Application Methods and Use
The devices used to take asthma medication, and how to use, clean, and store them.
Asthma medication can be taken in different ways, so it is important to learn how to use your own device once it is prescribed. This chapter explains the main application methods, how to use each device, and how to keep them clean and stored safely.
- Check regularly whether you can still use your device effectively.
- Learn how to use it properly, so most of the medication reaches your lungs.
- Consider using a spacer or mask during an asthma attack, as these can be more effective in stressful situations.
- Always follow your asthma action plan, and get help if symptoms are severe.
Application Methods: Nebulizers and Inhalers
Several types of asthma devices exist. The right one for you depends on how and when you use it, how comfortable it feels, how well it fits into your daily life, and how easy it is to carry around. The two main groups are nebulizers and inhalers.
Nebulizer
A nebulizer turns asthma medication into a fine mist that you breathe in.
💨How it works and who uses it
- Turns asthma medication into a fine mist.
- Used with a mouthpiece or a mask.
- Often used by younger children, older adults, or anyone who finds it hard to time their breathing with an inhaler.
Inhalers
Inhalers are small, portable, and fast to use. Most need some coordination between breathing and pressing the device. The main types are the dry powder inhaler (DPI), metered-dose inhaler (MDI), and soft mist inhaler (SMI).
🌀Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)
- Delivers medication as a dry powder.
- Shaped like a tube or disk.
- A deep, fast breath releases the medication.
- Some hold a single dose; others hold up to 200 doses.
🧴Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI)
- Pressurized canister holding aerosol medication.
- Boot-shaped with an attached mouthpiece.
- Shake it right before each puff, or the dose you get can be too big or too small.
- Pressing the canister down releases the medication; some release it automatically as you inhale.
- Doses can be tracked with a built-in counter or an app.
💧Soft Mist Inhaler (SMI)
- Turns liquid medication into a fine mist.
- Tube-shaped device with a mouthpiece.
- The mist is inhaled more slowly, making it easier to use than MDIs or DPIs.
- Needs less coordination between breathing and activation.
- Rinse your mouth and spit it out to clear medication residue in your mouth and throat.
- This helps prevent a hoarse voice, mouth thrush and tooth decay.
- Water is easiest, but any drink works.
- If you are somewhere you cannot spit, rinse and then eat or drink something soon after. Brushing your teeth works too.
Nebulizer vs Inhaler
Depending on your needs, one device may suit you better than the other.
| Nebulizer | Inhaler | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of device | Electric machine | Handheld, no power source needed |
| Size | Larger | Small and portable |
| Length of use | 5 to 15 minutes | 1 to 5 minutes |
| Ease of use | Easy; fewer chances for mistakes | Requires coordinating the steps; with a spacer it is easy too, and often preferred |
| Respiratory infections | Best avoided; the mist can spread germs around the room | Recommended, ideally with a spacer |
| Cleaning | Needs cleaning after each use | Minimal cleaning required |
Spacer
A spacer helps more medication reach the lungs, especially when pressing the inhaler and breathing at the same time is difficult.
- Spacers can be used with MDI and SMI inhalers, but not with DPIs.
- They can be used with or without a mask.
Cleaning Spacers and Inhalers
Regular cleaning of inhalers and spacers helps prevent medication buildup, clogging, and contamination that could lead to infection.
🧴Inhalers
- Clean about once a week.
- DPI: wipe with a dry cloth only.
- SMI: wipe with a damp cloth.
- MDI: take the metal canister out first and rinse only the plastic parts with warm water. Never let the canister get wet.
◻️Spacers
- Clean at least once a month, or more often with regular use.
- By hand: first rinse all parts gently with water, then soak them in warm soapy water for about 15 minutes.
- Wipe with a cloth and let all parts air-dry fully before reassembling. Do not towel-dry, as this can create static that makes medication stick inside.
- Many spacers are top-rack dishwasher safe.
Storing Asthma Devices
Keep your asthma medication and devices in good condition by storing them properly.
- In a dry place.
- At room temperature.
- Away from direct sunlight.
- If you use an inhaler, keep the cap on when it is not in use.