Inhalers and Other Medication Delivery Systems

Most asthma medicines are inhaled directly into the breathing tubes using some type of inhaler device. There are different types of inhalers for asthma medicines. By inhaling the medicine into the breathing tubes, the medicine goes to the lungs and very little of it gets into the rest of the body, meaning the risks of side effects are very small.

To get the medicine to the lungs, an inhaler must be used correctly. Studies have shown that approximately half of all people with asthma do not use their inhalers correctly, which means that much of the medicine never reaches the lungs. For some types of inhalers, spacer devices or "spacers" can help deliver much more of the medicine into the lungs.

Information on use of devices:

• How to Use a Spacer
• How to Use a Spacer with Mask
• How to Use a Metered Dose Inhaler When Your Spacer is not Available - Closed-Mouth Technique

Asthma Medication Quick References

The following link is a recommended reference site for common asthma medications:

• AAAAI Allergy and Asthma Drug Guide

Videos - Asthma Medication Device Use & Care

Inhaler Use & Care
Inhalers

• How to Use an Asthma Inhaler without a Spacer
• How to Clean an Asthma Inhaler With & Without Removable Canister

Inhaler with Spacer

• How to Use an Asthma Inhaler with Spacer
• How to Clean a Spacer

Metered Dose Inhaler

• How to Use a Metered Dose Asthma Inhaler - With and Without a Counter
• How to Use an Asthma Metered Dose Inhaler

Dry Powder Inhaler
Information coming soon

Nebulizer Use & Care

• How to Use a Nebulizer
• How to Use an Asthma Nebulizer with a Child
• How to Clean a Nebulizer

Tests

• Spirometry Test - Testing the Health of Your Lungs
• How to Use an Asthma Peak Flow Meter
• How to Use an Asthma Peak Flow Meter with a Child