An inhaler is a small medical device that delivers medicine directly into your lungs as a mist, spray, or powder. People with asthma use inhalers to breathe in medication that opens their airways and helps them breathe more easily. When someone has an asthma attack and feels their chest tightening, a quick puff from an inhaler can make a dramatic difference within minutes.

The device works by turning medicine into tiny droplets or powder that you can breathe deep into your lungs. You press a button or squeeze the inhaler while breathing in through your mouth, and the medicine goes exactly where it needs to go. This is much more effective than swallowing a pill, because the medicine reaches the lungs immediately instead of going through your stomach first.

Many students carry inhalers in their backpacks for gym class or recess. Some inhalers, called rescue inhalers, work fast when someone has trouble breathing, while others are used daily to prevent problems. Doctors also prescribe inhalers for people with other breathing conditions beyond asthma.

If you see a classmate using an inhaler, it's completely normal. They're simply managing their health so they can run, play, and participate in activities just like everyone else.