What Is A Nebulizer And How Does It Work?

A nebulizer is a type of medical equipment that is used to administer the medication directly and quickly to the lungs of a person with severe respiratory conditions like asthma.

The electrical compressor is often mistakenly referred to as ‘a nebulizer’, which is incorrect. The nebulizer is the plastic bowl chamber (nebulizer chamber), into which a liquid drug or solution is dispensed. Compressed air is then forced along the tube to the nebulizer chamber, where it is converted into fine mist, which can be inhaled via a mouthpiece or facemask. By this way, the lungs and the respiratory system can get the medicine directly and more efficiently.

Who Uses Nebulizers?

Nebulization is usually recommended when a person finds difficulty while using an inhaler or in a condition where the person needs to inhale large dose of medicines directly into the lungs. Here’s why people choose nebulizer over inhalers.

It is usually prescribed for people with one or more of the following lung disorders:

• People who have Asthma: Asthma is a common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties due to the narrowing and swelling of airways, which may produce extra mucus.
• People suffering from Cystic fibrosis: According to the NHS, it is a genetic condition. In cystic fibrosis, the breathing tubes and passageways can become clogged with thick, sticky mucus.
• People suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): According to the NHS, COPD commonly affects middle-aged or elderly people who smoke. The disease tends to get worse over the period of time. And, it can also limit your normal activities, if not treated properly.

Nebulizers are also used for treating common cough symptoms

While nebulizers are usually recommended to people with chronic illness, it may also be used to relieve coughs and other symptoms caused by respiratory illnesses. However, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor before using it.

There are different types of nebulizers:

1. Jet Nebulizers
2. Ultrasonic Nebulizers
3. Mesh Nebulizers

To know more about the types of nebulizers click here.

What is an Inhaler? And, why do people choose Nebulizer over Inhalers?

According to Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego inhaler is a compact device that is used to deliver quick-relief medicines into the lungs through the work of a person’s breathing.

Though Inhalers are quite common and both nebulizers and inhalers have some similarities such as they both administer medicines directly into the lungs to help make the breathing more comfortable. People with severe respiratory problems, infants and older people prefer the use of nebulizers due to the ease of use. Inhalers are easy to carry and are comparatively hassle-free, but nebulizers are more efficient to use and need very little patient cooperation, which leaves little room for incorrect inhalation. Nebulizers come in both a portable size and a larger size that is meant to be put on a table and plug into an electric socket.

What’s better than this to tell you why a nebulizer? A study conducted by the University of Texas in 2015 found that nearly 84% of people used their inhaler “incorrectly”. It is also said to use a nebulizer correctly, all you have to do is to breathe as normal. To know more read Things You Must Know Before Using A Nebulizer At Home.