Types of nebulizers: what to choose for home use?

A nebulizer is a medical device intended for inhalation.It provides disperse dispersion of the liquid preparation placed in the reservoir.The drug is converted into an aerosol with a certain particle size during operation.

Many of us remember the times when, when coughing, you had to resort to the "grandmother's method", inhaling steam over a pot of boiling water or boiled potatoes.This method of inhalation is unsafe, as there is always a possibility of burning the skin and mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract.In addition, it was quite problematic to treat small children in this way, for which this procedure became a real punishment.Fortunately, now there is the opportunity to purchase a quality and perfectly safe inhaler-nebulizer for home use.

Nowadays inhalations with the help of nebulizer systems are an integral part of complex therapy of a number of acute and chronic pathologies of the respiratory system of a person.

For a large number of patients suffering from chronic respiratory diseases, using a nebulizer is literally a vital necessity.

Devices with a similar principle of action were invented in the middle of the XIX century.In the first nebulizers, pressure was provided by means of a hand pump, and in inhalers with a steam actuator, the so-"Venturi effect".

Under the Venturi effect is meant the creation of a reduced pressure zone when gas( air) or liquid is supplied through a narrowed section of the pipe.Low pressure ensures that the liquid is sucked from the reservoir, which is then mixed in the nebulizer body with air, converting into an aerosol.

Sprays with electric compressors were patented in 1930, and ultrasonic nebulizers appeared after three decades.

Table of contents: Indications for inhalations using a nebulizer Types of nebulizers: which is better?The benefits of treating with nebulizer inhalations How to choose a nebulizer?Steam inhalers Compressor models Compressor models Electronic mesh inhalers Nebulizer for child

Indications for inhalations with nebulizer

Indications for inhalation using a nebulizer are various diseases of the respiratory system.

The main indications are:

• respiratory diseases accompanied by coughing( ARVI);
• laryngitis;
• pharyngitis;
• acute and chronic bronchitis;
• bronchial asthma;
• bronchiectatic disease;
• cystic fibrosis;
• diseases of the nervous system( sleep disorders, asthenia, depression);
• endocrine pathologies( diabetes, obesity);
• some allergic diseases;

Nebulizers are designed to perform the following tasks:

• relieve spasms of the bronchi;
• to sanitize various parts of the respiratory system;
• Removal of edema of the bronchi of the trachea and larynx;
• to strengthen the drainage of mucus from the bronchi and lungs;
• to reduce the inflammatory process;
• to improve local immune processes;
• deliver the drug to the alveoli of the lungs;
• normalize microcirculation in the mucous nasopharynx;
• protect the body from the effects of allergens.

Types of nebulizers: which is better?

According to the principle of operation( the method of spraying), the inhalers are divided into:

• steam inhalers, able to regulate the intensity of steam supply and its adjustment;
• nebulizer compressor inhalers;
• ultrasonic inhaler-nebulizer;
• electron-mesh inhalers-nebulizers( they are also called mesh, membrane or mesh-inhalers).

All devices can also be divided into portable and stationary.The most compact and lightweight models on batteries or batteries can be carried with you in your purse, which is very important for patients suffering from bronchial asthma and some other serious illnesses, as they need regular inhalations to prevent or stop the next attack.Dimensions and weight of nebulizers for domestic use are also small.

There are stationary inhalers that are installed in the treatment rooms of medical and preventive institutions.

In innovative devices, a special system of inhalation-exhalation valves is provided, which makes it possible to conserve medicinal product as carefully as possible.There are nebulizers for continuous supply of aerosol and a device with a breaker activated by a special button( it is pressed only on inspiration).

Advantages of inhaled treatment with nebulizer

Treatment with compressor nebulizers, ultrasound devices and mash-inhalers has a number of undeniable advantages, including:

• the ability to use for people of all ages - from newborns to old people;
• direct exposure to the mucous membranes of the respiratory system;
• possibility of strict dosing of the drug;
• rapidity of absorption of the drug in the form of an aerosol;
• high rate of development of the expected therapeutic effect;
• the possibility of adjusting the size of aerosol particles, providing "targeted" delivery of the drug to the upper, middle or lower divisions of the respiratory system;
• almost complete absence of side effects;
• no systemic effects of the drug;
• easy operation.

