When treating respiratory organs, doctors are sometimes advised to resort to inhalation. With bronchial asthma, this procedure is vital. Currently, 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 babies - 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" - this means fog or cloud. A nebulizer turns a drug or mineral water into a kind of fog that is inhaled through a mask or mouthpiece. This is the principle of its work.
In this way, drugs can penetrate the farthest parts of the respiratory system. A nebulizer is an inhaler, but it works much more efficiently than regular inhalations. And the procedure is less troublesome.
When using a nebulizer
Use a nebulizer - this is primarily to help yourself in the treatment of the following diseases:
- ARI of the upper respiratory tract.
- Chronic lung diseases, pneumonia.
- Chronic bronchitis.
- Bronchial asthma.
- Tuberculosis of the lungs and bronchi.
- As a prevention of various complications after surgery on the organs of the respiratory system.
- Emphysema, cystic fibrosis.
Contraindications to the use of a nebulizer
It is imperative to pay attention to contraindications to the use of a nebulizer, and there are also:
- Pulmonary bleeding.
- Disorders in the work of the heart muscle.
- Spontaneous pneumothorax against the background of bullous emphysema.
- An allergic reaction to the medications used in the nebulizer.
Use a nebulizer - this is to help the body, and not harm, be careful. If you use the device correctly, then the positive effect will not take long.
What are nebulizers
Currently, there are portable nebulizers for home use and stationary, which are used in hospitals.
These devices have differences in the principle of converting the drug into steam. So? they are:
- Compressor
- Ultrasonic
- Electron-mesh or membrane.
And now consider in more detail all types of nebulizers.
Advantages and disadvantages
Compressor nebulizer - it is also called inkjet. The principle of operation is as follows: the drug is converted to steam due to the passage of air through it under high pressure.
Compressor nebulizers are also of several types:
- Compressor nebulizers with a constant speed of atomization of particles.
- Adjustable having a breath key.
- Automatically activated by breathing.
- Dosimetric nebulizers.
Disadvantages of compressor nebulizer:
- It is very noisy during operation, which can be inconvenient.
- It cannot be used without being connected to the electric network, which means that you cannot take it with you on the road.
Positive aspects should also be noted:
- The particle size of the sprayed material is regulated.
- You can use mineral water, hormones, antibiotics.
- Not a very high price.
Ultrasonic nebulizers are more advanced. Such devices convert the drug into steam due to ultrasonic vibrations.
Positive factors:
- Do not adjust your breathing.
- It can be used in any position.
- The drug penetrates even into the alveoli.
- Not very noisy.
- Relatively low cost.
- It can be used in the treatment of children under 1 year old.
Disadvantages of ultrasonic nebulizers:
- Not all medicines can be used.
- Do not adjust spray size.
Membrane nebulizers or mesh nebulizers. Their principle of operation is as follows: a drug substance is pressed through a mesh membrane using ultrasound at a frequency of 180 kHz.
Advantages of the mesh nebulizer:
- No noise.
- The ability to use any drug.
- It works both on batteries and on mains.
- A large number of nozzles.
The drawback, perhaps, can be identified only one: high cost.
If a nebulizer is purchased on its own, the instructions should be carefully studied. You need to know which drugs can be used and which are not. Let's talk about this further.
What tools can be used in a nebulizer
For nebulizer therapy, it is allowed to use only specially prescribed medicines. Before use, they should be warmed to room temperature. You can also use high-quality mineral water from brands such as Borjomi and Narzan. Before using mineral water, it is necessary that carbon dioxide does not remain in it, so you must release it in advance by opening the bottle.
In nebulizers, bronchodilators are used primarily. These are such as Atrovent, Salbutamol, Berotek, Berodual.
Such solutions can be used in any type of nebulizer.
Hormonal drugs, antiseptics and antibiotics can only be used in compressor and mesh nebulizers. Among them, most often used:
- Pulmicort is a hormonal drug.
- “Tobramycin”, “Dioxidin”, “Furatsilin”, “Fluimucil”.
Also, mucolytics, immunomodulatory and many others are used only in compressor nebulizers and membranes. Here are some of them:
- "Lazolvan."
- Pulmozyme.
- Cromohexal.
- "Interferon leukocyte."
- "Lidocaine."
It is worth saying that such means as mineral water and physiological saline are suitable for use in any type of nebulizer.
What is forbidden to use in nebulizers
In any case, without consulting a doctor, you cannot use any medicine for nebulizer therapy. The use of mineral water or saline is allowed.
What is strictly forbidden to use in nebulizers:
- Medicines that do not affect the mucous membrane:
- "Eufillin."
- "Papaverine".
- Diphenhydramine, etc.
2. Means in which there are essential oils. For the lungs, such therapy is dangerous. It can also cause damage to the nebulizer.
3. Home-made decoctions, infusions. It is not possible to adjust the dose of the drug contained in the decoction or tincture. You may cause the nebulizer to break.
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. Damage in this case cannot be avoided.
How to choose a nebulizer
When choosing a nebulizer, it is very important to know which diseases you will need inhalation for.
Universal is a compressor nebulizer. We examined its positive and negative sides earlier. If it suits you, you should clarify some of its parameters:
- Maximum runtime.
- Performance.
- Type of chamber for inhalation.
- Processing method.
More detailed data on the operation of the compressor nebulizer is contained in its technical passport. In it you can find out about the volume of the medicine, 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 pulmonary diseases, then you should not consider the purchase of an ultrasound device. About its positive and negative sides was described earlier.
Even when choosing, you need to focus on the size, noise and type of device.
