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Asthma inhalers: Which one's right for you?
Other devices
Some people are unable to use a standard metered dose inhaler or dry powder inhaler, and may need another device to get asthma medication.
- Metered dose inhaler with a face mask. This is a device for infants or small children. It uses a standard metered dose inhaler with a spacer. The face mask attaches to the spacer and is sized to fit tightly over the nose and mouth to make sure the right dose of medication reaches the lungs.
- Nebulizer. A nebulizer is a device that turns asthma medication into a fine mist that's breathed in through a mouthpiece or mask worn over the nose and mouth. A nebulizer is generally reserved for people who can't use an inhaler, such as infants, young children, people who are very ill or people who need larger doses of medication.
Using your inhaler properly
Whatever type of inhaler you have, it's important that you use your inhaler correctly so that the full dose of medication reaches your lungs.
- Carefully follow the instructions for using your particular type of inhaler.
- Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for a demonstration. Use the inhaler in front of this person and ask for feedback.
- If you're having trouble using your inhaler, or it seems like you aren't getting a full dose of medication, talk to your doctor.
- Don't use an inhaler that has passed its expiration date or one that shows all the doses have been used.
Having the type of inhaler that works for you and using it properly can help you better manage your asthma, along with the other steps in your treatment plan, such as monitoring your lung function and avoiding asthma triggers.
Previous page(2 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.
