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Asthma is a disorder of the lungs, which is why many asthma medications are inhaled. Although in many ways taking a pill is easier, inhaling asthma medications has advantages. The inhaled asthma medication gets right to the area affected – the lungs. Since the medication goes immediately to the lungs, it can also work more quickly.
Learn to properly use your inhalers
It is important to learn how to properly use your inhaler devices so that you get the right dose in the right place. Have your doctor, pharmacist or Certified Respiratory Educator check how you use your inhalers. They can correct any problems so that you get the proper dose each time.
Inhaler device videos on the Ontario Lung Association YouTube channel:
How do I know if there’s still medicine in my inhaler?
Follow the instructions with each device to ensure you still have medication in the inhaler. Some will have counters, while others do not. If an inhaler is getting low on doses, get a new one right away. You don’t want to be caught without your asthma medications. It's always a good practice to keep a spare inhaler at hand.
Where to learn more
Your doctor, pharmacist, or Certified Asthma Educator can:
Explain how each of your asthma medications work
Discuss any concerns about potential side effects
Show you how to use your medication inhalation device (e.g. metered-dose inhaler, spacer, Diskus, Turbuhaler)
We're here to help
Ontario residents can reach our Certified Respiratory Educators through our toll-free Lung Health Information Line.
8:30am to 4:30pm - Monday to Friday