Treating Respiratory Conditions With Nebulizers

By Author: Colin Sutton
Total Articles: 43
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One of the most challenging parts of treating conditions is getting the medication to where it needs to be. Although these days we have many sophisticated drugs their effectiveness can be reduced by the difficulties of application.

The Important of Nebulizers

Before nebulizers it was almost impossible to treat conditions that affected the respiratory system effectively. Delivering medication to the lungs and airways was a challenge that defied doctors for many years. However the advent of nebulizers meant that suddenly it was possible to treat difficult conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and cystic fibrosis.

Nebulizers allowed liquid medicine to be converted quickly into a mist. This could then be inhaled by the patient delivering the medication straight into the airways and lungs. Nebulization proved to be a very effective method and revolutionize the treatment of many previously challenging respiratory conditions.

Can Anyone use Nebulizers?

One of the main advantages of nebulizers is that they are very easy to use. There are available in portable designs that can be carried around at all ...
... times. This means that patients are able to administer their own medication quickly which is very important for conditions that affect the airways. Anyone can use nebulizers but you will need to speak to your doctor first. It is important you have the right nebulizer and medication for your individual condition.

The portability and ease of use of nebulizers are particularly useful for children and young adults. Many young children dislike liquid medication and this can make it difficult to treat their conditions. However nebulizers are quick and easy to use. Most children will be happy taking medication this way. They will also be able to carry the nebulizers with them whether they are at home or school for fast relief.

How do Nebulizers Work?

Nebulizers are very straightforward machines. The liquid medicine is placed in the main container and then connected to the nebulizing device. Once the machine is started the liquid medicine will be converted into a mist which can then be inhaled through the mouthpiece section. Nebulizers create very fine droplets of medication which can be inhaled deeply into the lungs. They are therefore much more effective than the basic handheld inhalers used for mild asthma conditions. There are three basic types of nebulizer:

- Jet Nebulizers – this is the most common types of nebulizing device which uses an air compression system to force liquid into a mist state. They are affordable and easy to use but can be a bit noisy.

- Ultrasonic nebulizers – this device uses high-frequency sound vibrations to convert liquid into a mist. They are more expensive than the jet nebulizers but are much quieter and the particles of medication created are typically much smaller. Theoretically this should mean they can be drawn into the lungs more effectively (although there have been no conclusive tests to confirm this)

Colin Sutton is the author of many articles on medical aids such as Nebulizers and how they have changed the way in which patients are treated for respiratory conditions. They enable medication to be delivered successful to the lungs and airways for faster and more effective treatment.