The Role Of Nebulizers In Modern Medicine

By Author: Colin Sutton
Total Articles: 43
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When nebulizers were first introduced they offered health professionals with an innovative new way to treat conditions that affected the respiratory system.

Prior to this it had been incredibly difficult to treat breathing problems in patients outside of the hospital environment. This meant that if you suffered from a serious asthma attack or similar problem then it would have required hospitalization. Nebulisers allowed patients to treat themselves at home and reduce the dependency on hospitals and doctors.

Nebulizers improved quality of life for thousands of patients around the world and provided an effective and functional way to deliver medication to the respiratory system.

How Nebulisers Work

Nebulizers are quite simple devices that are used to convert liquid medication into aerosol droplets. This makes liquid medication suitable for inhalation. Using nebulisers allows the medication to be drawn safely and easily into the lungs to treat a wide range of conditions including asthma, cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis.

There are different types of nebulizers available including devices that ...
... use compressed air to break up liquid medication and also ultrasonic versions. Nebuliser devices are prescribed to patients based on individual health needs and also the type of medication being taken.

Modern Uses of Nebulizers

The use of nebulisers has declined in the modern world of medicines. This is mainly because new and improved ways of delivering medicine have been developed. These days it is more common for asthma and other conditions to be treated with metered dose inhalers (MDI). These are lightweight, easy to use, efficient and much more suitable for busy modern lives.

However nebulizers do still have an important role to play in modern health care. Although no longer recommended as a first line treatment device many health experts still believe nebulizers are useful. They are recommended for emergency treatment (such as serious asthma attacks) and also the long-term treatment of serious conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis.

Nebulisers are sometimes more appropriate for patients in the following situations:

- Ideal for very small children that need assistance with their treatment.

- Suitable for elderly patients with weak or arithmetic hands that cannot use MDIs easily.

- Nebulizers are effective at delivering high dose inhaled drugs. This means many patients suffering from acute asthma often feel much more confident using nebulisers as they are effective in emergency situations to stabilise breathing quickly.

- Patients suffering from COPD can often report significant improvements in conditions following the use of nebulizers. This is linked to evidence showing that the aqueous vapour delivered by air-driven nebulisers can improve mucus viscosity and ease expectoration.

- Nebulizers can also be used in combination with MDIs for an effective long-term treatment plan for patients suffering from respiratory conditions.

Although nebulizers have been largely replaced by MDI’s as front line treatment devices they still play an important role in modern medicine. If you suffer from respiratory conditions your doctor will discuss nebuliser options when going through your treatment plan.