A nebulizer is a medical device that changes and administers liquid medication into a mist form by using pressurized air that delivers the medicine through a tube to a mask to be inhaled directly into the lungs. Nebulized therapy, also known as breathing treatments, are effective in delivering asthma medications and are also commonly used to help treat COPD, cystic fibrosis, and other respiratory disorders or diseases, and is advantageous when a large dose is needed by the user.
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Related Articles and/or Buying Guides: What Types of Nebulizers are Available?
There are several types of nebulizers available to choose from. Prescription and over-the-counter medications intended for the treatment of acute asthma attacks, for example, include manual pumps in the packaging that create a mist for inhalation.
The most common electronic type is the jet nebulizer, also known as an atomizer. A compressor sends a high velocity stream of air or straight oxygen into liquid medicine, creating a mist to deliver it into the patient’s respiratory system. Some models weigh as little as 22 ounces and can be used at home or tucked away into a backpack or purse for travel. Other styles are more appropriately designed for use in medical facilities. While the jet nebulizers create a mist quickly and efficiently, the compressors can be quite noisy.
The ultrasonic wave nebulizer uses high-frequency vibrations to vaporize the medicine. The vibrations caused by the interaction of an electronic oscillator with a piezoelectric element inside the medicine reservoir create a mist that carries the medicine to the respiratory system.
Nebulizers with vibrating mesh delivery systems came on the market in 2005. A screen with anywhere between 1000 and 7000 laser-drilled holes is laid across the reservoir holding the medicine. Its vibrations create a cool mist for inhalation by the patient. Added advantages with this mesh delivery system include avoiding the inadvertent heating and less waste of the medicine. Thanks to its efficiency, nebulizer treatment times are also shorter.
The Benefits of Nebulizers
For a patient in respiratory distress or trying to avoid it, the medication needs to be delivered to the targeted area as soon as possible to provide relief. Like inhalers, nebulizers allow direct delivery of medication to the respiratory system in a timely manner, bypassing the need to go through the gastric and circulatory systems such as with oral medications.
When are Nebulizers Used?
Nebulizers may be used as part of a therapeutic regimen for the treatment of chronic conditions such as cystic fibrosis or COPD, in treating acute illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia, and in emergency situations such as asthma attacks.
How are Nebulizers Used?
The medicine, usually in a pre-measured liquid form, is placed in the reservoir per the manufacturer’s directions. A compressor tube is connected to the nebulizer at one end and to the mask or the mouthpiece at the other. The mask or mouthpiece is then placed over the patient’s mouth and nose, or held in the patient’s mouth. Next, the nebulizer is turned on and the patient simply inhales as deeply as possible until the treatment is finished. The treatments take approximately ten minutes.
The unit may be placed on an end table or counter so the patient can sit comfortably while undergoing the treatment. Upon completion, it is recommended that the patient rinse his or her mouth to avoid the bitter aftertaste from the medicine.
Who Uses Nebulizers?
Nebulizers are used by children and adults undergoing treatment for acute respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchitis, and for long-term management of chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis and emphysema. They are helpful in administering medications to late-stage pulmonary disease patients who may be too weak to use inhalers, or for individuals with concurrent conditions which impact manual dexterity.
Where are Nebulizers Used?
Depending on the model, nebulizers may be used in private residences, long-term healthcare facilities, acute care facilities such as doctors’ offices or emergency rooms, and hospitals. Smaller nebulizers weighing less than a pound are considered portable and may easily be taken along on vacation or for overnight visits by the patient.
Rehabmart is proud to carry superior quality nebulizers from Precision Medical, Responsive Respiratory, Inc., Independence Medical, Mabis, Karman Medical, Mada Medical, McKesson Medical Surgical and Medquip.
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO
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