Editing Inhaler (section)

==Types of inhalers==
===Meter-dosed inhaler (MDI)===
The most common type of inhaler is the pressurized [[metered-dose inhaler]] (MDI) which is made up of 3 standard components- a metal canister, plastic actuator, and a metering valve. The medication is typically stored in solution in a pressurized canister that contains a propellant or suspension. The MDI canister is attached to a plastic, hand-operated actuator. On activation, the metered-dose inhaler releases a fixed dose of medication in [[Aerosol spray|aerosol]] form through the actuator and into a patient's lungs.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/pharmaceuticalin134anth|title=Pharmaceutical Inhalation Aerosol Technology|publisher=Marcel Dekker|year=2004|editor=Hickey, A.J.|edition=2nd|location=NY|isbn=9780824742539|url-access=registration}}</ref>  These devices require significant coordination as a person must discharge the medication at or near the same time that they inhale in order for the medication to be effective.<ref name=":5">{{cite journal | vauthors = Navaie M, Dembek C, Cho-Reyes S, Yeh K, Celli BR | title = Device use errors with soft mist inhalers: A global systematic literature review and meta-analysis | journal = Chronic Respiratory Disease | volume = 17 | pages = 1479973119901234 | date = January 2020 | pmid = 31984767 | pmc = 6985977 | doi = 10.1177/1479973119901234 }}</ref>

===Dry powder inhaler (DPI)===
[[File:Dry powder inhalers.jpg|alt=|thumb|Different types of [[Dry-powder inhaler|dry powder inhalers]]]]
[[Dry-powder inhaler|Dry powder inhaler]]s release a metered or device-measured dose of powdered medication that is inhaled through a DPI device. This device usually contains a chamber in which the powdered medication is deposited prior to each dosage.<ref name=":4" /> The powder can then be inhaled with a quick breath.<ref name=":0" />  This allows for medication to be delivered to the lungs without the need for use of propellant/suspension.<ref name=":5" />

===Soft mist inhaler (SMI)===
Soft mist inhalers release a light mist containing medication without the need for a propellant/suspension. Upon pressing a button, the inhaler creates a mist of medication, allowing for inhalation into the lungs. SMIs suspend inhaled medications for roughly 1.2 seconds, which is longer than the average MDI inhaler suspension time period.  This requires less coordination when using and may be helpful for young patients or patients that find the MDI inhalers difficult to use.<ref name=":5" />

===Nebulizer===
[[File:Nebulizer Mask (Child).png|thumb|[[Nebulizer]] with face mask]]
[[Nebulizer]]s are designed to deliver medications over an extended period of time over multiple breaths through a mouthpiece or face mask.  They generate a continuous mist with aerosolized medication, allowing a patient to breathe normally and receive medications.<ref name=":5" />  They are commonly used in infants and toddlers requiring inhaled medications or in patients in the hospital who require inhaled medications.<ref name=":3" />

===Smart inhaler===
The smart-inhaler is an inhaler that will automatically update an app with information that includes the time of day, air quality, and how many times it has been used through sensor technology on the device.<ref name = "Himes_2019">{{cite journal | vauthors = Himes BE, Leszinsky L, Walsh R, Hepner H, Wu AC | title = Mobile Health and Inhaler-Based Monitoring Devices for Asthma Management | journal = The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. In Practice | volume = 7 | issue = 8 | pages = 2535–2543 | date = November 2019 | pmid = 31706485 | pmc = 6917046 | doi = 10.1016/j.jaip.2019.08.034 }}</ref> The first smart-inhaler was approved in 2019 by the FDA, its purpose is to track patient use of the device and some other circumstantial factors that could affect the effectiveness of the dosage.<ref name = "Himes_2019" /> This information is sent via Bluetooth to a mobile device app, and is later shared with their physician to determine what kind of things can trigger issues with asthma and other problems.<ref name = "Himes_2019" /> This technology presents a great way to cut down on medical costs associated with asthma and also help patients better manage their condition with fewer emergencies.

The Teva ProAir Digihaler was the first FDA approved smart inhaler.<ref name = "Chrystyn_2019">{{Cite journal| vauthors = Chrystyn H, Safioti G, Buck D, Granovsky L, Calderon E, Li T, Reich M, Hill T, Depietro M, Pleasants R | display-authors = 6 |date=2019-09-28|title=Real-life inhaler technique in asthma patients using the electronic ProAir Digihaler |journal=Airway Pharmacology and Treatment|publisher=European Respiratory Society|pages=PA4258|doi=10.1183/13993003.congress-2019.PA4258| s2cid = 214096707 }}</ref> It shows how effective the device is at aiding patients in using the proper dose amount for their asthma. In a study published by the European Respiratory Journal, the ProAir Digihaler accurately identified when patients were using their inhalers and whether they were effectively administering the dose in a 370 patient trial with the device.<ref name = "Chrystyn_2019" /> This study further gives an overview on the technology regarding applications and devices that help aid in the tracking and medication management for asthma and other lung conditions. Another study showed that smart inhalers accurately recorded all doses administered by patients with their technology, which signifies their importance in providing accurate dosage information to patients and their physicians.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Burgess SW, Wilson SS, Cooper DM, Sly PD, Devadason SG | title = In vitro evaluation of an asthma dosing device: the smart-inhaler | journal = Respiratory Medicine | volume = 100 | issue = 5 | pages = 841–5 | date = May 2006 | pmid = 16216485 | doi = 10.1016/j.rmed.2005.09.004 | doi-access = free }}</ref>