Dry Powder Inhaler: A Guide

Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs) are devices used to deliver medication to the lungs in the form of a dry powder, commonly used for the treatment of respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD.
Category
Medical device
Where to get
Available in pharmacies and some health care providers.
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Dry Powder Inhaler FAQ


Image credit: aptar.com

What is a dry-powder inhaler?

A dry-powder inhaler is a handheld device that delivers a dose of medicine as a powder when you inhale. You breathe the medicine deep into your lungs to open your airways. How do I use a dry-powder inhaler? Some dry-powder inhalers require you to put the medicine inside the inhaler. Others come with the medicine already inside.

What are the different types of dry powder inhalers?

Three types of dry powder inhalers: Turbuhaler, Accuhaler and Ellipta devices. A dry-powder inhaler ( DPI) is a device that delivers medication to the lungs in the form of a dry powder.

What is a powder inhaler?

Powder inhalers are a type of inhaler that some people may use to manage asthma. The device delivers medication in powder form directly into the lungs. Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways of the lungs. It causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which makes breathing difficult.

How do you use a dry powder inhaler?

Shake the mouthpiece and cap to remove excess water and leave out to air dry. Once dry, replace the metal canister and cap and it’s ready to use. Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) contain the medicine in the form of a dry powder, with no propellant or added carrier like MDIs have.

Can you use a dry powder inhaler if you have asthma?

Most people with asthma can keep good control of their asthma with dry powder inhalers if they are shown how to use them. To use a dry powder inhaler you will need to breathe in quickly and deeply through your mouth over 2 to 3 seconds. Most people with asthma are able to do this, but not everyone can.

What is a dry powder inhaler?

Examples include Spiriva Respimat and Combivent Respimat. Dry powder inhalers (DPIs): These inhalers contain a dry powder that breaks apart into an aerosol when you breathe through the mouthpiece. Many people find DPIs the easiest kind to use. With a DPI, you don’t have to sync your breathing with any buttons or switches.

What are asthma inhalers?

Asthma inhalers are small, hand-held devices used to deliver asthma medication. They help to prevent and relieve asthma symptoms by delivering medication to the airways and lungs. Three different types of asthma inhalers are available including:

Dry Powder Inhaler References

If you want to know more about Dry Powder Inhaler, consider exploring links below:

Explore Related Topics