Nebulizing Treatment Methods
A nebulizer delivers inhaled medications, for treatment of respiratory ailments, by way of a vapor mist. Specifically, nebulizing treatments are one element of a treatment spectrum. In some instances, however, nebulizing may make up the full range of treatment for an individual patient. In particular, infants and very young children represent categories of patient for whom nebulizing treatments may comprise the full treatment range.
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Description of a Nebulizer
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A nebulizer is a piece of medical equipment that is used in the treatment of respiratory ailments. Nebulizers, depending on the patient, may be used as the only means of delivery of medications for a respiratory condition; or they may be used only in the instance of extreme occurrences of the ailment. In the second instance, the patient controls fewer flare-ups of the ailment with the use of an inhaler. Nebulizers are most commonly used in hospital settings, but in some instances may be used in the home setting. Sometimes, you may also hear nebulizers referred to as "breathing machines."
Common Ailments Treated
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The most common uses of a nebulizer are for treatment of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or even in patients suffering from a combination of asthma and COPD.
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How A Nebulizer Works
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A nebulizer works by using an air compressor and a nebulizer cup "neb cup" to turn medication into a vapor mist for the patient to inhale passively (as opposed to the active inhalation of administering an inhaler.) Nebulizers create a medicated mist by using pressurized room air to create a medicated vapor. Depending upon the individual's particular needs, the patient will nebulize (inhale the vapors) for usually 5 to 10 minutes or 10 to 20 minutes. Because the nebulizing process dilutes the medication as it diffuses from the machine into the surrounding atmosphere, a more concentrated dose of medicine is placed into the nebulizer in comparison to the dosage that the same patient would apply using an inhaler.
Most Likely Patients to Use Nebulizers
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The most common ailments for nebulizer use are asthma and/or COPD. Also, nebulizers are most commonly used for the very young or very old patient.
How a Nebulizer is Used in Overall Treatment
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The nebulizer is a maintenance tool in the treatment of respiratory ailments. It is not designed for the relief of acute incidences, such as a severe asthma attack. They are intended as a preventive tool to reduce the likelihood of such severe attacks. Because of the higher starting concentration of the prescribed medication, side effects of the medication itself are more likely than with inhaler use of the same medication. Although generally nebulizers are not used for acute attacks, there are some individual instances where a particular patient may prefer nebulizer use to relieve extreme respiratory difficulty. Some individuals may find the use of a standard nebulizer results in irritations to nose, throat or mouth. In such a case, the use of a jet nebulizer may be prescribed to potentially alleviate that problem.
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