Dear Dr. Mahler:

It is confusing to me how to use the different inhalers prescribed for my COPD. I was diagnosed a few years ago, and my primary care started me on ProAir as needed and Spiriva HandiHaler in the morning. They helped my breathing, but I was still short of breath walking from my car to the grocery store.

I was referred to a pulmonary doctor who recommended adding Symbicort and replacing ProAir with Combivent Respimat for “rescue.” Unfortunately, the nurse who does inhaler teaching was not in the office that day. This morning, my husband watched me use the inhalers, and suggested that I wasn’t inhaling the right way. I got mad at him and told him to “Shut up.”

After I calmed down, I thought about his comment and realized that I really wasn’t sure about how to inhale correctly. It seems so simple, but I not getting the relief that I want. Please help me.

I have been quite inactive during the current COVID pandemic. I retired two years ago working as a secretary in the school district office.

Many thanks.

Karen from Carson City, NV