Inhaler technique: simple steps to get medicine into your lungs

Bad inhaler technique wastes medicine and can make your asthma or COPD worse. Want a quick fix that actually works? Learn the right moves for the two common types: press-and-breathe metered-dose inhalers (MDI) and dry-powder inhalers (DPI).

Press-and-breathe (MDI) — step-by-step

Shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds. Remove the cap and breathe out fully, away from the device. Hold the inhaler upright and place your mouth around the mouthpiece with a tight seal. Start a slow, deep breath and press the canister once as you begin inhaling. Keep breathing in slowly for 3–5 seconds. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, or as long as comfortable. Breathe out slowly. If you need a second puff, wait 30–60 seconds and repeat. Use a spacer if you struggle to coordinate press and inhale — it makes timing easier and delivers more medicine to the lungs.

Dry-powder inhaler (DPI) — quick pull technique

Do not shake a DPI. Load the dose as the device instructions say. Breathe out fully, away from the mouthpiece, and then seal your lips around it. Take a fast, deep inhalation to pull the powder into your lungs. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly. Never exhale into the DPI — moisture ruins the powder. Keep the device dry and replace caps after use.

Common mistakes and fixes: Pressing the MDI without inhaling wastes medicine — if that happens, wait and repeat the dose. Breathing in too fast with an MDI reduces lung delivery; slow and steady is better. Exhaling into any inhaler clumps medication. Not holding your breath after inhalation cuts lung absorption. If you cough or taste medicine in your mouth, rinse with water and spit to reduce local side effects.

Cleaning and care: Clean MDI mouthpieces weekly with warm water and let air dry. For DPIs, wipe the mouthpiece with a dry cloth and avoid water. Check expiry dates and count doses if your inhaler does not have a dose counter. Store inhalers at room temperature and keep them away from humidity and heat.

Check technique regularly: Bring your inhaler to clinic visits. Ask your nurse or pharmacist for a quick demo. Even small changes — a spacer, or a faster inhale with a DPI — can cut symptoms and reduce rescue inhaler use.

When to get help: If your inhaler does not control symptoms after you use it correctly, or you need rescue doses more often, call your clinician. Sudden worsening or trouble speaking or walking needs immediate emergency care.

Quick checklist before each use: check the expiry date, shake the MDI, remove the cap, breathe out fully, put the mouthpiece in, actuate while inhaling slowly (MDI) or inhale fast (DPI), hold breath 10 seconds, wait between puffs, replace cap. Practice at home with a mirror and a spacer. Timing and seal are what matter most.

Children and older adults: use a spacer with mask for young children and anyone who can't form a tight seal. Sit upright, calm them, give one puff at a time and let them breathe normally through the spacer for several breaths. For elderly patients, check strength to seal around mouthpiece and consider a spacer with a mouthpiece. Schedule regular reviews so small problems don't become big.

Small fixes give big relief. Try today.