Nebulizers are small machines that convert liquidasthma medicationinto an aerosolized mist that gets inhaled directly into the lungs.
You just breathe in and out, and the medicine goes into your lungs.
The medicines and moisture ease breathing problems and help loosenlung secretions.
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Aside from providing inadequate treatment, this can lead to side effects like hoarseness andthrush.
With a nebulizer, medication is pre-measured.
The patient only needs to breathe normally through a mask or mouthpiece and the correct dose enters the lungs.
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Types of Nebulizers
There are several types of asthma nebulizers to choose from.
Jet Nebulizers
Jet nebulizers are the most commonly prescribed because they are easy to use and inexpensive.
These devices have a small plastic cup with an attached mouthpiece where the liquid medicine is placed.
The mouthpiece is connected by plastic tubing to a motorized machine that provides a stream of compressed air.
Jet nebulizers are bulky and require an electrical source, which can be a problem when you are traveling.
Some medication must be mixed with saline, which takes some extra time.
Finally, compared to other types of nebulizers, jet nebulizers are significantly noisier.
There are different types of jet nebulizers.
However, these types of nebulizers require you to be able to inhale powerfully.
They may not be as effective, therefore, with infants or very young children.
Ultrasonic Nebulizers
Ultrasonic nebulizers use ultrasonic waves to aerosolize asthma medication.
They deliver treatment significantly faster than jet nebulizers and do not require mixing saline with your asthma medication.
Since they do not require a compressor, ultrasonic nebulizers are much more compact.
They can be operated by battery, which makes them more portable.
Mesh Nebulizers
Mesh nebulizers vibrate a small mesh membrane at very high speeds.
As liquid medication is forced through tiny holes in the mesh, an aerosol is produced.
Mesh nebulizers are the fastest and most expensive of the nebulizers.
Like ultrasonic nebulizers, battery-operated models are available, making these portable nebulizers very convenient.
This creates added expense.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Factors such as cost and convenience should also be considered.
Less room for error:Only measured medication can be inhaled.
Requires less coordination:Infants and disabled adults can be assisted.
Long-term use:Medication needs to be replenished, but the machine can be used for several years.
Takes longer:Time for prepping and inhaling can be 15+ minutes versus ~1 minute for inhalers.
Less convenient:Bulky machine may need to be plugged, whereas an inhaler is pocket-size.
If you are at risk fortachycardiaandarrhythmias, be sure that you discuss these risks with your healthcare provider.
Wash the mouthpiece or mask with soap daily; rinse and dry thoroughly before the next use.
Rinse the nebulizer cup and let it air dry.
You should not wash the tubing.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Inhaled asthma medications.
2015;10(10):691-3. doi:10.1002/jhm.2386
The Cleveland Clinic.Home nebulizer instructions.
2018;4(1):3343. doi:10.17925/ERPD.2018.4.1.33
