Different Types of Inhalers & How to Use Them

Struggling to catch your breath is frightening. Whether you’re managing asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or another lung condition, using the correct inhaler properly can make all the difference in controlling your symptoms.

Overview of Inhaler Choices

Different Types of Inhalers 

Metered-Dose Inhalers

The most common inhalers are metered dose inhalers (MDIs), such as the Airomir Autohaler Inhaler and Ventolin Evohaler. When you press the canister, the inhaler releases a measured puff of medication as a spray, which travels through your airways to help open them up or reduce inflammation. MDIs can be used for both quick relief of symptoms and long-term prevention of respiratory conditions.

Many people find it easier to use an MDI with a spacer, like an AeroChamber Asthma Spacer, which holds the spray for a moment, giving you more time to inhale it properly. If you need extra support, the AeroChamber Asthma Spacer with Mask helps the medication reach your lungs effectively by creating a secure seal around your mouth and nose, making it particularly helpful for those who struggle with timing or deep inhalation.

Dry Powder Inhalers

Dry powder inhalers (DPIs), like the Ventolin Accuhaler, are easy-to-use devices that deliver medication as a dry powder. The powder is very fine and designed to go straight to your lungs, so it should not feel uncomfortable in your mouth or throat.

Using a DPI is a bit different from an MDI inhaler because it doesn’t use a propellant, which is a gas that helps push the medicine out of the inhaler. With a DPI, you just take a strong, deep breath to draw the medicine into your lungs.

With DPIs, you don’t have to time pressing the pump and breathing in together, so they’re easier for some people to use, like kids and older adults who struggle with their mobility. However, to activate the DPI, you need to take a deep enough breath, so this can be tricky for younger children and those who struggle with taking quick or big breaths.

Soft Mist Inhalers

Soft Mist Inhalers (SMIs) deliver medication as a slow-moving mist, making them easier to use than other inhalers. They are particularly helpful for patients who struggle with coordinating their breathing or taking deep breaths. 

Unlike other inhalers, SMIs don’t rely on your breath or a pressurised spray and spacer to deliver the medication. Instead, the device uses a built-in mechanism to gently create a fine mist, which stays in the air for a few seconds. This gives you more time to breathe it in, making it easier to get the medication into your lungs.

Choosing the Right Inhaler

Choosing the right inhaler is an important part of managing respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. Understanding your diagnosis and what makes asthma and COPD different can help you and your GP or pharmacist identify the best treatment. 

The right inhaler for you will depend on a combination of factors, including:

Age and Ability

A person’s age and how easily they can use an inhaler are important factors in choosing the right one.

• Young Children and Infants: Very young children may find it hard to use a standard inhaler, so nebulisers or MDIs with a spacer and mask are often the best options. These make taking the medication easier without precise timing or much effort.
  
• Older Children: Children around 6 years old and above may be able to use SMIs as slow-moving mist is easier to inhale. DPIs or MDIs with spacers can also work well, depending on how well the child can follow instructions and inhale properly.
  
• Teens and Adults: Most teenagers and adults can use a variety of inhalers, including DPIs and SMIs. SMIs are especially helpful for people who find it difficult to coordinate their breathing or inhale quickly. MDIs are also popular, especially when used with spacers, to improve how the medication is delivered.
  
• Elderly: For older adults, inhalers should be easy to use and suit their abilities. SMIs are ideal for reduced lung strength, while MDIs with spacers simplify coordination. DPIs work if strong inhalation is possible, but nebulisers are better for severe symptoms or those struggling with other devices.

Condition Severity

Different devices suit different levels of symptom management, from mild to severe cases.

• Mild Asthma or COPD: MDIs are a good option for mild symptoms, as they can be used for quick relief (reliever inhalers) or daily treatment (preventer inhalers).
  
• Moderate to Severe Asthma or COPD: Combination inhalers are often recommended for more serious symptoms. These inhalers include both a reliever and a preventer in one device. Depending on what works best for you, they are available as DPIs or MDIs.
  
• Severe Respiratory Distress: A nebuliser may be the best option if you’re having severe difficulty breathing. Nebulisers turn liquid medicine into a mist that you breathe in steadily, so they don’t rely on timing or deep breaths. 

Accessibility

Most inhalers, including relievers, preventers, and combination inhalers, are widely available on prescription across the UK. However, not all inhalers suit everyone. For example, nebulisers are typically only prescribed in specific situations and may require further medical assessment. Your GP or asthma nurse can help you decide which inhaler or device best suits your needs.

At Click2Pharmacy, our Asthma Clinic can only provide inhalers to adults aged 18 and over who have been prescribed an inhaler by a doctor.

How to Use Different Types of Asthma Inhalers 

Using your inhaler the right way is really important to make sure the medicine gets into your lungs and works as it should. Different types of inhalers work slightly differently, so always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your inhaler for specific instructions.

1. Prepare the inhaler

• For MDIs: Shake the canister well to mix the medication. If needed, attach a spacer to the mouthpiece.
• For DPIs: Check your device’s instructions and load the dose if required (e.g., by twisting or pressing a lever).
• For SMIs: Prime the inhaler by spraying it into the air a few times if it is your first use or has not been used for a while.

2. Breathe out fully

• Exhale gently, away from the inhaler, to empty your lungs and get ready to inhale the medication.

3. Inhale the medication

Hold the inhaler upright and put your lips around the mouthpiece, making a tight seal.

• For MDIs: Press the canister while taking a slow, deep breath in.
• For DPIs: Take a quick, deep breath in to activate and draw the powder into your lungs.
• For SMIs: Press the button or trigger and breathe in slowly and steadily through your mouth as the mist is released.

4. Hold your breath

• Once you’ve inhaled, hold your breath for about 10 seconds or as long as you comfortably can. This allows the medication to settle in your lungs.

5. Exhale gently

• Breathe out slowly, away from the mouthpiece, to avoid affecting any remaining medication.

6. After use

• For MDIs containing corticosteroids: Rinse your mouth and gargle with water to prevent oral thrush.
• For DPIs: Wipe the mouthpiece and clean your inhaler with a dry cloth. Do not use water, as it can affect the powder.
• For all inhalers: Replace the cap and store the inhaler in a clean, dry place.

By following these steps, you can use your inhaler effectively and ensure you get the full benefit of your medication. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

Relieve Asthma with Inhaler Devices from Click2Pharmacy

At Click2Pharmacy, we understand that living with asthma affects your confidence, daily activities, and overall well-being. That’s why we are committed to offering the best care and support for managing your respiratory health.

Our team of experienced pharmacists and our dedicated online Asthma Clinic are here to help you understand your symptoms and find the most effective treatments. Simply fill out our straightforward online consultation, select your preferred treatment, and our licensed pharmacists will check if it suits you and send it to you quickly.