Inhalers (Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids)
Inhalers deliver respiratory disease medications directly to your lungs. UC Davis Health providers can prescribe you the most appropriate type of inhaler for your condition.
Medically reviewed by Samuel Louie, M.D. on April 16, 2024.
Programs to Empower You to Manage Respiratory Symptoms
At UC Davis Health, inhalers are part of world-class asthma and respiratory care services. We regularly treat people with severe and difficult-to-manage conditions. Special programs like the UC Davis Asthma Network (UCAN™) empower you to use inhalers efficiently. This ensures the medication is delivered properly into your lungs every time you use inhalers to control symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.
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What Are Bronchodilator and Corticosteroid Inhalers?
Inhalers are handheld devices delivering medication in spray or powder form that you breathe in. You may need them if you have respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Inhalers can contain corticosteroids, bronchodilators, or a combination of both drugs. Taking daily inhaled corticosteroids reduces inflammation in your airways’ inner lining. Bronchodilators are fast-acting drugs that relax the muscles around your airways to treat or prevent asthma attacks.
Types of Inhalers
There are many types of inhalers. The one that’s right for you depends on your diagnosis and treatment response. We carefully monitor your progress and adjust therapies as necessary. Your care plan may include:
Inhaled Corticosteroids (Control Medications)
Using this inhaler daily helps keep airway inflammation in check. It may reduce the frequency of asthma attacks and symptom flare-ups.
Short-Acting Bronchodilators (Rescue Inhaler)
When you can’t breathe, this inhaler delivers fast-acting medications that open your airways. Results typically last several hours.
Long-Acting Bronchodilators
If your symptoms don’t respond to inhaled corticosteroids, you may benefit from a long-acting bronchodilator. These inhalers relieve symptoms for up to 24 hours.
Combination Inhalers
A combination inhaler delivers two or more medications with each dose. Common combinations include two long-lasting bronchodilators or a bronchodilator and inhaled corticosteroid.
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Using Your Inhaler
Using inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators correctly increases the likelihood for lasting symptom control. Our team provides personalized guidance on when and how to use your inhaler. Here’s more information:
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Before Treatment
Wash your hands before touching your inhaler. Depending on the type of device, you may need to shake it a few times before putting it in your mouth.
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Using Treatment
Exhale to clear as much air from your lungs as possible. Take a deep breath while squeezing the inhaler to release the medications. Hold your breath a moment to allow the drugs to settle in your airways. The most common recommendation is to hold your breath for 10 seconds.
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After Treatment
Exhale as usual. If you need another dose, repeat the earlier steps. After using an inhaled corticosteroid, rinse your mouth and spit to prevent a yeast infection (thrush).
Tips for Using Your Inhaler
There’s a lot that goes into proper inhaler technique. With practice, it will feel like second nature. Here are some tips to get you started:
Mind Your Posture
Standing up or sitting tall helps you take deep breaths, allowing medications to travel further into your airways.
Take It Slow
Exhale and inhale a little slower than usual. Try to hold your breath for up to 10 seconds after each dose.
Position the Inhaler
Aim the nozzle toward the back of your throat. This prevents medications from getting stuck on your tongue or the roof of your mouth.
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