- October 3, 2026
Using an inhaler correctly is an important part of managing asthma and other respiratory conditions. However, even if you have been using the same inhaler for years, it is possible to develop habits that reduce how effectively the medicine reaches your lungs.
If you are still experiencing coughing, wheezing, breathlessness or chest tightness despite using your prescribed inhaler, your inhaler technique could be one factor worth checking.
Different inhalers work in different ways, so there is no single technique that works for every device. A pressurised metered-dose inhaler (pMDI), dry powder inhaler (DPI), soft mist inhaler and breath-actuated inhaler all require different steps.
This guide explains how to use an inhaler correctly, common inhaler technique mistakes, how spacers can help, when to rinse your mouth and why your GP, asthma nurse or pharmacist should check your technique regularly.
If you have asthma, correct inhaler technique should form part of your overall asthma management. You can also read our guide to creating an asthma action plan with your GP to understand how personalised treatment instructions can help you manage symptoms and recognise when your asthma is getting worse.
An inhaler is designed to deliver medicine directly into your airways. However, the medicine needs to be inhaled in the correct way for the device to work as intended.
If your technique is incorrect, some of the medicine may remain in your mouth or throat instead of reaching your lungs.
This can potentially mean that:
Less medicine reaches the airways
Your symptoms may not be controlled as effectively
You may think your medication is not working
You may use your reliever inhaler more frequently
You may experience unnecessary side effects
Your healthcare professional may need to investigate whether your treatment is working properly
Incorrect inhaler technique is common, particularly when people have not had their technique checked recently.
The important point is that inhaler technique depends on the specific device you use. The instructions for one inhaler cannot automatically be applied to another.
You may not realise that your technique needs improvement.
Some possible signs include:
You regularly struggle to control your symptoms
You are unsure whether you are inhaling correctly
You hear a whistle or other sound from your inhaler when using it
You forget to breathe out before inhaling
You inhale too quickly or too slowly for your device
You breathe in at the wrong time when using a pMDI
You do not hold your breath after inhaling when your device instructions recommend it
You regularly cough immediately after using the inhaler
You are unsure whether the dose has been taken
You have never had your inhaler technique checked
These signs do not automatically mean that your technique is wrong. Asthma symptoms can have many causes, and your treatment may need review for other reasons.
If you are concerned, ask your GP, asthma nurse or pharmacist to watch you use your inhaler.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming that every inhaler should be used in the same way.
They should not.
Common inhaler types include:
Pressurised metered-dose inhalers
Dry powder inhalers
Soft mist inhalers
Breath-actuated inhalers
Some devices require a slow, steady inhalation, while others require a faster and deeper breath.
Your healthcare professional or pharmacist can show you the correct technique for your specific inhaler.
Always follow the instructions supplied with your particular device.
A pressurised metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) delivers a measured amount of medicine when the canister is pressed.
The exact instructions can vary between products, so follow the leaflet for your inhaler and advice from your healthcare professional.
A typical technique involves the following steps.
Remove the mouthpiece cover and check that the mouthpiece is clean and free from visible debris.
If your inhaler requires shaking, shake it as instructed.
Some inhalers need to be primed or prepared before first use or after a period without use. Check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Try to maintain an upright position.
This can make it easier to take a controlled breath.
Before placing the inhaler in your mouth, breathe out gently as far as is comfortable.
Do not breathe out into the inhaler.
Put the mouthpiece between your teeth without biting it and close your lips around it.
For many pMDIs, you need to begin breathing in slowly while pressing the canister.
The timing between pressing the inhaler and breathing in is important.
Continue breathing in slowly and deeply according to the instructions for your inhaler.
If your inhaler instructions recommend it, hold your breath for several seconds before breathing out.
This can give the medicine more opportunity to reach your airways.
If you have been prescribed more than one puff, follow the instructions for your inhaler regarding the interval between doses.
Do not automatically take additional doses unless they are part of your prescribed treatment plan.
A spacer is a chamber that can be attached to certain pMDIs.
It can make it easier to coordinate pressing the inhaler and breathing in.
A spacer can be particularly useful if you find it difficult to use a pMDI correctly.
