Medications
Am I Using My Inhaler Correctly? Common Mistakes and Fixes
Small technique changes can make your inhaler work much better. Check the common mistakes, the right steps and when to review your plan.
Metered-dose inhaler (the “puffer”)
- Shake it well and remove the cap.
- Breathe out fully, away from the inhaler.
- Put the mouthpiece in your mouth (or attach a spacer).
- Start breathing in slowly, then press down once.
- Keep breathing in slowly and deeply for 3 to 5 seconds.
- Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds, then breathe out gently.
- Wait about a minute before a second puff.
With a spacer, you can take several slow breaths after each puff instead.
Dry powder inhaler
- Load the dose as directed (click, twist or open).
- Breathe out fully, away from the device.
- Seal your lips around it and breathe in quickly and deeply.
- Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds.
- Do not shake it or breathe into it, as moisture clumps the powder.
Common mistakes and fixes
- Pressing before breathing in: start the breath first, then press.
- Breathing too fast with a puffer: go slow and steady.
- Breathing too slowly with a powder inhaler: it needs a strong, fast breath.
- Not holding your breath: count to 10 if you can.
- Using an empty inhaler: check the dose counter.
- Skipping the rinse after steroid inhalers: rinse, gargle and spit.
How we can help
Bring your inhaler to a video visit and show us how you use it; it takes two minutes and often makes a big difference. We also review your asthma or COPD plan, adjust medicines and help with refills.
Questions people ask
Do I really need a spacer?
Spacers help most people using metered-dose inhalers, especially children, older adults and anyone who finds timing difficult.
How do I know when my inhaler is empty?
Use the dose counter. Floating an inhaler in water is not reliable and can damage it.
Why do I need to rinse my mouth?
Steroid inhalers can cause thrush and hoarseness. Rinsing and spitting after each use prevents this.
Talk it through with Lydia
Not sure you are getting the most from your inhaler? Show us on video. See a board-certified nurse practitioner virtually anywhere in Virginia, in our Woodbridge office, or straight to your front door in much of Northern Virginia.
Visits start at $85, and every membership comes with a 30-day trial.
Prefer to ask first? Text us at (571) 402-2102 or message us on WhatsApp.
