Many remember that before treatment of any respiratory disease was prescribed inhalation in the clinic. These cabinets, which always smelled of medicine, are big scary devices ... and then the road home in cold weather - and the whole procedure is worthless. An alternative is to breathe at home over a teapot with brewed grass or soda. Now everything has changed. There are special devices that can be purchased for personal use. The subject of our conversation will be the representative of such devices - a nebulizer inhaler. Someone believes that this is one and the same, and the first term is a variation of the second. We will not delve into these subtleties. We are interested in the result that results from its use.
What is inhalation and when is it needed?
This procedure is one of the most effective ways to prevent and treat various diseases of the respiratory tract. There are several advantages of carrying it over the usual use of drugs. Firstly, you do not need such a large dose of medication. Secondly, recovery in most cases occurs much faster due to direct exposure to the location of the disease. Thirdly, each person, regardless of age, can use the device. And finally, which is also important, when using a nebulizer there is practically no risk of side effects.
The device and principle of operation of the inhaler
All models on sale have a similar design. Firstly, this is the main unit. It is in it that an air stream is generated, creating a therapeutic aerosol of the desired dispersion. Secondly, in this place there is a special chamber resembling a glass of small volume (only 5-10 ml), into which a solution for the procedure is poured. The damper located in the tank has two hoses. The first leads directly to the device, and the second leads to the output. A mouthpiece, mask or tube is attached to the latter, into which low or medium dispersion aerosol is supplied. It must be remembered that coarse solutions are undesirable, since a nebulizer (inhaler) can simply break down.
What to expect from inhalation?
During therapy, a number of important tasks are performed:
- removal of bronchospasm;
- sanitation of the respiratory organs;
- elimination of the inflammatory process;
- improvement of the laryngeal mucosa, removal of its edema;
- ensure that the therapeutic agent gets into the most remote areas - alveoli;
- increased local protective functions.
Obviously, due to such a wide spectrum of action, the nebulizer (inhaler) is indispensable in the fight against almost all respiratory diseases, because the device copes with its functions very well.
Contraindications
Despite all the positive qualities of this device, there are a number of conditions when you should refrain from using it. These include: constant high blood pressure; respiratory failure; allergy to medicines that are used for inhalation; recent heart attack and stroke; arrhythmia and heart failure; thermometer readings above 37.5 ° C. Therefore, you should be careful and carefully read the instructions before buying, or better yet, consult a doctor.
At what age can a person use a nebulizer?
The inhaler (the one that we all probably remember from early childhood) had to be used very carefully when it came to treating babies. This was explained by the fact that there was a danger of getting a mucous burn due to too hot steam and the use of improvised means. With the advent of the latest developments, the whole process has become absolutely safe. Modern models will not cause a crumb discomfort and help to cope with the disease faster. You can use such devices from birth, observing all the recommendations of the manufacturer and your pediatrician.
Varieties
Today, there are only 4 types of this device. Which one is the best is difficult to say, because each has a number of advantages and some disadvantages. Steam models convert the drug solution into a “treatment cloud” by heating. The procedure helps to soften the nasopharynx and better sputum removal. This device also has its drawbacks: a small concentration of the drug in the solution; loss of some beneficial properties (therefore, it is often used essential oils that boil at lower temperatures); some discomfort when inhaling hot steam. In fact, such devices are already becoming less popular, unable to withstand competition with the latest models.
The compressor nebulizer inhaler operates as follows: under the influence of compressed air, which is obtained as a result of the compressor, the drug fluid is converted into aerosol. The most important advantage of this species is its ability to spray many therapeutic solutions. Among the shortcomings are the large dimensions and the loud sound that is formed during operation.
Another modern device is an ultrasonic inhaler (nebulizer). In it, aerosol formation occurs due to vibration of the metal plate, which is affected by sound waves. As a result of this, very small particles are formed that can even penetrate the alveoli. The small size makes it indispensable for travel and travel. Another plus is the low noise level. Such devices are attractive for families with small children, because they can be used, thanks to special nozzles, even for the treatment of a sleeping child. Also, if you wish, you can moisten and disinfect the air in the room, which is very convenient when there is a "breeding ground" of infection in the house. But there is one “But!”. Not all drugs can be used in this device due to the destructive properties of ultrasound.
Mesh inhalers are almost ideal. They combined all the advantages of the above models: absolutely no noise is created during operation; You can use the widest range of medicinal solutions; small dimensions make the unit very convenient to use outside the house; said instruments have a high aerosol atomization rate.
Which nebulizer to purchase for personal use should be decided by everyone independently. Having studied the main disadvantages and advantages of the models, you can safely go shopping.