Types and uses of respiratory nebulizers for people with breathing problems

Types and uses of respiratory nebulizers for people with breathing problems

Nebulizers are an example of a highly efficient drug delivery system for administering various essential medications directly to the lungs. Delivering medication directly into the lungs can be extremely convenient for people who suffer from one of the many health conditions that make normal inhalation impossible. The nebulizers offer doctors and health professionals a simple and effective alternative to administer medication to patients with asthma, chronic pulmonary obstruction, cystic fibrosis or emphysema.

They help doctors administer important and relieving medications to infants and young children suffering from obstructed pulmonary tracts. The nebulizers do not require any additional effort from users to deliver the medication to the lungs. Patients just need to breathe normally until the medication is gone. This simple procedure and the effectiveness of nebulizers have made them so popular among people with blocked or obstructed airways. In fact, nebulizers have become far more popular than metered dose inhalers or dry powder inhalers.

The latest nebulizers are available to patients in three major varieties, depending on the technology used to convert the liquid medication into a fine mist or an aerosol. The aerosol or mist form of the medication is far more effective than the liquid medication in providing relief to the patient. The first type is the ultrasonic nebulizer, which does not require a mixture of saline with the medication. The ultrasonic nebulizers use a battery-powered compressor to nebulize the medication. The ultrasonic nebulizers are extremely compact and portable and make much less noise compared to the other devices. This type of nebulizer is more efficient and faster compared to the other types of nebulizers.

Jet nebulizers use compressed air to create a fine mist of liquid medication. Air flows from the compressor through a hose into a plastic cup containing liquid medication. The older models of jet nebulizers are larger and make significant noise. In addition, some models require electricity to function and these are not suitable for travel. However, the latest models are more compact and produce lower noise levels. The jet nebulizers cost less compared to the other types of nebulizers and are also easier to use.

The fastest and most expensive of all nebulizers are the mesh nebulizers. They use the most advanced technology to nebulize the liquid medication and are extremely portable and suitable for convenient travel. This type of nebulizer uses a vibrating membrane to create an aerosol from the liquid medication that users can inhale. However, the mesh nebulizers require regular maintenance to maintain their efficiency. Users must clean the small opening to avoid blockages and ensure rapid release of medication mist.

The nebulizers can be an excellent choice to deliver medications such as steroids and antibiotics to the lungs of patients. The steroids are usually effective in relieving the congestion in the airways, while the antibiotics help in controlling and treating the infections. Doctors need to choose the type of nebulizer according to the needs of patients.

Inspired by Bob Nielsen