Asthma inhalers (aka puffers) are indispensable tools that one cannot miss having when dealing with Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). These medical conditions require constant medication to manage respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest tightness. Asthma puffers deliver medication directly to the lungs, providing quick relief and long-term control.

Now, asthma medicines are usually grouped into two categories: Preventers and relievers. All these Asthma medicines can come in the form of dry powder or fine spray, which calls for different types of Asthma puffers. To get the most benefit of your prescribed medication, it is essential to understand the different types of asthma puffers and how they work.

Asthma Puffers: A Comprehensive Guide

In this guide, we have covered everything you need to know about special devices and the tips and techniques for using them appropriately. Stick around to learn more!

Different Types of Asthma Puffers

Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDI)

A metered-dose Inhaler or perhaps a puffer has to be the most commonly used inhaler in Australia. The MDI works by releasing a puff or spray of asthma medicine into your lungs at a slow and steady pace. The puffers typically hold the medication in a pressurized canister, which sits in a handheld container with a mouthpiece. As you press on the canister, a propellant pushes the medicine out of the canister, sending it out of the mouthpiece in the form of a puff of spray.

How to Use an MDI

  • Remove the cap, hold the inhaler upright and give it a good shake.
  • Breathe out fully away from the device.
  • Place the mouthpiece into your mouth, making sure your teeth and lips are over the end to seal it.
  • Ensure it is tilted correctly to avoid puffing the medicine on the roof of your mouth or your tongue.
  • Once it’s well set in your mouth, breathe in and squeeze the canister down to deliver the dose.
  • Continue breathing in, and hold your breath for 5-10 seconds to allow the medication to go through your lungs.
  • Wait for at least a minute, then repeat for each puff as prescribed by your doctor.
  • When you are finished, replace the cap.
  • It is important to note that an MDI can only deliver one dose at a time. However, the canister holds multiple doses. That said, take the doses as prescribed by your doctor for effectiveness.

Sometimes, your doctor may advise using a disposable asthma spacer with your MDI and COPD medicine. This small, tube-like attachment fits onto the mouthpiece of your puffer and enables you to get the medicine efficiently to your lungs. This also reduces the risk of oral yeast infections that sometimes happen when the medicine sticks to the back of the user’s mouth.

Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs)

Just as the name suggests, dry powder inhalers are perfect for those who need asthma medication in powder form. Don’t get us wrong; the powder is usually inside capsules or other containers that are activated when using the inhaler. Now, unlike the MDIs, where a propellant pushes the medicine out of the canister, Dry powder inhalers require you to take a quick, deep breath to pull the powder out of the container into your lungs. DPIs also come in a variety of styles and brands. However, they are usually tube or disk-shaped.

How to Use Dry Powder Inhaler

  • To use a DPI, simply remove the inhaler cap if there is one.
  • Load your dose of medicine as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Slowly tilt your head back and breathe out away from the inhaler. This will ensure that you don’t blow out the powder medicine.
  • Next, place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close the lips tightly to give it a good seal.
  • Inhale quickly and deeply for about 2-3 seconds to pull the powder into your lungs.
  • Remove the inhaler from the mouth and hold your breath for 10 seconds to allow the medicine to settle in your lungs.
  • Repeat this for each dose you need to take.

As mentioned earlier, DPIs come in a variety of types and styles. Some of the most common types include, twisthaler, flexhaler, diskus, handihaler, ellipta and breezhaler.

Soft Mist Inhalers (SMIs)

Soft Mist Inhalers are basically used for liquid asthma medication. The devices turn the liquid into a fine mist that can be inhaled. Unlike other common inhalers, where you feel the medicine going into the lungs, individuals don’t get this sensation when using SMIs. In case you are wondering about liquid medication; It is mainly used as part of a long-term treatment for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Most who are prescribed these inhalers use it twice a day.

How to Use Soft Mist Inhalers

  • To use the soft mist inhaler, hold it upright and use your thumb endpoint finger to turn the base until you hear a click.
  • Place your pointer finger over the dose release button.
  • Breathe out slowly away from your inhaler.
  • Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and tightly seal it with your lips.
  • Point the inhaler facing the back of your mouth.
  • Press the dose release button and take a slow, deep breath through your mouth.
  • Hold your breath for as long as you want. 10 seconds will do the trick.
  • Breathe out slowly through pursed lips and wait for 30-60 seconds before repeating the above instruction for the second time (if needed).

Tips for Proper Usage and Maintenance

9 out of 10 people don’t know how to use inhalers correctly. Below, we have provided tips to ensure the right amount of medicine is delivered to your lungs, minimizing the side effects.

  • Shake the inhaler before use, especially for metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), to help mix the medication with the propellant.
  • Exhale fully before inhaling the medication to create more space in your lungs for the medication to settle
  • Create a proper seal with your lips around the mouthpiece.
  • Rinse your mouth after using corticosteroid inhalers to prevent thrush.
  • Keep track of doses using the counter if available or by manually counting.
  • Clean the mouthpiece regularly with warm water and mild soap, then air dry.
  • Use an asthma spacer with MDIs to improve medication delivery.

We hope you are now confident to use any type of asthma inhaler. It always has your inhaler with you at all times in case of emergency. Also, keep in mind that you should never share inhalers with others. We hope this article was helpful.

Also Read: Managing an Asthma Attack: Steps to Take During an Emergency

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