Sometimes called a "breathing treatment," a nebulizer creates a mist out of your asthma drug, which makes it easy and pleasant to breath the drug into the lungs. If you use a nebulizer, your doctor will prescribe the drugs in liquid form, instead of in a canister.
To use a nebulizer, you attach the nebulizer hose to an air compressor, a small machine that takes air from the environment and turns it into a high-pressure stream. The drug is placed into a small cup. Air from the compressor converts the drug into an aerosol mist that you inhale through a mouthpiece. By taking slow, deep breaths, the medicine is delivered into your lungs. Small children or others who cannot hold the mouthpiece tightly in their lips can wear a mask to maximize the effects of the medicine.
Most compressors are small and lightweight, making them easy to use at home or away, and are compatible with any nebulizer kit. However, some nebulizers don't use air compressors. These are called "ultrasonic nebulizers," which use sound vibrations to create the drug aerosol. These units are quieter but more expensive.
Unlike a metered dose inhaler, which only takes a couple of minutes or less to use, a nebulizer requires you sit down and relax for 5 to 10 minutes while you inhale the drug. Some people enjoy the experience of using a nebulizer, others don't have the patience.
|
A nebulizer, or "breathing machine," is a way to take inhaled medicines. A nebulizer treatment is given with an air compressor machine. Pressurized room air is used to create a mist of the medicine solution, which is inhaled for approximately 5-10 minutes.
When an inhaler is used with a good technique, it is as effective as a nebulizer treatment. However, some people prefer a nebulizer for an episode of extreme breathing difficulty. We recommend using a nebulizer for young children and anyone having difficulty using an inhaler with a good technique. A face mask is available to use with a nebulizer for very young children.
Many medications are available as inhaled treatments. Inhaled methods deliver medication directly to the airway, which is helpful for lung diseases. The patient and healthcare provider can choose from a variety of delivery systems for inhaling medication.
A nebulizer delivery system consists of a nebulizer (small plastic bowl with a screw-top lid) and a source for compressed air. The air flow to the nebulizer changes the medication solution to a mist. When inhaled correctly, the medication has a better chance to reach the small airways. This increases the medication's effectiveness.