It may also reduce the amount of medicine deposited in your mouth and throat when using some inhaled corticosteroids.
Your GP, asthma nurse or pharmacist can advise whether a spacer is suitable for your inhaler.
Not every inhaler is designed to be used with a spacer, so do not attach one to a device unless it is compatible.
If you have been advised to use a spacer, your healthcare professional should demonstrate the technique.
A typical approach involves:
Remove the inhaler cap.
Check the mouthpiece.
Shake the inhaler if required.
Attach it securely to the spacer.
Breathe out gently.
Place the spacer mouthpiece in your mouth and create a good seal with your lips.
Press the inhaler once.
Breathe in slowly and deeply, or use the breathing technique recommended for your spacer.
Follow the instructions supplied with your spacer and inhaler.
Repeat the process if another dose has been prescribed.
Some spacers can also be used with a face mask, particularly for young children.
Because devices vary, always follow the instructions provided with your particular spacer and inhaler.
Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) work differently from pMDIs.
Instead of relying on a pressurised spray, they generally depend on your inhalation to draw the powder into your lungs.
This means the inhalation technique is different.
A typical DPI technique may involve:
Load or prepare the dose according to your inhaler’s instructions.
Different dry powder inhalers have different mechanisms.
Breathe out fully before placing the inhaler in your mouth.
Avoid breathing out into the inhaler because moisture from your breath can affect the powder in some devices.
Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and create a good seal.
Many DPIs require a relatively fast and deep inhalation.
However, the exact technique depends on the device.
If instructed, hold your breath for several seconds after inhaling.
Remove the inhaler from your mouth before breathing out.
The most important point is that DPI technique differs from pMDI technique. Do not use a slow inhalation simply because that is how you were previously taught to use another inhaler.
Even small mistakes can affect how effectively an inhaler is used.
Here are some of the most common problems.
Some pressurised inhalers need to be shaken before use.
If your device requires shaking, forgetting this step may affect how the medicine is delivered.
Check the instructions for your particular inhaler.
This is a common issue with pMDIs.
The inhalation needs to be coordinated with activating the inhaler.
If you press too early or too late, less medicine may reach your lungs.
A spacer can make coordination easier for suitable inhalers.
Many pMDIs require a slow and controlled inhalation.
Breathing in too quickly can cause the medicine to deposit in the mouth or throat.
Some dry powder inhalers require a stronger and deeper inhalation.
Using the same breathing technique for every inhaler is a mistake.
Breathing out first can help you take a more effective inhalation.
However, do not breathe out into a dry powder inhaler.
This is particularly important with dry powder devices.
Moisture from your breath can affect the powder in some inhalers.
Depending on the inhaler, you may be advised to hold your breath briefly after inhaling.
If this forms part of your device instructions, skipping it may reduce the effectiveness of the inhalation.
A poor seal can allow medicine to escape rather than being inhaled properly.
This can happen when someone switches from one inhaler to another without receiving proper instruction.
Always ask for a technique demonstration when your inhaler changes.
Some inhalers need regular cleaning according to their manufacturer’s instructions.
A dirty or blocked mouthpiece can interfere with proper use.
Follow the cleaning instructions provided with your device.
If you use an inhaled corticosteroid, you may be advised to rinse your mouth after using it.
Rinsing and spitting out the water can help reduce the amount of medicine left in your mouth and may reduce the risk of oral side effects such as oral thrush.
Follow the specific instructions provided for your medicine.
If you develop persistent white patches, soreness or other mouth problems after using an inhaled corticosteroid, speak to your GP, asthma nurse or pharmacist.
Incorrect technique can reduce how much medicine reaches the lungs.
This may contribute to poor symptom control, particularly if the problem continues over time.
However, uncontrolled asthma is not always caused by inhaler technique.
Other factors can include:
Incorrect diagnosis
Exposure to asthma triggers
Smoking or second-hand smoke
Respiratory infections
Allergies
Poor adherence to prescribed treatment
Incorrect medication
Changes in asthma severity
Other health conditions
For this reason, do not simply assume that your inhaler technique is the only problem.
