Summary: Factors determining the effectiveness and safety of asthma pharmacotherapy are presented. The basic differences between dry powder inhalers (DPI) and pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDI) are discussed along with indications for their use. Factors determining the choice of inhaler are shown along with a practical selection algorithm for patients with asthma or COPD. The most important features of DPI type DPI and disc-like inhalers were reminded. The clinical effectiveness of a combination of a glucocorticosteroid with a long-acting beta2-agonist inhaled with DPI and pMDI was discussed.