If you're living with asthma, your inhaler is your lifeline. But here's something that might surprise you: up to 94% of asthma patients do not use their inhaler device correctly. This means that many people aren't getting the full benefit of their asthma medication, which can lead to poor asthma control and unnecessary symptoms.
Around 2.8 million (11%) people in Australia were estimated to be living with asthma in 2022, making it one of our most common chronic conditions. The good news? With the right inhaler technique, you can ensure your medication reaches where it needs to go and take better control of your asthma symptoms.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the most common inhaler mistakes, explain proper asthma inhaler techniques, and show you how Raiqa Health's telehealth services can help you master your inhaler use from the comfort of your home.
Why Proper Inhaler Technique Matters for Asthma Control
Your asthma medication only works if it reaches your lungs properly. When you use incorrect inhaler technique, the medication might end up in your mouth, throat, or simply be exhaled before it can help your airways. This can lead to:
- Poor asthma control despite taking medication regularly
- More frequent asthma symptoms and attacks
- Increased need for emergency treatments
- Higher healthcare costs and missed work or school days
- Frustration and anxiety about your condition
The reality is that even confident users often get it wrong. An Australian study found that 6 out of 7 confident inhaler users were mistaken in thinking they had the correct technique. This shows just how important it is to regularly check and refresh your inhaler technique with a healthcare professional.
Common Inhaler Mistakes That Affect Asthma Management
Understanding what can go wrong is the first step to getting it right. Here are the most frequent inhaler mistakes that prevent proper asthma medication delivery.
a. Breathing Too Fast or Too Hard
Many people think they need to take a deep, forceful breath when using their inhaler. This causes the medication to hit the back of your throat instead of reaching your lungs. The key is to breathe in slowly and steadily.
b. Not Shaking the Inhaler (For MDIs)
If you're using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), not shaking it properly means the medication isn't mixed correctly. This can result in getting too little or too much medication with each puff, affecting your asthma control.
c. Poor Timing Between Activation and Inhalation
With pressurized asthma inhalers, timing is everything. Many people either breathe in too early or too late after pressing down on the canister. This coordination challenge is one reason why spacer devices are so helpful.
d. Not Using a Spacer Device
One important step is using a spacer with your metered dose inhaler. Spacers make it much easier to get the medication into your lungs rather than your mouth. Yet many people don't use them or don't know they should.
e. Stopping Inhalation Too Soon
Once you've activated your inhaler and started breathing in, you need to continue that slow, deep breath for several seconds. Many people stop too quickly, meaning they don't draw all the medication into their lungs.
f. Not Holding Your Breath
After inhaling your asthma medication, you should hold your breath for about 5 seconds (or as long as comfortable). This gives the medication time to settle in your airways instead of being immediately exhaled.
g. Incorrect Head Position
Your head position affects how well the medication travels to your lungs. Tilting your head too far back or forward can redirect the medication away from where it needs to go.
Step-by-Step Guide: Proper Asthma Inhaler Techniques
The exact technique depends on your type of inhaler, but here are the general principles that apply to most asthma inhalers:
For Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs) with Spacer
Preparation:
- Remove the cap and check the mouthpiece for objects
- Shake the inhaler vigorously 4-5 times
- Attach your spacer device
- Stand or sit upright with your chin slightly raised
Technique:
- Breathe out gently, away from the spacer
- Place your lips around the spacer mouthpiece and seal firmly
- Press down on the inhaler once to release one puff
- Immediately begin breathing in slowly and deeply through your mouth
- Continue breathing in for 3-5 seconds
- Hold your breath for 5 seconds (or as long as comfortable)
- Breathe out slowly, away from the spacer
After Use:
- If you need a second puff, wait 30-60 seconds and repeat
- Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out (especially important for preventer medications)
For Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs)
Preparation:
- Check the dose counter if your device has one
- Load the dose according to your device instructions
- Stand or sit upright
Technique:
- Breathe out fully, away from the device
- Place your lips around the mouthpiece and seal firmly
- Breathe in as fast and as hard as you can (this is different from MDIs!)
- Remove the inhaler from your mouth
- Hold your breath for 5 seconds(or as long as comfortable)
- Breathe out slowly
Important Note: Unlike MDIs, dry powder inhalers require a fast, forceful inhalation to work properly.
How Poor Inhaler Technique Affects Your Asthma
When your inhaler technique isn't optimal, several things can happen that directly impact your asthma control:
Reduced Medication Effectiveness
If only a small amount of medication reaches your lungs, you're essentially under-dosing yourself. This can make your symptoms persist even though you're taking your medication as prescribed.
