Ask a health professional to demonstrate how to use your inhaler and check your technique. Learn which medications to take everyday to control asthma (controller drugs) and when to use quick-relief medicines for symptoms that flare up.

How to Use an Inhaler

Using an white asthma inhaler properly is a skill that may take some practice. It is important to get it right to ensure that the medicine goes directly to your lungs, where it can be most effective. It is also important to clean your inhaler and keep it dry to prevent clogs. The best way to do this is to follow the instructions that come with your inhaler or ask your doctor or asthma educator for recommendations on how to clean and care for your specific device.

Start by removing the cap from your inhaler and holding it upright. If your doctor recommends it, use a spacer (a hollow, plastic chamber that filters the medicine and protects your throat) with the inhaler. Close your mouth around the mouthpiece and breathe in slowly. Hold your breath for 3-5 seconds so the medicine can go deep into your small airways. Then exhale slowly. If you see a cloud of powder in your mouth or throat, your technique needs improvement. Ask your doctor, a respiratory therapist or asthma educator to review proper inhaler techniques with you.

Once you are comfortable with your new inhaler, it is important to keep it clean. It should be cleaned after each use to avoid clogs and to help make sure that the medication is being inhaled into your lungs. Each inhaler comes with specific instructions on how to clean it, so be sure to read them carefully.

To clean a MDI or an SMI, remove the metal canister from the L-shaped plastic mouthpiece and do not wash the canister or immerse it in water. Instead, run warm tap water through the top and bottom of the plastic mouthpiece for 30 to 60 seconds. After you finish, rinse the mouthpiece with warm water and use a soft cloth to wipe off any crusting of medication that has built up. Then, shake off any excess water and allow the mouthpiece to dry completely (overnight is recommended). Repeat these steps for a DPI or a PAC inhaler.

How to Store an Inhaler

When you’re not using your inhaler, store it in a cool, dry place where it won’t be disturbed. The medication inside the canister is pressurized and can explode if it gets wet.

Inhaler storage is important, especially in cold weather when it’s harder to maintain room temperature. Also, inhalers can become clogged if they’re not cleaned properly. To do so, remove the metal canister from the L-shaped plastic mouthpiece and rinse only the mouthpiece and cap in warm water. Then, let the rest of the inhaler air-dry overnight.

You should clean your Round purple inhaler for asthma at least twice a week, and more often if you use it a lot. You can do this by removing the metal canister from the plastic casing, and running warm tap water through the top and bottom of the mouthpiece for 30-60 seconds. Then, remove the water with a cloth and let the mouthpiece and cap dry completely (overnight is best).

Many MDIs have built-in counters to help you keep track of how many puffs remain. Keep an eye on this counter so you’ll know when it’s time to replace the inhaler. You can also bring your inhaler to clinic visits so that your doctor can check it for you and make sure the counter is correct.

If you’re using a dry powder inhaler (DPI), follow the instructions on your patient instruction sheet. You may need to prime the device before each use by shaking it and spraying a test dose into the air. You should also clean your DPI regularly by wiping the mouthpiece with a dry cloth.

If your inhaler is out of medication, dispose of it as instructed on the patient instruction sheet. Some states have public medicine take-back programs where you can return unused medication. Others require you to call your pharmacy or local waste management service for disposal instructions. Regardless of which option you choose, don’t throw away old inhalers that contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These chemicals are known to damage the ozone layer. Instead, find out if your local pharmacy offers drug recycling and disposal services, or contact the DEA’s national program for information on safe inhaler disposal.

How to Dispose of an Inhaler

Inhalers are a lifeline for the millions of people with breathing conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). But like any medication, they have an expiration date. When your inhaler does, it's important to properly dispose of it to ensure safety and environmental protection.

Inhaler disposal should be done in accordance with your local laws and regulations regarding hazardous waste. Since inhalers are aerosol products, they can be dangerous if they are punctured or burned during the disposal process. They should also not be thrown into landfills, as they can release chlorine gas into the environment.

If you’re unsure how to dispose of your inhaler, check with your local trash and recycling service to find out what options are available in your area. Some cities have a special bin where you can drop off hazardous waste, including expired medications. Others have medicine take-back programs where you can drop off your old inhalers.

To dispose of your inhaler, first make sure it’s empty by looking through the clear window at the end of the device. The inhaler should be empty when the window begins to turn red, or when you see a red mark covering the window. When your inhaler is empty, place it in a clean dry plastic bag for safe disposal.

MDIs contain a propellant that is based on hydrofluoroalkanes, which are used to “push” the medication out of the canister and into your lungs. These chemicals are a greenhouse gas and contribute to climate change, so it’s important to recycle them.

The easiest way to recycle your inhaler is to return it to a pharmacy that accepts used medications for safe disposal. This can be your doctor’s office, your local health center, or even some supermarket chains, such as Walgreens, that offer inhaler recycling.

Be sure to call the location in advance to confirm they accept inhalers. Some sites may charge a small fee to recycle these devices, but it’s well worth it to protect the environment and help those suffering from respiratory diseases. South East London Integrated Care System is launching the UK’s first inhaler recycling pilot, which will reduce the number of MDIs that go to landfill and recover and repurpose some of the gases from the inhalers’ propellants.

Safety

When you use your inhaler correctly, it is a lifesaving tool to help you stay well and avoid hospitalizations. A few simple steps can ensure that your medication gets where it needs to be, deep in the lungs. Using an inhaler properly is a skill that takes practice. The best way to learn is from a friend or family member who can show you. A health care provider can also give you a written asthma action plan to follow. This can include how to track your symptoms and when to make an appointment with your health care provider.

Different types of inhalers are used for different purposes and require different techniques. The most common is a rescue inhaler with medicine to relieve acute symptoms of an asthma flare or attack. The inhaler is pressurized to deliver the medicine quickly and should be inserted into the mouthpiece with a spacer between the inhaler and your mouth. A dry powder inhaler, such as Combivent (salbutamol), can be used without a spacer.

Long-term control inhalers, often called steroids, are taken every day to prevent a flare or attack. They may be taken as a daily pill or inhaled, either in combination with a reliever or alone. The long-term medications reduce inflammation in the lungs and decrease the body’s response to allergens such as pollen, molds and animal dander. Long-acting bronchodilators, such as formoterol or ipatropium bromide, are a type of steroid and work by relaxing the muscles in the airways. They are typically prescribed twice a day in combination with short-acting bronchodilators such as salbutamol.

It is important to regularly review your treatment plan with your health care provider and keep an eye out for things that could affect your ability to manage your symptoms, such as a change in medication. Getting a regular checkup from your GP or nurse will allow you to get the most benefit out of your inhaler.

It is also a good idea to take the time to clean your inhaler every two weeks. This will help the device last longer and ensure it is working properly. Take the inhaler apart and wash it in clean water, making sure the small hole is clear of white powder and that all parts are clean. Then, allow the inhaler to dry before putting it back together.

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