have health issues with their lungs, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These small medical devices make it possible to breathe in medication, so it acts quickly and directly on the lungs.
To get the full benefit of inhalers, it’s vital to use them correctly.
Four main types of inhaler medications
All inhaler medications work to help lungs function, but there are four main types. Each should only be taken with a prescription from a healthcare provider (HCP).
- Inhaled corticosteroids help reduce inflammation in the lungs. They’re usually used daily to help prevent asthma attacks.
- Short-acting bronchodilators (also called rescue inhalers) help to quickly open up the airways. They’re typically used as needed, rather than regularly.
- Long-acting bronchodilators open the airways and are used daily to help control asthma or COPD.
- Combination inhalers include multiple medications together and are usually used daily.
Some inhalers puff medication in a metered dose, and others deliver medicine as a soft mist or a dry powder. All of these medications enable people with asthma and COPD to breathe. They are important and often lifesaving.
Incorrect use of inhalers is common
To get the benefit of an inhaler, it’s critical to use it properly. Many people, even those who have been using them for years, do not. In fact, as many as 92 percent of people with asthma use their inhalers incorrectly, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America,
"The main reason most patients use their inhalers wrong is that no one has shown them the proper technique," says Brian Gelbman, MD, associate clinical professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. "In our current healthcare environment, many practices can be very busy and may neglect to take the extra few minutes to show patients how to use their inhalers."
Using an inhaler incorrectly can lead to breathing issues, including worsening asthma.
"The risk of using your inhaler wrong is that you won't be receiving the proper dose of your medication and will likely be under-treating your asthma," says Dr. Gelbman. "This can ultimately result in unnecessary escalation of care, such as stronger medications with higher risk of side effects or even emergency room visits or hospital stays."
How to use an inhaler correctly
If you're not sure you're using your inhaler the right way, or just want a refresher course, here's a guide to correct usage.
- Take off the inhaler's cap. Make sure it's clean.
- Hold the inhaler upright and shake it vigorously.
- Take a deep breath in and out, away from the inhaler. (This is the step most people forget. Don't skip it.)
- Hold the inhaler upright and bring it to your mouth.
- Place the inhaler between your teeth and above your tongue. Seal your lips around it without biting.
- Start to breathe in slowly.
- Press down on the inhaler canister one time while continuing to breathe in until you've had a full breath.
- Take the inhaler out of your mouth. Hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds.
- Slowly start to breathe out. If your prescription calls for another dose, wait 1 minute.
- Put the cap back on the inhaler.
To see these tips in action, you can view helpful videos from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Before you use any inhaler, remember to read its instructions. "Almost all devices come with written instructions, and almost all inhalers have websites that demonstrate proper usage," says Gelbman. "If that fails, ask your provider or pharmacist to demonstrate the correct usage." It'll take just a few minutes, and it could be the difference in getting your breathing issues under control.
