Video Series: How to Use an Asthma Inhaler

Proper inhaler use is an important part of asthma self-management. Whether you’re new to using an inhaler or need a refresher, our step-by-step instructional videos can help you manage asthma effectively.

Asthma inhaler videos in this series include:

• How to Use a Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI)
• How to Use a Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)
• How to Use a Metered-Dose Inhaler with Spacer (MDI)

Ruthie Marker, MSRC, RRT, RRT-NPS, AE-C, LSSYB, is a respiratory therapist with more than a decade of experience. She has worked in adult critical care, neonatal care, and patient education. In the videos, Ruthie provides step-by-step instructions on how to prepare and use your inhaler. She demonstrates correct inhalation technique to treat asthma. This can help ensure the right amount of medication is delivered to your lungs.

This video series is part of our effort to promote EXHALE strategies, developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Asthma Control Program and its partners. EXHALE is a set of six strategies that are designed to help people with asthma achieve better health outcomes and reduce health care costs. Using these six evidence-based strategies together can have a significant impact on your asthma management.

Instructional videos on how to use an asthma inhaler properly falls under the first EXHALE strategy: Education on Asthma Self-Management.

Note: these videos can also be helpful for people who use inhaled medications to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).