When treating the respiratory system, doctors sometimes advise resorting to inhalation. With bronchial asthma, this procedure is vital. At present, inhalation with a blanket and a saucepan with a decoction is no longer relevant. There is a device that will make this process easy and not burdensome even for infants - this is a nebulizer. What is it and how to choose it correctly, we will consider further.
Nebulizer - what is it?
The name of the device speaks for itself: “nebula” means fog or a cloud. A nebulizer turns medicine or mineral water into a kind of mist that is inhaled through a mask or mouthpiece. This is how it works.
It is in this way that drugs can penetrate into the farthest parts of the respiratory system. A nebulizer is an inhaler, but it works much more effectively than conventional inhalations. And the procedure is less troublesome.
When using a nebulizer
Using a nebulizer is primarily to help yourself in the treatment of the following diseases:
- ARI of the upper respiratory tract.
- Chronic lung disease, pneumonia.
- Chronicbronchitis.
- Asthma.
- Pulmonary and bronchial tuberculosis.
- As a prevention of various complications after surgery on the organs of the respiratory system.
- Emphysema, cystic fibrosis.
Contraindications for using a nebulizer
It is imperative to pay attention to contraindications to the use of a nebulizer, and there are also those:
- Pulmonary bleeding.
- Irregularities in the functioning of the heart muscle.
- Spontaneous pneumothorax on the background of bullous emphysema.
- Allergic reaction to used medications in the nebulizer.
Using a nebulizer is to help the body, not harm, be careful. If you use the device correctly, then the positive effect will not be long in coming.
What are nebulizers
Currently, there are portable nebulizers for home use and stationary, which are used in medical institutions.
These devices have differences in the principle of converting medicine into steam. So? they are:
- Compressor.
- Ultrasonic.
- Electronic mesh or membrane.
And now let's take a closer look at all types of nebulizers.
Advantages and disadvantages
Compressor nebulizer - it is also called jet. The principle of operation is as follows: the drug is converted into vapor due to the passage of air through it under a largepressure.
Compressor nebulizers are also of several types:
- Compressor nebulizers with constant particle spray rate.
- Adjustable with an inhale key.
- Automatically activated by breath.
- Dosimetric nebulizers.
Disadvantages of a compressor nebulizer:
- Very noisy during operation, which can cause inconvenience.
- Cannot be used without being connected to the mains, and therefore cannot be taken on the road.
Positive aspects should also be noted:
- Adjust the particle size of the spray.
- You can use mineral water, hormones, antibiotics.
- Not a very high price.
Ultrasonic nebulizers are more advanced. Such devices convert the medicine into vapor due to ultrasonic vibrations.
Positive factors:
- Don't adjust your breathing.
- Can be used in any position.
- The medicinal substance penetrates even into the alveoli.
- Not very noisy.
- Relatively low cost.
- Can be used in the treatment of children under 1 year old.
Disadvantages of ultrasonic nebulizers:
- Not all medicines can be used.
- The spray particle size cannot be adjusted.
Membrane nebulizers or mesh nebulizers. Their principle of operation is as follows: the medicinal substance is pressed throughmesh membrane using ultrasound at a frequency of 180 kHz.
Advantages of the mesh nebulizer:
- No noise.
- Ability to use any drug.
- Works on both batteries and mains power.
- Lots of baits.
There is perhaps only one drawback: the high cost.
If a nebulizer is purchased on its own, the instructions should be carefully studied. You need to know which drugs can and cannot be used. Let's talk about it further.
What products can be used in a nebulizer
For nebulizer therapy, it is allowed to use only specially designed drugs for this purpose. Before use, they must be warmed to room temperature. You can also use high quality mineral water of brands such as Borjomi, Narzan. Before using mineral water, it is necessary that carbon dioxide does not remain in it, so it must be released in advance by opening the bottle.
In nebulizers, first of all, bronchodilators are used. These are such as "Atrovent", "Salbutamol", "Berotek", "Berodual".
