Nebulizers are breathing machines used to treat respiratory
illnesses like asthma and cystic fibrosis. They are used to administer
medications in the guise of a mist, inhaled into the lungs. They are more
efficient than ordinary inhalers. They are also used to contain side effects of
medicines like steroids by reaching the medication straight to the respiratory
system.
Types of nebulizers: There
are two basic kinds of nebulizers: ultrasonic and atomizer jet. Atomizer is
also known as compressor nebulizer and is the most common type of nebulizer. It
functions by using an aerosol compressor to create vaporized droplets of
medication.
Ultrasonic nebulizers make use of high frequency sound waves
to create a breathable version of medication droplets. Though both types of
nebulizers are effective, ultrasonic is quicker and works more silently. In
case of both types of nebulizers, patients have to inhale via a facemask or a
mouth-piece.
A compressor
nebulizer converts liquid medicine into a mist for treating asthma. It comes in
two versions: electric or battery operated. They may come in two sizes: one
large enough to place on a table and connect to a plug in the wall and another,
which is small enough and easy to carry around.
Both consist of an air compressor, a small container filled
with liquid form of medicine and a tube that links medicine container to the
air compressor. There is also a mask or a mouth piece meant for inhaling the
mist form of medicine.
How does the
nebulizer work? Air in pressurized form passes via the tube, converting the
liquid medicine to the form of a mist. In the event of an infection or an
asthma attack, the mist is more convenient to inhale in comparison to spray of
a pocket based inhaler. In case of your airways becoming narrow (as in case of asthma
attack), it is difficult to take heavy breaths. Hence, a nebulizer is a better
form of inhaling machine than an inhaler for which deep breaths are required.
How to maintain the
nebulizer? A nebulizer like Optima compressor nebulizer needs proper care. It should be cleaned after every
use and disinfected after any treatment. Because you are breathing in from the
instrument, it must be kept especially clean. This is to discourage growth of
bacteria. Follow the instructions of the healthcare provider for best results.
There are special nebulizers meant for kids. These are
lightweight and have safety features meant for kids. Masks or mouthpieces are
so designed to fit the small facial features of kids. The machines are also
designed with child friendly shapes like animals, flowers, cartoons, etc.
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