Definition

Noun: A small, portable device that delivers a measured dose of medication in the form of a mist or aerosol to be inhaled directly into the lungs through the mouth. It is primarily used to relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • She always carries her inhaler in her bag in case of an asthma attack.
  • The doctor showed him how to use the new inhaler correctly.
  • A rescue inhaler provides quick relief during breathing difficulties.

Advanced Usage

• "To use/puff on an inhaler": To administer medication from the device by inhaling.
  • He felt his chest tighten and immediately puffed on his inhaler.
• "Metered-dose inhaler (MDI)": A specific, common type of inhaler that releases a precise, pre-measured amount of medication.
  • Her prescription was for a metered-dose inhaler containing a corticosteroid.

Variants and Related Words

• Nebulizer (n): A larger, often electric-powered device that converts liquid medicine into a fine mist for inhalation over several minutes, typically used for more severe cases or for young children.
  • When he had a bad chest infection, he used a nebulizer at home.
• Inhale (v): To breathe in.
  • Inhale deeply and then exhale slowly.

Synonyms

• Puffer (n, informal): A common informal term for an inhaler.
  • Don't forget your puffer before soccer practice.
• Bronchodilator (n, technical): A type of medication often delivered via an inhaler that relaxes and opens the airways.
  • The blue inhaler is usually a fast-acting bronchodilator.

Related Phrases

• "To be reliant on an inhaler": To need to use an inhaler frequently to manage a chronic condition.
  • Since his diagnosis, he has been reliant on an inhaler to breathe comfortably.
• "Preventive/maintenance inhaler": An inhaler used daily to control and prevent chronic symptoms, as opposed to a "rescue inhaler" used for immediate relief.
  • She uses a brown maintenance inhaler every morning and evening.

Noun

1. a dispenser that produces a chemical vapor to be inhaled in order to relieve nasal congestion