Inhaler Inhalers are portable handheld devices that deliver medication - in a form that the person breathes in - directly to the lungs, unlike a pill or liquid that's swallowed. There are two kinds of inhalers: metered dose inhalers (MDIs), also known as puffers, which deliver the medicine in a mist or spray form, and dry powder inhalers (DPIs), which deliver the medicine in a fine powder form. Back to Articles Related Articles Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.