One of the things that every asthma patient knows and understands is that sometimes breathing does not come easy. Other than meds, there are a few things that can help in breathing correctly. One such thing is; nebulizer breathing therapy. For those who have severe asthma or are kids who cannot use MDIs, a nebulizer can be highly effective. These nebulizers are a machine that turns the medicine into the mist so that the patient can inhale the mist directly. These machines come in varying sizes, but are mostly portable. They are either battery run or are electric versions.
Working of a nebulizer
Nebulizers are used in both preventing attacks and also for treating an attack. This machine can be used for both rescue and maintenance. Doctors tend to tell which medicines are required and what concentration they are to be added to the nebulizer container.
The main working of the nebulizer is based on the air compressor. The compressor turns the liquid medicine stored in the small container into the mist. The tube then delivers the mist into the nose mask, which can be inhaled. The mist is easy to inhale as compared to using an inhaler. As the air tracts get contracted during asthma, inhaling and taking deeper breaths become difficult. But the mist is easier to inhale, and the medicine is delivered properly.
Types of nebulizers
There are varying types of nebulizers that one should take into consideration while going to buy a machine. These machines are divided into varying categories:
Based on the size and style of nebulizers:
- Tabletop nebulizers: these nebulizers are bigger and require a table or sturdy surface to be kept on. These are good for infants and children due to their stationary style. Also, they are less costly than the handheld versions.
- Handheld nebulizers: these are smaller and provide more mobility while in usage. They work using batteries or auto adaptors. They are also more costly as compared to the tabletop versions.
Based on the working mechanism:
- Aerosol nebulizers: these use a piston air compressor to deliver the air throughout the medicine. This breaks the liquid into the mist. But these machines can be noisy.
- Ultrasonic nebulizers: these nebulizers use high-frequency waves of sound to turn liquid medicine into a mist. There are highly effective and less noisy.
Buying nebulizers
Things that one should keep in mind while choosing a nebulizer are:
- Usage: you should be clear about what they are using the nebulizer for. One can take the doctors’ suggestion to know better.
- Storage: decide where the nebulizer will be stored and kept, as the nebulizers tend to differ in size.
- Effectiveness: some nebulizers are for asthma, and some are for other breathing ailments. It is better to have clarification on it before buying it.
- Cost: nebulizers tend to differ in price based on the mechanism, size, and portability.
- Cleaning: always check how the nebulizers can be cleaned and if it is feasible for easy maintenance.
- Renewals: check what all things need to change and the period in which the component requires renewal.