How to Use an Inhaler Correctly

Studies show that up to 70–80% of asthma and COPD patients use their inhalers incorrectly. Poor technique means the medicine lands in the mouth and throat instead of the lungs — you get only a fraction of the dose you need. The good news: correct technique takes less than a minute to learn.

Types of Inhalers

• MDI (Metered Dose Inhaler) — the standard pressurised aerosol inhaler (e.g., Asthalin, Seroflo MDI)
• DPI (Dry Powder Inhaler) — breath-activated, no pressing needed (e.g., Foracort Rotacap, Budecort Turbuhaler)
• Nebuliser — converts liquid medicine to mist; used in hospitals and for young children

Step-by-Step: How to Use an MDI Inhaler

1. Shake well — shake the inhaler vigorously for 5 seconds before each use
2. Remove cap and check the mouthpiece is clear
3. Breathe out fully — exhale completely to empty your lungs
4. Seal lips around mouthpiece — form a tight seal
5. Press and inhale slowly — press the canister down once while breathing in steadily and deeply over 3–5 seconds
6. Hold your breath for 10 seconds — this lets the medicine settle deep in the lungs
7. Exhale slowly — breathe out gently through your nose
8. Wait 1 minute before a second puff if prescribed

Using a Spacer — Highly Recommended

A spacer is a plastic tube that fits between the inhaler and your mouth. Benefits:

• Delivers up to 4× more medicine to the lungs
• Removes the need for perfect coordination
• Reduces oral thrush risk with steroid inhalers
• Essential for children under 8 and elderly patients

Spacers are available at Aswini Medicals and are affordable. If you use an inhaler regularly, a spacer is worth the investment.

DPI Inhaler Technique (Different from MDI)

• Do not shake DPIs
• Load the dose as per device instructions
• Exhale fully (away from device — do not breathe into the DPI)
• Inhale quickly and deeply — unlike MDI, DPIs need a fast forceful breath
• Hold breath for 10 seconds

Important: Rinse Your Mouth After Steroid Inhalers

If your inhaler contains a corticosteroid (Budesonide, Fluticasone, Beclomethasone), always rinse your mouth with water and spit after use. This prevents oral thrush — a fungal infection of the mouth that steroid residue can cause.

Frequently Asked Questions