If your asthma is becoming harder to control, arrange an asthma review.
If you feel that your inhaler is not helping, do not immediately increase your medication without medical advice unless your personalised asthma action plan specifically tells you to do so.
Instead, consider:
Check whether you are using the inhaler according to its instructions.
Check whether the inhaler is empty or expired.
Ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional to check your technique.
Review your asthma treatment with your GP or asthma nurse.
Follow your personalised asthma action plan if your symptoms are worsening.
Your asthma action plan should explain what to do when your symptoms are controlled, when they worsen and when emergency treatment is needed.
Your pharmacist may be able to demonstrate how to use your inhaler and identify common technique problems.
This can be especially useful if:
You have recently changed inhalers
You have not used your inhaler for a long time
You are unsure about your technique
You are using several inhalers
You struggle to coordinate your breathing
You have persistent symptoms
A practical demonstration can be much more useful than simply reading instructions.
Ask the healthcare professional to watch you use your inhaler rather than simply showing you how they would use it.
That allows them to identify the exact step you may be getting wrong.
There is no reason to wait until you experience problems before asking for a technique check.
It is particularly sensible to have your technique reviewed:
When you receive a new inhaler
When your inhaler type changes
During an asthma review
If your symptoms become worse
If you are using your reliever more frequently
If you have difficulty using the device
If you are unsure whether you are receiving the dose correctly
Your healthcare professional can also check whether your inhaler remains suitable for your ability to use it.
Some people are prescribed more than one inhaler.
For example, your treatment may involve a maintenance inhaler and a separate reliever, or you may use a treatment approach where the same inhaler has different roles.
It is important to know:
Which inhaler is which
What each inhaler does
When to use each one
How many doses you have been prescribed
Whether the inhalers require different techniques
What to do if symptoms become worse
Do not rely on inhaler colour alone.
Manufacturers can use different colours and designs, and inhalers can look similar despite having different medicines.
Keep your treatment instructions with your asthma action plan.
If you have used your inhaler for a long time, it is easy to develop shortcuts.
A few simple habits can help.
Ask your GP, asthma nurse or pharmacist to show you the technique.
Then demonstrate it yourself.
Keep the manufacturer’s instructions with your medication.
If you use a compatible pMDI and have difficulty coordinating the dose, ask whether a spacer would help.
Rather than assuming your technique is still correct, ask for it to be checked periodically.
Even if a friend or family member uses an inhaler that looks similar, their device may work differently.
Correct inhaler technique is only one part of good asthma management.
You should also understand your prescribed treatment, recognise your symptoms and know what to do if your asthma becomes worse.
A written action plan can bring these elements together.
If you have not created one yet, our guide on how to create an asthma action plan with your GP explains what an action plan should contain and how it can help you manage worsening symptoms.
Asthma symptoms can be affected by environmental and lifestyle factors.
Depending on your individual triggers, these may include:
Cigarette smoke
Air pollution
Allergens
Dust
Mould
Cold weather
Exercise
Respiratory infections
Workplace chemicals or fumes
Pollen
Keeping a record of when your symptoms occur can help you identify patterns to discuss with your healthcare professional.
If you have other long-term health conditions, make sure your healthcare team knows about them so your treatment can be considered as a whole.
For example, our diabetes diet plan guide provides general information about food choices for people managing diabetes.
Feeling anxious or panicked can make breathing feel more difficult and may make it harder to concentrate on a step-by-step inhaler technique.
However, it is important not to assume that breathing difficulty is caused by anxiety when you have asthma.
If you experience recurring anxiety, you may find our guide to the early signs of anxiety helpful.
You can also read about the difference between anxiety and stress for more general information.
If you experience severe breathing difficulty, follow your asthma action plan and seek appropriate medical help rather than assuming the symptoms are psychological.
An asthma attack can be serious and may require emergency treatment.
Your personalised asthma action plan should tell you what to do if your symptoms suddenly become severe.
Follow the emergency instructions given to you by your healthcare professional.
Seek urgent medical assistance if your symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening or you are struggling to breathe.
Do not rely on an online article to decide whether a severe asthma attack is an emergency.