Such solutions are possible for use in any kind of nebulizer.
Hormonal drugs, antiseptics and antibiotics can only be used in compressor and mesh nebulizers. Among them, the most commonly used:
- Pulmicort is a hormonal drug.
- "Tobramycin", "Dioxydin","Furacilin", "Fluimucil".
Also, mucolytics, immunomodulators and many others are used only in compressor and membrane nebulizers. Here are some of them:
- "Lazolvan".
- Pulmozim.
- Cromohexal.
- "Interferon leukocyte".
- Lidocaine.
It should be said that products such as mineral water and saline are suitable for use in any kind of nebulizer.
What is forbidden to use in nebulizers
In any case, without consulting a doctor, you can not use any drug for nebulizer therapy. Mineral water or saline may be used.
What is strictly forbidden to use in nebulizers:
Drugs that do not affect mucous membranes:
- Eufillin.
- "Papaverine".
- Dimedrol, etc.
2. Products containing essential oils. For the lungs, such therapy is dangerous. It can also cause damage to the nebulizer.
3. Homemade decoctions, infusions. It is not possible to adjust the dose of the drug contained in the decoction or tincture. You may damage the nebulizer.
4. It is forbidden to use drugs that are not intended for nebulizer therapy. It is unacceptable to use crushed tablets, as well as syrups. Breakage in this case cannot be avoided.
How to choose a nebulizer
It is very important, when choosing a nebulizer, to know for what diseases you will needinhalation.
Compressor nebulizer is universal. We got acquainted with its positive and negative sides earlier. If it suits you, you should clarify some of its parameters:
- Maximum running time.
- Performance.
- View of the chamber for inhalation.
- Processing method.
More detailed data on the operation of the compressor nebulizer are contained in its technical data sheet. In it you can find out about the volume of the drug, about the possible size of the sprayed particles. You can consult a doctor about what else you need to know when buying.
I would also like to note that if you need a nebulizer for the treatment of bronchial asthma or chronic lung diseases, then you should not consider buying an ultrasound machine. Its positive and negative sides have been described earlier.
Even when choosing, you need to focus on the size, noise level and type of device.
The manufacturer matters. So, for example, the OMRON nebulizer of the Japanese manufacturer, the Microlife NEB 10A nebulizer, the manufacturer of Switzerland is popular.
Choosing a nebulizer for a child
Our children often catch colds, and a large number of babies suffer from asthma attacks. A nebulizer in such situations is just a salvation. It will make breathing easier for the child, help relieve the attack.
How to choose a children's nebulizer? Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Choose a nebulizer in the form of a toy to interestbaby.
- It is advisable to opt for a small silent version.
- Very convenient to use compact mesh nebulizers, especially for asthma when the child is in bed or out of the house.
- If the child is prone to frequent colds, it is better to opt for an ultrasonic nebulizer.
- Purchase the device, explaining to the baby that this is a kind nebulizer-doctor.
- Before buying, it is best to consult your doctor about what type of nebulizer you need.
Choosing a children's nebulizer, you can pay attention to the products of the company "Little Doctor". They have an original children's design. For example, model B. WellWN-115K in the form of a children's toy.
Another reason to buy a nebulizer for a child: it can replace the unpleasant procedure for children taking bitter and tasteless medicines. Nebulizer therapy is much more effective, since the medicine penetrates into the farthest parts of the respiratory organs. The child is breathing and recovering. And if the nebulizer is in the form of a toy, he will do this procedure with pleasure.
Popular nebulizers
Let's consider some popular models of nebulizers.
So, the Omron nebulizer is popular. It is made in Japan. These devices come in several markings.
The c28 nebulizer is compressor and noisy, has large dimensions and weighs about 2 kg. It does not work without being connected to the mains. Convenient for home use. Prost in service. It can useall approved drugs. Opening hours are unlimited.
The Omron ne c24 nebulizer is small, weighs about 300g. Works without making noise. The duration of one approach is no more than 20 minutes. Then you need a break for 30 minutes. You can take it with you on the road thanks to its portability.
