7 Differences Between Inhalers & Nebulizers That You Should Know

Inhalers and nebulizers are types of medical devices that are used by people who have asthma and other respiratory illnesses to administer a direct supply of medication to the lungs to make breathing more comfortable. Here we will explore the ten key differences that will help you differentiate between the two:

1. Inhalers are easier to carry

Inhalers, also called puffers, are portable enough to be carried in your jeans pocket. Whereas nebulizers are usually larger in size and come with a long tube and mouthpiece attached to inhale the medicine. While nebulizers aren’t so large that they can’t be moved around, it’s not feasible enough to carry around in day-to-day use. However, new generation nebulizers are very handy, portable and efficient in delivering medication in a short period of time.

2. The mechanism of inhalers and nebulizers are different

Inhalers are easy to use and just need to be pressed and you can breathe in the medicine or, in the case of breath-actuated inhalers, you only need to breathe in for the medicine to be released. Whereas in nebulizers, you need to add medicine to the medication cup, which is then converted into mist for inhalation using pressurized air. 

3. Inhalers don’t need any electricity to work 

An inhaler does not require any power supply to function. They are standalone devices and can be used on the go. Most nebulizers however use an electric power source to run and convert medicine into a mist.  However, the new generation of nebulizers is battery operated which can also be used on the go.

4. Inhalers can be used more quickly

Inhaler devices are simple, straightforward and quite quick to use, whereas there are a lot of requirements and preparation required while using traditional jet nebulizers. In times of emergency, inhalers are usually much more useful and reliable unless you are in an environment where a nebulizer can be immediately set up by another person or if the patient is very severe and cannot coordinate with handheld inhalers. 

5. Nebulizers are more expensive  

Nebulizers come in various sizes and the price varies for each type of nebulizer. However, inhalers are commonly much cheaper to buy. Some inhalers can be bought for around Rs. 100 and nebulizer machine price is around Rs. 1000 and it can go even higher, depending on the model and type of nebulizer. 

6. Nebulizers last for a longer time than inhalers 

Nebulizers might have a huge one-time cost but they last for a longer period of time and only the medication needs to be repurchased. The mouthpiece or face mask can also be replaced if needed for most nebulizer models. Inhaler devices, on the other hand, need to be completely replaced once the medication is over.

7. Dosage monitoring is different in both

Inhaler devices can contain multiple dosages of medicine and the same device can be used for a long time. However, it is important to monitor the amount of dosage left and replace the inhaler when required. In the case of nebulizers, the medication needs to be mixed or premixed medication needs to be added to the machine before it can be used. The medication cup can then be monitored to check how much of the dose remains to be nebulized or you can wait for the spluttering sound that the nebulizer makes when there is no more medication left for nebulization. 

Inhalers and nebulizers are both modes of inhalation therapy and treatment for people suffering from diseases such as asthma and COPD. With significant differences, these two inhalation therapy devices help patients to take medications through their inhaled route which is known to be effective for the medicine to reach directly to the lungs. There are different types of inhalers and nebulizers but it is essential to know the distinction between both for inhalation therapy so you can discuss them with your doctor and choose the option that is best for you.

References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/nebulizer

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/205048

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