Inhalers are devices that treat breathing difficulties, such as asthma and COPD. Many inhalers look alike, but it’s important to know that the medicine inside — and when you use it — can differ greatly. In order for your inhaler to help you breathe easier, it’s important to know how to use it correctly.
References
American Lung Association. (2025). How to use asthma medicine devices.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). How to use a metered-dose inhaler.
Vincken, W., et al. (2018). Spacer devices for inhaled therapy: Why use them, and how? ERJ Open Research.
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Written by:
Brittany DoohanBrittany Doohan was the Content Director at HealthiNation and is currently the Editorial Director at Medscape. Through her work with Medscape, she won a Silver Telly Award in May 2022 for "Sleepless Nation: A Public Health Epidemic — Episode 2: A Decade Without a Diagnosis." She has worked in health journalism and video production for more than 8 years, and loves the challenge of explaining complex topics in an easy-to-understand and creative way.
Reviewed by:
Karen Hovav, MD, FAAPKaren Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.
