Inhaler Use: How to Use Your Inhaler Right and Avoid Common Mistakes

When you rely on an inhaler, a handheld device that delivers medication directly to the lungs. Also known as a puffer, it’s one of the most common tools for managing asthma and COPD—but only if you use it right. Many people think if the inhaler clicks, it’s working. That’s not true. Up to 90% of users make at least one critical mistake, which means they’re not getting the full dose. That’s not just wasted medicine—it’s missed relief, more flare-ups, and higher risk of hospital visits.

The real issue isn’t the device. It’s the technique. Inhaler technique, the specific steps to activate and breathe in medication properly matters more than the brand. Whether you’re using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) or a dry powder inhaler (DPI), timing your breath, holding your breath after inhaling, and coordinating the trigger with your inhale changes everything. If you don’t, the medicine lands in your mouth or throat instead of your lungs. That’s why some people feel no improvement—even when they’re taking it every day.

And it’s not just about the puff. Asthma inhaler, a type of inhaler used to treat airway inflammation and bronchospasm often contains corticosteroids. If you don’t rinse your mouth after use, you risk thrush—a fungal infection that causes soreness and white patches. For COPD inhaler, a device designed to open airways in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the stakes are even higher. Poor technique leads to more emergency visits, more antibiotics, and faster lung decline. It’s not just about feeling better today—it’s about keeping your lungs working for years.

You don’t need a doctor’s visit every time you’re unsure. Most pharmacies have inhaler technique demos. Some even have mirrors so you can see your own form. Watch yourself. Is the canister moving before you breathe in? Are you breathing out too fast? Are you holding your breath for at least five seconds after inhaling? These small things add up. One study showed that after just one 10-minute coaching session, patients improved their technique by over 70%. That’s not magic. That’s practice.

There’s no one-size-fits-all fix. What works for a rescue inhaler like albuterol doesn’t always work for a maintenance inhaler like fluticasone. The spacer you use with your MDI might be different from the one your neighbor swears by. And dry powder inhalers? They don’t need a spacer—but they demand a strong, fast inhale. If you’re tired, sick, or have weak lungs, you might not get enough. That’s why knowing your device inside and out matters more than ever.

Below, you’ll find real-world advice from people who’ve been there—how to spot when your inhaler isn’t working, what to do when you forget your spacer, why some inhalers feel like they’re not doing anything, and how to talk to your pharmacist without feeling embarrassed. No fluff. No jargon. Just what actually helps you breathe easier.