What is the action of a metered-dose inhaler?

The action of a metered-dose inhaler is to deliver aerosolized medication, most commonly a bronchodilator, directly into the lungs. This type of inhaler is specifically designed to dispense a precise amount of medication in aerosol form, allowing for quick and effective delivery to the patient's respiratory system.

Bronchodilators, which are often the active ingredients in metered-dose inhalers, work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making it easier for a person to breathe. The immediate delivery of the medication to the site of action (the lungs) is critical for rapid relief of respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

While it may seem plausible that an inhaler could deliver other forms of medication or assist ventilation, the primary and intended purpose of a metered-dose inhaler is to deliver specific respiratory medications via aerosolization, ensuring that they reach the airways effectively.