Increased Side Effects
Medication that stays in your mouth and throat (rather than reaching your lungs) can cause side effects like oral thrush, especially with preventer inhalers containing corticosteroids.
Poor Symptom Control
Without adequate medication reaching your airways, you might experience more frequent symptoms, night-time awakening, and limitations in your daily activities.
Emergency Situations
Poor inhaler technique during an asthma attack can be dangerous, as your reliever medication may not provide the quick relief you need.
How to Improve Your Inhaler Technique
Get Professional Guidance
The most effective way to improve your inhaler technique is to have it checked by a healthcare professional. They can observe your current method, identify specific problems, and guide you through the correct technique for your device.
Practice Regularly
Like any skill, inhaler technique improves with practice. Set aside time to practice your technique when you're not having symptoms, so it becomes second nature when you really need it.
Use Visual Aids
Many inhaler manufacturers provide instructional videos or diagrams. The National Asthma Council Australia also offers device-specific technique guides that can help you perfect your method.
Consider Your Inhaler Type
If you're consistently struggling with your current inhaler despite proper instruction, speak to your doctor about whether a different type might work better for you. There are many different asthma inhalers available, and finding the right match for your needs and abilities is important.
Regular Reviews
Only 32% of people with asthma have an asthma action plan, which should include regular medication and technique reviews. Make sure your inhaler technique is checked at least once a year, or whenever you get a new device.
When to Seek Help for Inhaler Problems
You should reach out to a healthcare professional if you're experiencing any of these issues with your asthma inhaler:
- You're using your inhaler more often than usual
- Your symptoms aren't improving despite regular medication use
- You're unsure about your technique or haven't had it checked recently
- You're experiencing side effects like a sore throat or hoarse voice
- You've recently been prescribed a new type of inhaler
- You're avoiding using your inhaler because it seems difficult or uncomfortable
Red Flags: When to Seek Urgent Care
While most inhaler technique issues can be addressed through routine consultations, seek immediate medical attention if:
- Your reliever inhaler isn't providing relief during an asthma attack
- You're using your reliever inhaler more than 4 times in a day
- You're having severe breathing difficulties
- You can't speak in full sentences due to breathlessness
How Raiqa Health Can Support Your Asthma Management
Managing asthma effectively requires ongoing support and regular check-ins with healthcare professionals. Through Raiqa Health's telehealth services, you can access:
Convenient Inhaler Technique Reviews
Book online consultations to have your inhaler technique assessed via video call. Our doctors can observe your current method and provide real-time feedback and corrections.
Asthma Action Plan Development
Work with our healthcare team to develop or update your asthma action plan, ensuring you know when and how to use your different medications effectively.
Regular Medication Reviews
Schedule regular check-ins to discuss how your asthma medication is working, any side effects you're experiencing, and whether your current treatment plan needs adjusting.
Education and Support
Our doctors can answer your questions about asthma management, help you understand your condition better, and provide practical tips for improving your asthma control.
Prescription Management
If you need new prescriptions or changes to your current medications, our doctors can assess your needs and provide prescriptions that you can collect from your local pharmacy.
The Environmental Impact of Better Inhaler Use
When you use your asthma inhaler correctly, you're not just helping your health, you're also being more environmentally responsible. Poor technique often means using more medication than necessary, leading to:
- More frequent inhaler replacements
- Increased pharmaceutical waste
By mastering proper inhaler technique, you'll use your medication more efficiently and reduce unnecessary waste.
Building Confidence with Your Asthma Management
Learning proper inhaler technique is an investment in your long-term health and quality of life. Many people feel anxious or frustrated about their asthma management, especially when their symptoms aren't well controlled. Remember that you're not alone in this journey.
Improving your inhaler technique takes time and practice, but the results are worth it. When you're confident in your ability to use your asthma medication effectively, you'll likely notice:
- Better day-to-day symptom control
- Improved sleep quality
- More confidence in daily activities and exercise
- Reduced anxiety about asthma attacks
- Better overall quality of life
Taking the Next Step
If you haven't had your inhaler technique checked recently, or if you're concerned about your asthma control, don't wait. Poor technique is incredibly common, and there's no shame in needing guidance even if you've been using inhalers for years.
Even people who have been using their inhalers for years are likely to need help with inhaling properly. This shows that technique reviews benefit everyone, regardless of experience.
Consider booking a telehealth consultation with Raiqa Health to discuss your asthma management. Our doctors can assess your current technique, help you develop an asthma action plan, and ensure you're getting the most from your treatment. With telehealth consultations, you can access expert care without the stress of travel or waiting rooms.
Your asthma doesn't have to control your life. With the right technique, the right support, and the right healthcare team, you can take charge of your condition and live the active, fulfilling life you deserve.