Asthma inhalers: Which one's right for you?

Asthma 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.

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.