Using a dry powder inhaler

Why should I use a dry powder inhaler?

A dry powder inhaler:

• Is simple to use. Because the dry powder inhaler is breath-activated, you don't have to pump the inhaler and breathe at the same time like you do with other inhalers. The medicine stays in the inhaler until you breathe in.
• Gets the right amount of medicine into your lungs right away.
• Can help keep your symptoms under control and may help prevent long-term damage to your lungs.
• May prevent or reduce side effects compared to taking the same medicine in pill form.

Test Your Knowledge

1. Dry powder inhalers are harder to use than other types of inhalers.

1. True
2. False

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Author:	Douglas Dana Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: August 28, 2006
Medical Review:	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Ken Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology
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