Types of asthma inhalers include metered dose inhalers--MDIs--or dry powder inhalers--DPIs. Aerosolized medications used to treat asthma are a crucial part of the disease-management process. According to National Jewish Health, MDIs containing rescue medications have proved to be a definite advantage during acute asthma attacks. Most asthma inhalers are pocket size and already contain the medication, while others require the medication be loaded before dosing.
Metered Dose Inhaler
An MDI is a small, pressurized hand-held device that holds medication used in the treatment of asthma. An MDI unit consists of a canister approximately 3 to 4 inches long that sits inside a plastic actuator. The canister contains multiple doses of an accurately metered drug, such as Combivent, Xopenex Maxair, Asmacort, Albuterol, Flovent, AeroBid and Atrovent. According to the Mayo Clinic, when the user depresses the canister into the actuator, he inhales a metered dose of the drug-propellant mixture.
Diskus
The Diskus, a dry powder, breath-actuated device, or DPI, is a round plastic device approximately 3 inches in diameter. A Diskus holds Advair or Flovent and contains a blister pack of 60 unit-doses. To use the Diskus, slide the wheel to the right, which moves a blister packet into place. The wheel pulls the foil covering off the packet. The powdered medication becomes aerosolized as the user breathes in through the mouthpiece.
Aerolizer
Racemic formoterol, also known as Foradil, is available as a dry powder aerosol, used with the Aerolizer dry powder inhaler. According to the National Library of Medicine, drop a Foradil capsule into the medication chamber in the Aerolizer. Press and release the button on the side of the inhaler to pierce the capsule. This action releases the medication as the user inhales through the mouthpiece. Foradil is a long-acting bronchodilator used in the treatment of asthma.
Handi-Haler
The Handi-Haler, a dry powder inhaler, administers tiotropium bromide or Spiriva, a long-acting bronchodilator. To use the Handi-Haler, open the top of the inhaler and pull up and back on the cap to reveal a center chamber. Drop one Spiriva capsule into the chamber, close the cap and press the green button on the front of the device to pierce the capsule. The medication disperses as the user inhales through the mouthpiece.
Flexhaler
The Flexhaler is a breath-actuated dry-powder inhaler used to administer budesonide or Pulmicort, an anti-inflammatory, synthetic corticosteroid. To use the Flexhaler, drop a Pulmicort capsule into the center chamber of the device. Twist the canister completely to the right, then completely to the left to pierce the capsule. The medication disperses as the user inhales through the mouthpiece.
