Inhaler Use: How to Use Inhalers Correctly and Avoid Common Mistakes

When it comes to inhaler use, the method of delivering medication directly into the lungs for conditions like asthma and COPD. Also known as metered-dose inhaler technique, it’s one of the most effective ways to treat breathing problems—but only if done right. Most people think they’re using their inhaler correctly, but studies show over 90% make at least one critical error. That means you might be taking your medicine, but not getting the full benefit. Poor inhaler use leads to more flare-ups, more doctor visits, and higher doses of steroids than needed.

There are different types of inhalers—metered-dose inhalers, pressurized devices that release a puff of medicine when you press the canister, and dry powder inhalers, breath-activated devices that don’t need coordination between pressing and breathing. Each requires a different technique. With a metered-dose inhaler, you need to time your breath with the puff. With a dry powder inhaler, you need to inhale fast and deep. Using a spacer helps with both, especially for kids or older adults. It holds the medicine so you don’t have to be perfect with timing.

Common mistakes include breathing in too slowly, not holding your breath after inhaling, or not shaking the inhaler before use. Some people spray it into the air by accident. Others don’t rinse their mouth after using steroid inhalers, which can lead to thrush or hoarseness. Even the order matters: rescue inhalers like albuterol should come before maintenance inhalers like fluticasone. Skipping steps doesn’t just waste medicine—it can make your condition worse over time.

You don’t need to be a doctor to get this right. Many pharmacies offer free inhaler technique checks. Bring your device in, ask them to watch you use it, and let them correct your form. It takes less than five minutes. If you’ve been using the same inhaler for years and still have symptoms, it’s not necessarily that your medicine isn’t working—it might be that you’re not using it right.

The posts below cover real-world issues tied to inhaler use: how to handle multiple inhalers without mixing them up, what to do when you forget your inhaler, how to tell if your inhaler is empty, and why some people get worse even on the right dose. You’ll also find guides on switching between brands, dealing with side effects, and when to ask for a nebulizer instead. These aren’t theoretical tips—they come from people who’ve been there, made the mistakes, and learned how to fix them.