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Asthma inhalers: Which one's right for you?
Here's a rundown of types of asthma inhalers, along with tips on proper use.
By Mayo Clinic staffAsthma inhalers are hand-held portable devices that deliver medication to your lungs. A variety of asthma inhalers are available to help relieve or control asthma symptoms in adults and in children. Certain types of asthma inhalers may work better for you than others. Finding the right asthma inhalers for you can help make sure you get the right dose of medication to prevent or treat asthma attacks whenever you need it.
Types of asthma inhalers include:
- Metered dose inhaler. These inhalers consist of a pressurized canister containing medication that fits into a plastic boot-shaped mouthpiece. With most metered dose inhalers, the medication is released by pushing the canister into the boot. One type of metered dose inhaler releases medication automatically when you inhale. Some metered dose inhalers have counters so that you know how many doses remain. If there's no counter, you'll need to track the number of doses you've used to tell when the inhaler's low on medication.
- Metered dose inhaler with a spacer. A spacer holds the medication after it's released, making it easier to inhale the full dose. Releasing the medication into the spacer gives you time to inhale more slowly, decreasing the amount of medicine that's left on the back of your throat and increasing the amount that reaches your lungs. Some metered dose inhalers have a built-in spacer. Others have a separate spacer that can be used.
- Dry powder inhaler. These inhalers don't use a chemical propellant to push the medication out of the inhaler. Instead, the medication is released by breathing in a deep, fast breath. Available types include a dry powder tube inhaler, a powder disk inhaler and a single-dose dry powder disk inhaler.
Comparing inhaler types
Choosing the right kind of asthma inhaler for you depends on several factors. Some medications are available only with certain asthma inhalers. The chart below can help you understand the pros and cons of each type. Work with your doctor to find the best inhaler for your needs.
| Asthma inhaler features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Metered dose inhaler | Metered dose inhaler with a spacer | Dry powder inhaler |
| Small and convenient to carry. | More bulky and less convenient to carry than a metered dose inhaler without a spacer. | Small and convenient to carry. |
| Doesn't require a deep, fast breath. | Doesn't require a deep, fast breath. | Requires a deep, fast breath. |
| Accidently breathing out a little isn't a problem. | Accidently breathing out a little isn't a problem. | Accidently breathing out a little can blow away the medication. |
| Some inhalers release medication automatically when you breathe in, but most require coordinating your breath with the release of medication. | It's easier to coordinate your breath with the release of medication than it is with a metered dose inhaler without a spacer. | Doesn't require coordinating your breath with the release of medication. |
| Can result in medication on the back of your throat and tongue. | Less medication settles on the back of your throat and tongue. | Can result in medication on the back of your throat and tongue. |
| Some models don't show how many doses remain. | Some models don't show how many doses remain. | It's clear when the device is running out of medication. |
| Requires shaking and priming. | Requires shaking and priming and correct use of the spacer. | Single-dose models require loading capsules for each use. |
| Humidity doesn't affect medication. | Humidity doesn't affect medication. | High humidity can cause powdered medication to clump. |
| Use of a cocking device generally isn't necessary. | Use of a cocking device generally isn't necessary. | Some models require operating a cocking device, which requires dexterity. |
(1 of 2)
- Hess D. Delivery of inhaled medication in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 17, 2009.
- Mangan JM, et al. Metered dose inhaler techniques in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 17, 2009.
- Moore RH. Use of metered dose and dry powder inhalers in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 17, 2009.
