An asthma inhaler is a small portable device that can be used to provide you with a dose of medication right into your lungs. There are a variety of kinds available to help you control your asthma symptoms and can be used to treat or prevent asthma attacks. You may need to try a few different types before finding the one that works best for you. Your doctor can help you with the correct use of an inhaler to ensure the medication is getting into your lungs as intended. Metered dose inhalers are the most commonly used and easily recognized. They are made of a plastic boot-shaped mouthpiece that fits easily into the palm of your hand. The medication comes in a pressurized cannister that sits upside down in the mouthpiece, with the medication being released by pushing the cannister down into the mouthpiece. The asthma sufferer then breathes the medication in as they push down on the cannister. Metered dose inhalers contain a certain number of doses per cannister, so users have to keep track of how many doses they have used, but can do so through an app, a built-in counter on the inhaler or another method to ensure that you don’t run out of doses when you really need it. There are also dry powder inhalers that release the medication when you breathe in a fast, deep breath and a soft mist inhaler that release a low-velocity aerosol mist. There are also face mask options available for small children and infants, or anyone else who struggles with a conventional inhaler.