How to choose a nebulizer?

A wide variety of inhalation devices are available for sale.So how to choose a nebulizer that will suit you the best way?

First of all: do not pursue the inhalers of a particular well-known company, choose an inhaler that meets exactly your requirements.

If you intend to use a nebulizer at home, you can choose to use a device that operates from a standard AC power source.If the device needs to be worn at all times or taken on long trips, then you need an ultrasonic portable model on batteries or batteries.

It is also necessary to consider which medications are to be used for inhalation.

Steam inhalers

These are the simplest and inexpensive inhalers that form hot steam from a medicinal solution containing infusions and decoctions of herbs, essential oils, pharmaceuticals.They are good at curing colds and inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory system and cosmetology problems.With their help, you can strengthen the endocrine, genitourinary, nervous, immune systems, cleanse the pores of the skin, improve blood circulation in tissues.

Modern steam inhalers are able to regulate the temperature of the supplied steam and its intensity.But they can not be used in those cases when the temperature of the patient is above 37.5 ° C.To everything, when heated, many medicinal substances lose their properties, which somewhat reduces the effectiveness of the procedure.And when using steam inhalers in the treatment of children, there is a risk of "lowering" the infection to the more remote parts of the respiratory system.

Note: No steam inhaler is able to deliver the drug to the bronchioles and alveoli.

Compressor models

Compressor units consist of an electric compressor that supplies high pressure air, a nebulizer proper, which converts the liquid medicine into an aerosol, and an inhalation mask( instead, a mouthpiece breathing tube can be used).

Compressor models spray particles of minimal size and provide "delivery" of the drug to all departments of the respiratory system.

They are optimal for those who often suffer from colds, as well as patients with bronchitis, bronchial asthma and bronchoectatic disease.The price for this type of model is relatively small.Compressor nebulizers are very reliable and perfectly suitable for home use.This is the most acceptable variant of the inhaler for children of any age, including newborns.

For the treatment of expensive drugs and drugs that require an accurate dosage, models of nebulizers can be chosen that are activated automatically when inhaled.In other cases, compression inhalers, triggered by a valve, are also suitable.

The disadvantages of such devices are quite solid dimensions, as well as the significant noise level that accompanies the work of nebulizers.In addition, with their help it is impossible to carry out inhalations in a lying position.

Ultrasonic nebulizers

Ultrasonic devices disperse medicinal solutions under the action of generated high frequency sound waves.Models of this type are capable of spraying drug particles, the size of which can vary.

These devices are small in size and work almost silently, ideal for children, becauseAllow you to conduct procedures in the form of a game.

The disadvantage is the impossibility of using nebulizers of this type for spraying oil solutions, as well as mucolytic, antibacterial and hormonal drugs.In addition, to work with such an inhaler often need to purchase a special cup of medicine, gels, and this - additional costs.

Electro-mesh inhalers

The most universal are the electron-mesh models.They can spray particles of variable size and do not create any noise during operation.The splitting of the liquid medicine into minute drops is carried out due to the oscillations of a special perforated membrane.

Mash-inhalers are great for treating children and patients with limited mobility, as they can work at any angle of the camera.The disadvantage of electron-net nebulizers is their relatively high cost and the need for strict compliance with all operating rules.

Due to the smallest sizes of aerosol particles, the drug is freely delivered to all parts of the respiratory system and almost immediately absorbed.

How to use the inhaler is described in detail in the instructions accompanying each appliance.If you have additional questions, you need to ask their doctor.

Nebulizer for child

Adapted for children nebulizer inhalers are equipped with small breathing masks.Bright attractive cases of some models are made in the form of animals;The kit may also include nozzles in the form of funny little animals that are installed in front of the respiratory mask.Attractive appearance will distract the baby from several unusual sensations associated with inhaling aerosol and turn the healing procedure into an exciting activity.

For infants who can not yet sit, you need to purchase electronic mesh devices, and an older child can buy a compressor or ultrasound model.

Important: Before buying, be sure to consult your pediatrician!

For more details on the types of nebulizers, learn about their "pros" and "cons" and decide which nebulizer is best for choosing for home use, you can by viewing this video review:

Konev Alexander, therapist