How to Use a COPD Inhaler Correctly

How to Use a COPD Inhaler Correctly for Better Breathing

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Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD.

Quick Answer: To use a COPD inhaler correctly, start by exhaling fully away from the device. Place the mouthpiece between your teeth (without biting) and seal your lips tight. As you begin a slow, deep breath, press the canister once. Continue inhaling until your lungs are full, then hold your breath for 10 seconds to let the medicine settle. Wait 60 seconds before taking a second puff if prescribed.

How to Use a COPD Inhaler Correctly: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you have been diagnosed with COPD, your inhaler is your most important tool. It’s the fastest way to get medicine directly into your lungs where it can open up your airways. However, studies show that nearly 70% to 90% of patients do not use their inhalers correctly.

When your technique isn’t right, the medicine often ends up hitting the back of your throat or sticking to your tongue instead of reaching the small air sacs in your lungs. This guide will help you master the art of breathing easy.

Why Your Technique Matters

Using an inhaler seems simple, but it requires coordination. If you spray too early, the medicine misses your breath. If you breathe too fast, the medicine hits the back of your throat and stays there. Mastering the steps below ensures you get the full dose every time, which means fewer flare-ups and less shortness of breath.

The Step-by-Step Guide for Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDI)

Most COPD patients use a “puffer” or MDI. These use a chemical propellant to push the medicine out.

  1. Prepare the Inhaler: Remove the cap and check for any lint or dirt inside the mouthpiece. Shake the inhaler vigorously for 5 seconds.
  2. Prime It: If you haven’t used the inhaler in a few days, spray it once into the air to make sure it’s ready.
  3. Empty Your Lungs: Stand or sit up straight. Take a deep breath in, then exhale completely through your mouth, pushing as much air out of your lungs as possible.
  4. The Seal: Place the mouthpiece in your mouth. Close your lips firmly around it to create a tight seal. Keep your tongue down so it doesn’t block the spray.
  5. The “In-and-Press”: Start to breathe in slowly. Just as you begin your breath, press down on the canister once.
  6. The Deep Inhale: Keep breathing in slowly and deeply until your lungs feel completely full.
  7. The Hold: Remove the inhaler and close your mouth. Hold your breath for a full 10 seconds. This gives the tiny particles of medicine time to settle deep into your airways.
  8. Exhale and Wait: Breathe out slowly. If your doctor prescribed two puffs, wait about one minute before repeating the steps.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even people who have used inhalers for years can fall into bad habits. Watch out for these common errors:

  • Forgetting to Shake: Many COPD medicines are suspensions. If you don’t shake it, you might just be inhaling the propellant without the actual medicine.
  • The “Double Click”: Never press the inhaler twice for one breath. Take one puff, breathe, hold, and then repeat the process for the second puff.
  • Wrong Inhalation Speed: For a standard puffer (MDI), you want a slow, steady breath. For a Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI), you need a fast, forceful breath.
  • The Mouth Block: Ensure your tongue is at the bottom of your mouth. If your tongue is in the way, it acts like a wall, stopping the medicine from reaching your throat.

Using a Spacer: The Secret to Better Results

If you find it hard to coordinate pressing the canister and breathing in at the exact same time, ask your doctor for a spacer (also called a holding chamber).

A spacer is a clear tube that attaches to your inhaler. It holds the medicine in the chamber so you can breathe it in at your own pace. Using a spacer can increase the amount of medicine that reaches your lungs by over 50%. It also reduces the risk of side effects like oral thrush (a yeast infection in the mouth).

Maintaining Your Device

A dirty inhaler can clog, leading to uneven doses.

  • Clean the plastic case: Once a week, remove the metal canister and wash the plastic mouthpiece with warm soapy water. Let it air dry completely before putting it back together.
  • Check the Counter: Most modern inhalers have a dose counter. Don’t wait until it hits zero to get a refill; call your pharmacy when it reaches 20.
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When to Talk to Your Doctor

If you feel like you are using your inhaler correctly but are still wheezing or feeling short of breath, your medication might need an adjustment. Always bring your inhalers to your check-ups so your medical team can verify your technique.