What is a nebulizer? Who, when can a nebulizer be used?

Nebulization is a popular, effective method of treating patients with respiratory problems. The following article will explain to you more clearly what a nebulizer is as well as who, when can use a nebulizer.

What is a nebulizer?

A nebulizer is a machine that converts a liquid drug into a vapor, then delivers the drug into the body in the form of tiny mist particles to affect the mucosal system of the upper or lower respiratory tract.

On the market today, there are two types of nebulizers, each of which will have different therapeutic effects:

• Nebulizer for the lower respiratory system: A type of nebulizer that can release drug particles in a smaller form so that they can fall into the lower respiratory tract.
• Ear, nose and throat nebulizer: A type of nebulizer that emits large aerosol particles that can be deposited in the upper respiratory tract mucosa.

Nebulizer working mechanism

The nebulizer uses a piston with a single cylinder, operating on the principle of creating compressed air .

First, the air will be compressed through the nozzle, mixed with the medicine in the reversing valve to form a spray solution and pushed up. Here the drug will be dispersed into many small and fine spray particles.

The spray particles are in the form of a liquid molecule or a liquid in the form of a gas. These molecules have different shapes, sizes, and densities, and that determines the depth of penetration that the drug solutions can enter into the respiratory tract.

Who, when can a nebulizer be used?

Nebulizer ventilators are now used quite commonly, often indicated for the treatment of respiratory diseases.

– Nasal aerosol helps treat rhinitis, sinusitis. Commonly used drugs include vasoconstrictors, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics mixed together in a certain ratio (this ratio varies depending on age, disease condition, etc.). When using a nasal nebulizer, the patient needs to clear the nose before nebulizing. Implementation time is 5-7 days .

– Aerosol in the throat helps treat acute or chronic pharyngitis. Commonly used drugs are antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and pain relievers. Implementation time is 5-7 days .

– Aerosol in laryngitis helps to treat acute and chronic laryngitis. The drugs used are antibiotics and anti-inflammatory. Implementation time is 5-7 days .

– Aerosol in the treatment of lower respiratory tract diseases , helping to treat spasmodic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic heart failure, COPD. The drugs are usually anti-inflammatory and bronchodilators. In case of emergency, aerosolization can be performed for 15-30 minutes . When passing the emergency stage, use nebulizer 2-3 times / day. Always assess respiratory status for appropriate medication and number of inhalations.

Reference source: VOH Radio.

The article has informed you about the concept and operating mechanism of a nebulizer, as well as in which cases should be used. Hope you will find it useful!