If you are having an asthma attack and your action plan tells you to call 999, follow those instructions.
Arrange a review if:
Your asthma symptoms are becoming more frequent
You regularly wake at night because of asthma
You need your reliever more often than usual
You are struggling with exercise because of breathing symptoms
Your inhaler does not appear to be helping
You have had an asthma attack
Your inhaler technique is unclear
Your inhaler has recently changed
You experience unwanted side effects
You are unsure which inhaler to use
Your GP or asthma nurse can review your symptoms, medication and inhaler technique.
If you are attending an asthma review, consider asking:
Am I using my inhaler correctly?
Can you watch me use it?
Would a spacer be suitable for me?
Is my current inhaler still appropriate?
What should I do if my symptoms get worse?
How often should I use my prescribed inhaler?
Should I rinse my mouth after using it?
What side effects should I look out for?
When should I seek urgent medical help?
Is my asthma action plan up to date?
Writing your questions down before the appointment can make it easier to remember everything you want to discuss.
The best way to know is to ask your GP, asthma nurse or pharmacist to watch you use your specific inhaler. Different inhalers require different techniques.
Common mistakes include poor coordination between pressing and breathing when using some pMDIs, inhaling at the wrong speed, failing to breathe out first and using the wrong technique for the device.
It depends on the type of inhaler. Many pMDIs require a slow, steady inhalation, while many dry powder inhalers require a stronger and deeper breath. Follow the instructions for your specific device.
Some inhalers recommend holding your breath briefly after inhalation. Follow the instructions for your specific device or the advice provided by your healthcare professional.
No. Spacers are designed for use with compatible inhalers, particularly certain pMDIs. Ask your healthcare professional whether your inhaler can be used with a spacer.
If you use an inhaled corticosteroid, you may be advised to rinse your mouth after use and spit out the water. Follow the instructions for your prescribed medicine.
Coughing can have several causes, including the medicine, inhaler technique, airway irritation or uncontrolled asthma. If coughing is persistent or concerning, speak to your healthcare professional.
Poor technique can reduce the amount of medicine reaching your lungs, but there are other possible reasons for worsening symptoms. Your GP, asthma nurse or pharmacist can assess your technique and treatment.
A pharmacist may be able to demonstrate and check inhaler technique, depending on the service available. You can also ask your GP or asthma nurse.
Do not stop or change prescribed asthma treatment without appropriate medical advice. If your inhaler is not controlling your symptoms, contact your healthcare professional and follow your asthma action plan.
It is useful to have your technique checked when you start a new inhaler, whenever your device changes and during asthma reviews. You should also ask for a check if you are unsure about any part of the technique.
No. Do not rely solely on colour. Learn the name and purpose of each inhaler and follow your prescribed treatment instructions.
Yes, incorrect technique can reduce the amount of medicine delivered to the lungs and may contribute to poor asthma control. However, worsening asthma can have many causes, so a healthcare professional should assess the situation.
Yes. Even people who have used inhalers for years can develop incorrect habits. Regular technique checks can help identify and correct problems.
Using your inhaler correctly can make an important difference to how effectively your prescribed medicine is delivered.
The biggest mistake is assuming that every inhaler works in the same way. Your technique should match your specific device, whether you use a pressurised metered-dose inhaler, dry powder inhaler, soft mist inhaler or another type.
If you are unsure whether you are using your inhaler correctly, ask your GP, asthma nurse or pharmacist to watch you use it. They can identify mistakes, demonstrate the correct technique and advise whether a spacer or different device may be appropriate.
If you have asthma, inhaler technique should also be considered alongside your wider asthma management. Keep your personalised asthma action plan up to date so you know what to do when your symptoms are controlled, when they worsen and when you need urgent help.
For more health and wellbeing information, explore the HealthCresto health blog.
Medical disclaimer: This article provides general health information and does not replace personalised advice from a GP, asthma nurse, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional. Inhaler techniques vary between devices. Always follow the instructions supplied with your inhaler and the treatment plan prescribed for you. If you experience severe or rapidly worsening breathing difficulties, seek urgent medical help.