Managing Medications: How to Use an Inhaler

People who have asthma or bronchitis or other lung conditions often take prescribed medications through an inhaler—a device that releases the medication in a spray so that it reaches its target—the lungs. Studies show that up to 94 percent of patients use an inhaler incorrectly and therefore fail to get any benefit from the medication. If not used correctly, the medicine stays in the person’s mouth or goes into the air. This video is one of a series produced by the Home Alone Alliance TM and is designed to help unpaid caregivers like you make sure your family member or friend uses an inhaler correctly. The video shows a couple following the package insert for the inhaler to learn how to use it. Your health care provider or pharmacist can also show you how to use an inhaler.