What is a dry powder inhaler?

A dry powder inhaler (DPI) is like a metered dose inhaler. Both are handheld devices that deliver a precisely measured dose of asthma medicine into the lungs. The DPI is easier to use because it's breath-activated, so you don't have to activate the inhaler (spray the medicine) and inhale the medication at the same time. Instead, you just breathe in quickly to activate the flow of medication. This way, the breath-activated discharge of medicine is always coordinated with your inhaling effort.

In a DPI, the asthma medication comes in a dry powder form - inside a small capsule, disk or compartment inside your inhaler. The dry powder in some inhalers has no taste, while in others the medication is mixed with lactose (a simple sugar) to give it a sweet taste. Most people find DPI's easy to use. The capsules need to stay dry, so they shouldn't be stored in a damp place such as a bathroom.

Both quick-relief medicine (inhaled bronchodilators) and long-term control medicine (inhaled corticosteroids) can be delivered to the airways using a DPI. DPI's aren't designed for use with a spacer.

How to use a dry powder inhaler

There are many types of DPI's, and each works differently. Some have to be loaded each time they are used (Inhalator, Spinhaler, Rotahaler). Others have disks with a set number of doses (four or eight). Still others have as many as 200 doses stored in the device (Turbuhaler, Accuhaler). To get the full benefit from these DPI's, you need to make sure you hold your breath for about 10 seconds or as long as you can after taking the medication.

Unlike metered dose inhalers, where slow inhalation is needed to get the full benefit of the medication, DPI's require you breathe in quickly and forcefully to automatically activate (breath-activate) the proper flow of medication. You shouldn't breathe out through a DPI, because the moisture of your breath can clog the mechanism.

The directions for using DPI's vary for each brand, so ask your doctor or pharmacist about brand specific instructions before using your inhaler.

General instructions for using a DPI:

1. Read the instructions that come with your DPI.



2. Remove the cap and hold the inhaler upright.



3. Check that the mechanism is clean and the mouthpiece free of obstruction.



4. Load a dose into the device as directed.



5. Hold the inhaler level with the mouthpiece end facing down.



6. Tilt your head back slightly, and breathe out slowly and completely without straining or breathing into your DPI (moisture from your breath can clog the inhaler valve.



7. Place your teeth over the mouthpiece and seal your lips around it. Make sure you don't block the inhaler with your tongue.



8. Breathe in quickly and deeply (over two to three seconds) through your mouth to activate the flow of medication.



9. Remove the inhaler from your mouth. Hold your breath for 10 seconds (or as long as is comfortable), and then breathe out slowly against pursed lips. This step is very important. It allows the medication to get deeply into your lungs.



10. Store in a clean, sealed plastic bag.

For best results:

• The dose delivered from the inhaler looks like a fine white mist. If any of this can be seen escaping from your mouth or nose, then you're not using the inhaler correctly.



• To keep your inhaler in good working order, never exhale into the mouthpiece.



• Keep the cap on the inhaler while not in use so that dirt cannot get into it.



• Throw the canister away after you've used the labeled number of inhalations.



• Rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after each use to help avoid a bad taste left in your mouth from the powder.



• If you're using a corticosteroid medication such as Pulmicort® or Flovent® rinsing also helps prevent a yeast infection from developing in your mouth.

Cleaning your dry powder inhaler

Don't wash your dry powder inhaler. You can clean the mouthpiece at least once a week using a dry cloth. Make sure to thoroughly wipe away any particles of powder residue that have collected on the mouthpiece.

Depending on the brand, some parts of your dry powder inhaler may be washed in soapy water, such as a disc holder. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.