MDI Correct Use: How to Use Inhalers Properly for Asthma and COPD

When you use a metered dose inhaler, a handheld device that delivers precise doses of asthma or COPD medication directly to the lungs. Also known as an MDI, it’s one of the most common tools for managing breathing conditions—but only if used right. Studies show over 70% of people don’t use their inhaler correctly, which means they’re not getting the full dose. That’s not just ineffective—it’s dangerous. If your inhaler isn’t working, it’s not because the medicine is weak. It’s because the technique is wrong.

The inhaler spacer, a tube-like device that attaches to an MDI to help slow down and hold the medication before inhaling is one of the biggest fixes for poor technique. It’s especially helpful for kids, seniors, or anyone who struggles to time their breath with the puff. But even without a spacer, the basic steps matter: shake the inhaler, breathe out fully, seal your lips around the mouthpiece, press the canister while breathing in slowly for 3-5 seconds, then hold your breath for 10 seconds. Skip any step, and up to 80% of the dose lands in your mouth or throat instead of your lungs.

Many people think if they feel a puff, they got the medicine. That’s a myth. The mist is just the carrier—the real drug needs to reach deep into the airways. That’s why rinsing your mouth after using corticosteroid inhalers is critical to avoid thrush. It’s also why timing matters: inhaling too fast, too shallow, or too late defeats the whole purpose. Even the best medication won’t help if it’s stuck in your tongue or back of your throat.

There’s a reason pharmacists ask you to demonstrate your technique during every refill. It’s not just checking a box. It’s saving you from worsening symptoms, ER visits, and unnecessary dose increases. The asthma inhaler technique, the specific sequence of actions needed to deliver medication effectively to the lungs is a skill, not a guess. And like any skill, it improves with practice and feedback.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from patients and professionals who’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t. From step-by-step visual breakdowns to common mistakes that lead to hospitalizations, these posts cut through the noise. You’ll learn how to spot if your inhaler isn’t working, when to ask for a spacer, how to tell if your technique has slipped, and what to do if you’re still wheezing despite using your inhaler daily. No fluff. No theory. Just what you need to breathe easier today.