If you have asthma or COPD, you’ve probably got a trusty inhaler by your side — but here’s the important question:
Are you using it the right way?
You might be surprised to know that a lot of people are using their inhalers wrong—and no, it’s not because they skipped the instruction leaflet (though let’s be honest, who actually reads those?). The truth is, poor inhaler technique is one of the main reasons people don’t get the relief they need. So if you’ve ever thought, “This inhaler isn’t working!”—chances are, it’s not the medicine that’s failing you, it’s the way you’re puffing.
In this post, I am going to break down how to actually use a metered dose inhaler (MDI) properly, so you can breathe easier and get the full benefit of your treatment.
What is a Metered Dose Inhaler?
Why Technique Matters?
How To Use It?
Here are the steps on how to use a metered dose inhaler:
Remove the cap and shake the inhaler well.
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If you are using a new inhaler for the first time, prime it by spraying 2 test puffs into the air.
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If you use a spacer, attach the inhaler to the rubber end of the spacer.
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Stand up or sit upright, tilt your chin slightly up
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Breathe out fully, away from the inhaler, to empty your lungs.
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Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips tightly around it.
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Start to breathe in slowly through your mouth while pressing down on the canister to release one puff of medicine.
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Keep breathing in slowly and deeply for about 5 seconds, then remove the inhaler from your mouth.
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Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds, or as long as comfortable.
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If you need more than one puff, wait at least 1 minute before repeating steps 4–9.
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When finished, replace the cap on the inhaler.
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If your inhaler contains a corticosteroid medicine, gargle your mouth with plain water and spit it out.
Dose Checking
- Look at the dose counter (if your inhaler has one) to see how many puffs remain.
- If there is no counter, keep track by noting the starting dose and recording each puff in a calendar or notebook.
- Remember: shaking the inhaler does not tell you how much medicine is left.
Common Inhaler Mistakes
- Exhaling into their inhaler/spacer
- Inhaling too quickly or too slowly
- Not sealing lips tightly around the mouthpiece
- Poor coordination between pressing and breathing
- Not rinsing mouth after using a inhaled corticosteroid inhaler
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to store my inhaler?
- Keep it at room temperature, away from sunlight exposure. Keep out of reach from children
2. Do I need to use a spacer with my inhaler?
- A spacer isn’t always necessary, but it’s strongly advised, particularly for children or anyone who struggles to keep a good seal around the mouthpiece. It helps deliver more of the medication directly into the lungs rather than letting it escape into the air.
3. Why do I need to gargle my mouth after using inhaler with inhaled corticosteroids?
- You need to gargle your mouth after using inhaled corticosteroids to prevent oral thrush and throat irritation
4. What are the side effects of this medicine?
- Some people may notice dizziness, headaches, or palpitations. If these symptoms do not go away, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.
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