The manufacturing company matters. For example, the Japanese manufacturer OMRON nebulizer, the "Microlife NEB 10A" nebulizer , made by Switzerland, is popular.
Choosing a nebulizer for a child
Our children often catch a cold, and a large number of kids suffer from attacks of bronchial asthma. The nebulizer in such situations is just salvation. It will facilitate the breathing of the child, help relieve the attack.
How to choose a children's nebulizer? Take a look at some tips:
- Choose a nebulizer in the shape of a toy to interest the baby.
- It is advisable to opt for a small silent option.
- It is very convenient to use compact mesh nebulizers, especially for relieving asthma attacks when the child is in bed or outside the home.
- If the child is prone to frequent colds, it is better to opt for an ultrasonic nebulizer.
- Get the device, explaining to the baby that this is a good nebulizer doctor.
- Before buying, it is best to consult with your doctor what kind of nebulizer is needed.
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, the model B.WellWN-115K in the form of a children's toy.
Another reason to buy a nebulizer for a child: it will be able to replace the unpleasant procedure for children to take bitter and tasteless medicines. Nebulizer therapy is much more effective, since the drug penetrates into the most distant parts of the respiratory organs. The child breathes and is treated. And if the nebulizer is in the form of a toy, he will do this procedure with pleasure.
Popular nebulizers
Consider some popular nebulizer models.
So, the Omron nebulizer is popular. It is made in Japan. These devices come in several labels.
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. Easy to maintain. In it, you can use all the acceptable medications. Operating time is not limited.
Omron ne c24 nebulizer is small in size, weighs about 300 g. It works without creating noise. The duration of one approach is no more than 20 minutes. Then you need a break for 30 minutes. It can be taken with you on the road due to its portability.
The Japanese manufacturer Omron NE nebulizer has proven itself in the market. It has a good demand among buyers, although it is not a cheap option.
OMRON NE Nebulizer with a mesh membrane is a good and reliable option for relieving asthmatic attacks, both at home and on the go.
A great choice of Ld Nebulizer is Little Doctor. This model is available in Singapore. Compressor nebulizer, has an attractive design for children. Somewhat noisy, but easy to use. It has several nozzles, not very expensive. The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes, then a break of 40 minutes is needed. Ultrasonic devices are also trustworthy and last for a long time when the product is used correctly.
Another manufacturer has won the love of customers. This is the nebulizer B.Well, which releases the UK. Compressor models are very convenient to use. They do not make much noise, they have many nozzles. It can work for a long time without a break. It is convenient to store and carry in a special bag.
B. Well ultrasound nebulizer is recommended for the treatment of chronic diseases. It works silently, but does not allow the use of many types of drugs. Lightweight, but only works in an upright position, which is not very convenient for young children.
B.Well nebulizer mesh is very practical, lightweight. No noise, can work on batteries. It has a storage bag, spare batteries, several nozzles.
The nebulizer "Microlife NEB 10A has gained confidence! It receives only good reviews thanks to the high Swiss quality. It is a compressor nebulizer. It has three spraying modes, can work continuously without a break for rest. It can be used both at home and in medical institutions. Noise is not very high. Has nozzles for washing the nose. You can use many medications. It is easy to use and store, as there is a handle for moving and a compartment for accessories.
How to use a nebulizer
In order for the nebulizer to serve for a long time, it is necessary to use it correctly.
- For nebulizer therapy, use only those drugs that are recommended for this model.
- Dissolve drugs only with physiological saline, in no case boiled water.
- Fill the device before inhalation, for this use only sterile syringes and needles.
- During the procedure, you need to breathe slowly and deeply.
- If you use a mask, it should fit snugly to the face, otherwise inhalation loses its effectiveness.
- After nebulizer therapy, the apparatus must be thoroughly washed.
- The usual washing process is to soak the parts in a soap solution, after which it is necessary to rinse them, rinse with boiling water and dry in the open air.
- Boil only those parts that are subject to boiling.
- Components that cannot be boiled can be disinfected with a special solution: hydrogen peroxide, septodor solution or chloramine solution. Remember to remove the remnants of these solutions.
Follow these simple rules, your nebulizer will last you a long time. Be sure to read the instructions of the device that you are going to operate.
Nebulizer reviews
Considering that the nebulizer is a popular device at the present time, many people purchase it for the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases, for the relief of asthmatic attacks. There are a lot of positive reviews. For some, this is literally a salvation during an attack. Many report a decrease in the duration of respiratory illness if they use a nebulizer. The incidence of colds is also significantly reduced. Of course, compressor devices are very popular. They are easy to use, care, and also have the opportunity to use a wider range of drugs. Also, their price is quite affordable. A 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 with children with asthma, it’s just salvation. Since it can be carried with you, use at any time. One drawback of such devices is the high cost, but when it comes to the health of the child, this is not the most weighty argument. The well-being of the baby should be in the first place for parents. It is worth noting that there are reviews in which the fragility of such devices is noted, and very expensive repairs. Therefore, do not leave the nebulizer unattended in the hands of the child.
Many families purchase ultrasonic nebulizers. Positive reviews note that they can use essential oils, decoctions. The ultrasound machine operates silently and is inexpensive. The reviews indicate one drawback: you can not use hormonal drugs, antibiotics, which is so important for relieving asthmatic attacks.
And in conclusion, I want to note that the nebulizer is your friend and assistant in the fight against diseases. Having decided to purchase it, be sure to consult a doctor and make the right choice. Using this magic device, you can stay healthy in the midst of colds.