Inhaler Use: How to Use Asthma and COPD Inhalers Correctly

When you rely on an inhaler use, a handheld device that delivers medication directly into the lungs. Also known as a puffer, it’s one of the most effective tools for managing asthma and COPD—but only if you use it right. Millions of people use inhalers daily, but studies show nearly half don’t use them correctly. That means they’re not getting the full dose, their symptoms stay worse than they should, and they end up in the ER more often than needed.

The two biggest mistakes? Not breathing in at the right time, and not holding your breath afterward. If you press the inhaler and breathe in too fast, the medicine hits your throat and you spit it out. If you don’t hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds after inhaling, the drug never reaches deep into your airways. A spacer device, a tube that attaches to your inhaler to slow down the spray can fix both problems. It’s cheap, easy to use, and works better than most people think—even for kids.

Not all inhalers are the same. inhaled corticosteroid, a long-term control medicine that reduces airway inflammation inhalers like Fluticasone (found in Seroflo) need rinsing after use to prevent mouth thrush. Quick-relief inhalers like albuterol are for sudden attacks, not daily use. If you’re using your rescue inhaler more than twice a week, your condition isn’t under control—and you need to talk to your doctor, not just grab another canister.

Device type matters too. Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) require perfect timing. Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) need a strong, fast breath to activate the dose. Nebulizers are slower but easier for people with weak breathing. If you’re switching between devices, your technique has to change. Many people keep using the same method they learned years ago—even when their lungs have changed or their doctor switched their prescription.

And don’t ignore the basics: check the counter. If your inhaler says it has 200 puffs and you’ve used 150, don’t guess how many are left. Count them. If you’re out of puffs but still feel relief, you’re just breathing in air. Empty inhalers can be dangerous. Store them at room temperature. Cold or hot environments can break down the medication. And never shake a dry powder inhaler—it won’t help, and you might lose dose.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real, practical guides on how to use specific inhalers like Seroflo, how to compare them with alternatives, and how to spot when your current device isn’t working anymore. You’ll see what goes wrong when people skip the steps, how to tell if your inhaler is clogged, and why some people need a spacer while others don’t. No fluff. No theory. Just what you need to get every puff where it’s supposed to go—straight into your lungs, not your mouth or throat.