Learn to use inhalers properly. Tips for effective inhaler use. The go-to place for people supporting elderly parents, join our community.
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- About salbutamol inhalers. Salbutamol is used to relieve symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as coughing, wheezing and feeling breathless.
- Key facts. Salbutamol inhalers are safe and effective with few side effects if you use them as advised by your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. Salbutamol inhalers are called "reliever" inhalers because they give you quick relief from breathing problems when you need it.
- Who can and cannot use salbutamol inhalers. Most adults and children of all ages can use salbutamol inhalers. Most adults can use salbutamol in a nebuliser.
- How and when to use your inhaler. Only use your salbutamol inhaler when you need it. This may be when you notice symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest, or when you know that you are going to do an activity that can make you breathless, for example climbing stairs or sport.
- Overview
- Procedure Details
- Risks / Benefits
- When to Call the Doctor
Inhalers are small, handheld devices that allow you to breathe medicine in through your mouth, directly to your lungs. Types include metered-dose, dry powder and soft mist inhalers. They usually treat asthma and COPD but providers may prescribe them for other conditions. Bronchodilators and corticosteroids are common inhaled medications.
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OverviewProcedure DetailsRisks / BenefitsWhen to Call the Doctor
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How do you use an inhaler?
Each inhaler device has its own directions. Make sure you follow the directions for your specific device and ask your provider to show you how to use it. General directions include: Open or take the cap off the inhaler. For metered-dose inhalers, you may need to prime your inhaler by shaking it and spraying it into the air as directed. For some dry powder inhalers, such as Diskus, you may need to load a dose as directed. Breathe out as much air as you possibly can from your lungs. Put the inhaler in your mouth. With a metered-dose inhaler, you’ll need to breathe in slowly through your mouth and press down on the canister. This timing is different depending on whether you’re using a spacer (a tube attached to the end of the mouthpiece). With a dry powder inhaler, you breathe in quickly and deeply. Your breath pulls the medicine out of the inhaler. With a soft mist inhaler, you’ll release a dose while breathing in slowly. Hold your breath for 10 seconds to allow the medicine to reach your lungs. Rinse out your mouth and spit after using an ICS inhaler to prevent thrush. Care at Cleveland Clinic Asthma Treatment for Adults Find a Doctor and Specialists Asthma Treatment for Children Find a Pediatric Doctor and Specialists Make an Appointment
What are the benefits of using inhalers?
Benefits of using an inhaler device include: It delivers medication directly to your lungs. Daily treatments can manage the symptoms of chronic lung conditions and other illnesses. Rescue inhalers can open up your airways during an attack or emergency situation until you can get your symptoms well-managed.
What are the risks of using inhalers?
The risks of side effects of inhalers vary by medication and the condition you’re treating. Some risks include: You shouldn’t use long-acting bronchodilators without also using an inhaled corticosteroid to treat asthma. Using long-acting bronchodilators alone can increase your risk of death from an asthma-related event. Using ICS inhalers with COPD may increase your risk of pneumonia. Risks of inhaler devices themselves usually involve improper use.
How many puffs off of an inhaler is too many?
Don’t use your inhaler more than prescribed by your provider. Many inhalers have a counter on them so that you can keep track of how many doses you’ve taken. Talk to your provider if you’re concerned about taking too much medication or you feel like you need more medication than prescribed to manage your symptoms.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions about using your inhaler. You should also contact them if your breathing isn’t well-managed with medications. Signs that your breathing isn’t well-managed might include waking up in the night with asthma symptoms or unexpectedly needing your rescue inhaler more than twice per week. A note from Cleveland Clinic Inhalers treat many conditions, but providers most commonly prescribe them for breathing conditions like asthma and COPD. Sometimes it can be hard to know if you’re using an inhaler properly and getting the most benefit from it. Have your provider demonstrate how to use your specific device and ask any questions about proper use. Speak up if you feel like a specific inhaler is too hard to use or isn’t working for you. There may be other options your provider can recommend. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 03/31/2023. Learn more about our editorial process.
How to use your metered dose inhaler (MDI) Inhalers are commonly prescribed for patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as they are very effective at delivering the medication straight to the lungs where it is needed.
4 days ago · What is a metered-dose inhaler? A metered-dose inhaler is a handheld device that gives you a dose of medicine as a mist. You breathe the medicine deep into your lungs to open your airways.
A metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is a device that delivers a specific amount of medication to the lungs in the form of a short burst of aerosolized medicine that is usually self-administered by the patient via inhalation.
Using the right inhaler technique means the correct dose of medication reaches your lungs giving you better control of your condition. This could mean you need to take fewer medicines.
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May 29, 2024 · Metered dose inhalers. These inhalers consist of a pressurized canister containing medicine that fits into a boot-shaped plastic mouthpiece. With most metered dose inhalers, medicine is released by pushing the canister into the boot. Some types of metered dose inhalers release medicine automatically when you inhale.
