Which type of inhaler is preferred for maintenance therapy?

The preferred choice for maintenance therapy is the dry powder inhaler. This type of inhaler delivers medication in a powdered form, which enhances the efficiency of drug delivery to the lungs. Patients often find dry powder inhalers easier to use for long-term management of chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD, as they do not require the coordination that some other inhalers, such as metered-dose inhalers, might.

Dry powder inhalers allow for a more precise dosing and can provide a rapid onset of action when needed. The absence of propellants, which are present in metered-dose inhalers, makes dry powder inhalers a preferred option for many patients since they may also experience fewer side effects and a more consistent drug delivery over time.

In contrast, although metered-dose inhalers are also commonly used, they often require specific inhalation techniques, and improper use can lead to less effective medication delivery. Manual inhalers and liquid inhalers are generally not used for maintenance therapy as effectively as dry powder inhalers, as they can be less convenient or less effective in delivering the correct dosage consistently.