COPD Inhalers: simple facts and practical tips to breathe better
Most people with COPD rely on inhalers, but using the wrong device or technique can cut their benefit. This quick guide explains the main kinds of COPD inhalers, how they work, and straight-forward tips to pick and use the one that fits your daily life.
There are two goals with inhalers: relieve tightness fast and keep symptoms down long-term. Short-acting inhalers (often called SABA or SAMA) are rescue meds you use when breathless. Long-acting inhalers (LABA and LAMA) reduce symptoms and flare-ups when used every day. Some inhalers add an inhaled steroid (ICS) for people who get frequent infections or have an asthma component.
Which inhaler is right for you?
Think about how you breathe, how steady your hands are, and how often you’ll carry the device. Pressed metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) are small and common, but they need good timing between pressing and breathing. A spacer helps by holding the spray so you can inhale it more easily.
Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) deliver medicine when you breathe in fast and deep. If you have weak inspiratory flow, a DPI may not work well. Soft-mist inhalers give a slower mist and can be easier to coordinate than pMDIs. Nebulisers turn liquid medicine into a mist and suit people who can’t use handheld devices, but they’re bulkier and usually used at home.
Price, dose counters, and insurance coverage matter too. Some inhalers show remaining doses — that’s handy. Talk openly with your clinician or pharmacist about which device matches your breathing strength, daily routine, and budget.
How to use and care for your inhaler
Technique beats strength. For pMDIs: shake well, exhale, put mouthpiece in your mouth, press once and inhale slowly, then hold your breath for 5–10 seconds. Use a spacer if you struggle with the timing. For DPIs: load the dose, exhale away from the device, inhale quickly and forcefully, then hold your breath briefly.
Common mistakes are not holding the breath, exhaling into the device, or skipping priming. Check the instructions for your specific inhaler — priming and cleaning steps differ. Rinse your mouth after inhaled steroids to lower the risk of thrush. Store inhalers in a dry place, watch expiry dates, and track the dose counter.
Side effects are usually mild: dry mouth, tremor, or hoarseness. If you notice more breathlessness, wheeze, or need rescue inhaler much more than usual, contact your healthcare provider right away. Keep a written inhaler plan and show it to family or caregivers so everyone knows which inhaler to use and when.
Small changes—using a spacer, switching device type, or correcting technique—often make a big difference. Ask your pharmacist for a quick demo; most will test your technique and help you get the most from your COPD inhaler.
Curious if there’s a real match to Symbicort? Here’s a side-by-side on doses, devices, and surprising facts about inhaler tech in 2025. Navigate options with confidence.
