Using an inhaler is an important part of managing asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Inhalers deliver medication directly to the lungs and airways, where it’s needed most. This allows less medication to enter the bloodstream, reducing side effects.
How often you need to use your inhaler depends on several factors:
What condition are you treating?
Asthma and COPD are treated differently:
- For asthma, inhalers are used every day to control inflammation and prevent symptoms. They are also used as needed to quickly relieve symptoms when they flare up.
- For COPD, inhalers are mainly used as needed to help open the airways when symptoms worsen.
Severity of your condition
People with mild, intermittent asthma may only need their inhaler before exercise or when symptoms flare up. Those with more persistent, moderate to severe asthma need to use preventive inhalers every day.
With COPD, those with more severe disease often need their inhaler more frequently when symptoms are acting up.
Type of inhaler
There are two main types of inhalers:
- Controller (preventive) inhalers – Used daily to control inflammation and prevent symptoms. Examples include inhaled corticosteroids like Flovent.
- Rescue (quick-relief) inhalers – Used as needed for quick symptom relief. Examples include short-acting bronchodilators like albuterol.
Controller inhalers are meant for daily use to keep symptoms under control. Rescue inhalers can be used as needed when symptoms flare up.
Your doctor’s instructions
Always follow your doctor’s specific recommendations for how often to use your inhalers. Your doctor will tailor this based on the severity of your condition, results of breathing tests, your response to treatment, and other factors.
Some general guidelines from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute include:
- For mild intermittent asthma: Short-acting bronchodilator inhaler as needed
- For mild persistent asthma: Low-dose inhaled corticosteroid daily, plus bronchodilator inhaler as needed
- For moderate persistent asthma: Medium-dose inhaled corticosteroid daily, plus bronchodilator inhaler as needed
- For severe persistent asthma: High-dose inhaled corticosteroid daily, plus long-acting bronchodilator twice daily or as needed, plus oral corticosteroids if needed
But your specific regimen may vary. Your doctor will want to see you regularly to assess if your current regimen is working or if adjustments need to be made.
Consistency is key
It’s important to use your inhalers correctly and consistently. Skipping doses of controller medications can allow inflammation to get out of control. And not taking rescue medications promptly at the first sign of symptoms decreases their effectiveness.
Tips for remembering to use your inhaler
Here are some tips to help you remember to use your inhalers correctly:
- Take preventive/controller inhalers at the same time(s) each day such as when you wake up, eat a meal, or go to bed. Link it with a daily routine.
- Keep a log to record when you take medications.
- Set reminders on your phone or smartwatch.
- Use a pill organizer box with compartments for each day/time.
- Get a larger supply (like 3 months) to limit pharmacy trips.
- Have extras available at home, work, school, etc.
Watch for these signs you may need to use your inhaler more often
Some signs indicate your condition worsening and that you may need to use your reliever inhaler more often:
- Increasing cough, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath
- Decreased ability to do regular activities
- Having to use your rescue inhaler more than 2 days a week
- Waking at night with asthma symptoms
If you experience these, see your doctor promptly. You may need to adjust your treatment plan.
Don’t over-use your rescue inhaler
Although rescue inhalers provide quick relief, overuse can be a sign that your asthma or COPD is poorly controlled. Relying too heavily on your rescue inhaler means you’re experiencing symptoms more frequently.
See your doctor if you need your quick relief/rescue inhaler more than 2 days a week. Your regimen likely needs adjustment to better control inflammation.
Use a spacer for best results
Using a spacer with your inhaler helps ensure you get the full dose. The medication has more time to evaporate and enter your lungs when released into an attached chamber rather than directly into the mouth.
Studies show spacers can increase the amount of medication reaching the lungs by up to 40%. They also reduce side effects in the mouth and throat.
Proper inhaler technique is crucial
Using proper technique when taking inhaled medications ensures the full dose reaches your lungs. Here are some tips:
- Shake the inhaler before each use to mix the medication.
- Breathe out fully before placing the mouthpiece in your mouth.
- As you start inhaling slowly through your mouth, press down on the inhaler to release the dose.
- Continue to inhale slowly and deeply for 3-5 seconds.
- Hold your breath for 10 seconds to allow the medication to settle in your airways.
- Wait 1 minute between puffs if prescribed more than one.
Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to show you proper technique if unsure. Using your inhaler correctly is just as important as using it consistently.
Monitor side effects
Although generally safe when used as prescribed, inhalers can cause side effects like:
- Oral thrush
- Hoarse voice
- Cough
- Headache
- Upset stomach
Notify your doctor if side effects are bothersome. Rinsing your mouth after use can help prevent oral thrush.
See your doctor regularly
Have regular appointments with your doctor to monitor your condition and inhaler use. They may want to adjust your medications and doses over time to achieve the best control with the least amount of medication.
Be sure to discuss any concerns about side effects, costs, remembering doses, or using proper technique at these visits. Your doctor wants you to use your inhalers safely and effectively.
The takeaway
Using your inhaler correctly and consistently is key to properly managing asthma or COPD. Frequency of use depends on your specific condition, type of inhaler, and doctor’s guidance. Pay attention to worsening symptoms as a sign to use quick relief medication more often and see your doctor promptly. With the right treatment plan, inhalers can provide safe, effective symptom relief.