An inhaler is a handheld device that delivers medication in a measured dose while a person inhales. Inhalers are used in respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Inhaled medication may work faster than oral medications to relieve symptoms such as wheezing and spasms in the bronchial tubes, because the inhaler allows the medication to go directly to the lungs. Inhaled medication usually causes fewer side effects than oral medication.
There are two types of inhalers:
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise