Editing Inhaler (section)

{{short description|Medical device used to deliver medicines into lungs}}
{{other uses}}
{{Distinguish|Inhalant}}
{{Infobox medical intervention
| name         = Inhaler
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| image        = AsthmaInhaler.jpg
| caption      = [[Metered-dose inhaler]] (MDI)
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| pronounce    = 
| specialty    = [[pulmonology]]
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| ICD9         = 
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| other_codes  =  
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An '''inhaler''' ('''puffer''', '''asthma pump''' or '''allergy spray''') is a medical device used for delivering medicines into the [[lung]]s through the work of a person's breathing. This allows medicines to be delivered to and absorbed in the lungs, which provides the ability for targeted medical treatment to this specific region of the body, as well as a reduction in the side effects of oral medications. There are a wide variety of inhalers, and they are commonly used to treat numerous medical conditions with [[asthma]] and [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]] (COPD) being among the most notable.<ref name=":0" />

Some of the common types of inhalers include [[metered-dose inhaler]]s, [[dry powder inhaler]]s, soft mist inhalers, and [[nebulizer]]s. Each device has advantages and disadvantages and can be selected based on individually specific patient needs, as well as age, pathological conditions, coordination, and lung function.<ref name=":3">{{cite journal | vauthors = DePietro M, Gilbert I, Millette LA, Riebe M | title = Inhalation device options for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | journal = Postgraduate Medicine | volume = 130 | issue = 1 | pages = 83–97 | date = January 2018 | pmid = 29210318 | doi = 10.1080/00325481.2018.1399042 | s2cid = 705448 }}</ref> Proper education on inhaler use is important to ensure that inhaled medication creates its proper effects in the lungs.<ref name=":4" /> Using a spacer can ensure that more medicine reaches the lungs,<ref name="how-to-use-spacer-nationalasthma">{{cite web | url=https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/living-with-asthma/how-to-videos/how-to-use-fostair-with-spacer | title=The National Asthma Council Australia }}</ref><ref name="asthma-nz-foundation">{{cite web | url=https://www.asthmafoundation.org.nz/stories/how-do-i-use-a-spacer | title=How do I use a spacer? | date=8 March 2021 }}</ref> thus providing the most optimal treatment.