Asthma inhalers are devices that deliver asthma medication directly into the airways. The asthma inhaler is used at the onset of asthma symptoms. Sometimes, doctors direct an asthma patient to use an inhaler before the onset of symptoms in order to help prevent an asthma attack. For example, people who tend to get asthma symptoms during exercise may be instructed to use an asthma inhaler before exercising.

There are two types of asthma inhalers. Metered dose inhalers deliver the dose of medication with an aerosol pump. Dry powder inhalers require the person to inhale the dose of medication. Asthma inhalers can contain anti-inflammatory medication or bronchodilators. Anti-inflammatory medications are often used once a day to prevent asthma attacks. Advair, Flovent, and Symbicort are anti-inflammatory asthma medications sold in inhalers. Bronchodilators are used during an asthma attack. Albuterol is a common bronchodilator used in asthma inhalers.

Each type of asthma inhaler has benefits and disadvantages. Some people with asthma find a metered dose inhaler easier to use during an asthma attack since the dry powder inhaler requires the person to breathe deeply. Being able to breathe deeply is sometimes impaired by the asthma attack which can make it difficult to use a dry powder inhaler.

Some asthma patients find the dry powder inhaler easier to use since metered dose inhalers require a certain amount of hand-lung coordination to push the button while quickly inhaling the asthma medication. Some people need to use a spacer to be able to inhale the medication more slowly than using a metered dose inhaler without a spacer. Spacers are especially helpful for young children with asthma. Spacers cannot be used with dry powder inhalers.

If an asthma inhaler is part of a patient’s asthma treatment plan, the asthma patient should ensure that an asthma inhaler is available for use whenever necessary. An asthma patient should make sure to get the inhalers refilled. Asthma inhalers have expiration dates. With regular use, the chance of an asthma inhaler expiring is minimal.

Asthma inhalers should be kept in a place where the person will know exactly where it is located when needed. When traveling, the asthma patient should be able to use the inhaler when necessary. If an asthma patient begins having symptoms and does not have the prescription asthma inhaler, an over-the-counter asthma medication may provide temporary relief until either a prescription inhaler can be obtained or the asthma patient can go get medical treatment.