Inhaler Tips – Simple Steps for Better Relief

If you rely on an inhaler for asthma or COPD, the way you use it matters more than the medication itself. A few small adjustments can make the dose hit your lungs better, cut down on flare‑ups, and keep you feeling calmer. Below are the most useful tricks you can start using right now.

How to Use a Metered‑Dose Inhaler (MDI)

1. Shake it well. Give the canister a good shake for about five seconds so the medicine mixes evenly.

2. Exhale first. Breathe out fully – but don’t blow into the inhaler.

3. Place the mouthpiece. Hold the inhaler upright, put the mouthpiece between your teeth, and close your lips around it.

4. Press and inhale. As you start to breathe in slowly (about one second), press down on the canister to release a puff. Keep inhaling gently for another two to three seconds.

5. Hold your breath. Stop breathing for about ten seconds, then breathe out slowly.

6. Repeat if needed. If your doctor prescribed two puffs, wait about thirty seconds before the second one.

Tip: Use a spacer if you find it hard to coordinate the press‑and‑inhale step. The spacer catches the spray and gives you more time to inhale the medicine.

Dry Powder Inhalers & Spacers: Quick Hacks

Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) work differently – they don’t need a propellant, so you simply inhale the powder. Here’s how to get the most out of them:

• Load the dose. Follow the device’s click or twist instruction to load a single dose.
• Exhale away from the mouthpiece. Breathe out fully, but keep the breath away from the inhaler to avoid blowing the powder away.
• Inhale fast and deep. Take a quick, strong breath straight through the mouthpiece. A slow breath won’t pull enough powder into your lungs.
• Hold briefly. After inhaling, close your mouth and hold for 5–10 seconds if you can.

When using a spacer with an MDI, remember to clean it regularly – a few weeks’ worth of buildup can block the spray. Rinse the spacer in warm, soapy water, shake off excess, and let it air‑dry.

Also, keep all inhalers upright, store them at room temperature, and avoid exposing them to extreme heat or cold. A canister left in a hot car can lose potency, and a frozen inhaler may not spray properly.

Finally, set a reminder to check the dose counter or expiration date. A dry or empty inhaler won’t help during an attack, and replacing it early saves you from a surprise.

Use these tips every time you reach for your inhaler and you’ll notice a smoother, more effective dose. Small habits add up, and better technique means fewer missed breaths and more control over your symptoms.