The Japanese manufacturer's Omron NE nebulizer has proven itself in the market. Has a good demand from buyers, although it is not a cheap option.
OMRON's NE nebulizer with mesh membrane is a good and reliable option for relieving asthmatic attacks, both at home and on the go.
Excellent choice nebulizer Ld - "Little Doctor". This model is produced in Singapore. The compressor nebulizer has an attractive design for children. A bit noisy but easy to use. It has several nozzles, not very expensive. The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes, then you need a break for 40 minutes. Ultrasound devices are also trustworthy and last a long time if the product is used correctly.
Another manufacturer won the love of buyers. This is a B. Well nebulizer from the UK. Compressor models are very easy to use. They don't make a lot of noise, they have a lot of nozzles. Can work for a long time without interruption. Convenient to store and carry in a special bag.
The B. Well ultrasonic nebulizer is recommended for use in the treatment of chronic diseases. It works silently, but does not allow the use of many types of drugs. Lightweight but only worksin an upright position, which is not very convenient for small children.
B. Well Mesh Nebulizer is very practical and lightweight. Doesn't make noise and can run on batteries. Has a storage bag, spare batteries, several attachments.
The nebulizer "Microlife NEB 10A" has gained confidence! Reviews are only good thanks to the high Swiss quality. This is a compressor nebulizer. It has three spray modes, can work for a long time without a break for rest. It can be used both at home and in It is not very noisy It has nozzles for nasal irrigation It can use many medicines It is easy to use and store as it has a carrying handle and a compartment for accessories.
How to properly use a nebulizer
In order for the nebulizer to last a long time, it must be used correctly.
- For nebulizer therapy, use only those drugs that are recommended for this model.
- Dissolve drugs only with saline, never boiled water.
- Fill the device before inhalation itself, for this use only sterile syringes and needles.
- During the procedure, you need to breathe slowly and deeply.
- If you use a mask, it must fit snugly to your face, otherwise the inhalation will lose its effectiveness.
- After nebulizer therapy, the device must be carefullywash.
- Regular washing consists of soaking parts in soapy water, then rinsing them, pouring boiling water over them and drying them in the open air.
- Only parts that can be boiled can be boiled.
- Components that cannot be boiled can be disinfected with a special solution: hydrogen peroxide, septodor solution or chloramine solution. Be sure to remove any residue from these solutions.
Follow these simple rules, your nebulizer will serve you for a long time. Be sure to read the instructions for the device you are going to use.
Nebulizer Reviews
Given that the nebulizer is a popular device at the present time, many people buy it to treat chronic respiratory diseases, to relieve asthmatic attacks. There are a lot of positive reviews. For some, this is literally salvation during an attack. Many people note a decrease in the duration of respiratory diseases if they use a nebulizer. The incidence of colds is also significantly reduced. Of course, compressor devices are very popular. They are easy to operate, maintain, and there is also the possibility to use a wider range of medicines. Also, their price is quite affordable. The disadvantage of such a device is its noise.
Mesh nebulizers have found their buyer and leave a lot of positive feedback due to their portability, noiselessness. For parents whose children suffer from asthma, this is just a salvation. Since hisyou can carry with you, use at any time. One drawback of such devices is the high cost, but when it comes to the he alth of the child, this is not the most weighty argument. The well-being of the child should be the first priority for parents. It is worth noting that there are reviews that note the fragility of such devices, and very expensive repairs. Therefore, do not leave the nebulizer unattended in the hands of a child.
Many families purchase ultrasonic nebulizers. Positive reviews note that they can use essential oils, decoctions. The ultrasonic device works silently and is inexpensive. The reviews indicate one drawback: you can not use hormonal drugs, antibiotics, which is so important for relieving asthmatic attacks.
In conclusion, I would like to note that the nebulizer is your friend and assistant in the fight against diseases. Having decided to purchase it, be sure to consult your doctor and make the right choice. Using this magical device, you can stay he althy in the midst of colds.
