Nebulizer is also called breathing machine. This is used to treat various respiratory disorders, such as asthma. This connects tubes to compressed air source. Thus causes air and oxygen to blast through liquid machine at high velocity. This turns oxygen and air into aerosol. Nebulizer converts liquid medicine to aerosol mist, such that medicine can be inhaled into lungs more easily. Clinics and hospitals use asthma nebulizers to treat asthmatic patients. Some patients use these devices at home to cure asthma, as directed by the doctor.
Two types of nebulizers exist in market.
- Compressor Nebulizer: This is the most common nebulizer. This compresses air to create mist.
- Ultrasonic Nebulizer: This is the most effective nebulizer. This takes less time for nebulization and also creates fine mist that increases efficiency.
WORKING OF ASTHMA NEBULIZERS:
Primary aim of nebulizers is to facilitate the effective and faster absorption of medicine. This can be achieved by breaking down liquid medication to finer particles, that is inhaled by patient.
Steps:
- Add liquid medicine to cup, attached to nebulizer. Remember that these devices accept only liquid medications and also medicine must be added while using, but before that. If physician has prescribed 2 or more medications for nebulization, ensure that they should be used separately or should be mixed.
- Close the cup as the medicine is put in the cup. Connect the tube to air compressor. Turn on the compressor. Once the compressed air reaches nebulizer cup, medicine is vaporized and a mist is created. Patient inhales the mist through face mask or mouthpiece.
- Inhale vapor completely by taking deep breaths. Regularly tap the cup to make sure right dispensation of medicine. Do not remove the face mask until medication is completely used. This process takes about 10 – 20 minutes.
Device should be cleaned properly and parts should be sterilized to avoid cross contamination. If used properly, these are very effective in treating breathing disorders. This is very useful for children and infants.
DRAWBACKS OF ASTHMA NEBULIZERS:
- Nebulizers need electricity for their working.
- According to some experts, nebulizers administer higher dose than inhalers.
- Nebulizers has side effects like anxiety, increase in heartbeat, irritation in nose, throat and mouth, etc.
