Nebulizer Treatments - How does a Nebulizer Work

Nebulizers are common devices used in the treatment of asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other respiratory diseases. Usually, doctors suggest the use of metered-dose-inhalers for people suffering from the above said diseases, as they are more convenient to use, than nebulizers. Nebulizers are mainly used in case of infants, for patients who have severe respiratory problems, and very old people. Nebulizer treatments refer to the administration of medicines through devices called nebulizers. Nebulizer treatments are also known as breathing treatments, aerosol treatments or med nebs.

What is a Nebulizer?
A nebulizer is used to administer medicines meant for controlling and easing respiratory diseases. This device comprises of a compressed air source which has tubes connected to a cup, into which the liquid medicine is added. The cup, in turn is connected to a mouthpiece or a face mask. These devices are used to increase the effectiveness of medicines. Nebulizers convert liquid medicines to aerosol mist, which goes deeper into the airways and eases breathing problems faster.

There are two types of nebulizers - compressor nebulizer and ultrasonic nebulizer. The former is the most common type of nebulizer, while the latter is a comparatively new entrant. Ultrasonic nebulizers, however, are considered more effective as it takes less time for nebulization and creates a finer mist, which increases its efficiency. While compressor nebulizers use compressed air to create mist, ultrasonic nebulizers use high-frequency vibrations, making waves in the liquid medication. The basic function of both are same, i.e. both turn the liquid medicine to fine particles, but the mode of working is different.

How Does a Nebulizer Work?
The basic aim of a nebulizer is to facilitate the faster and effective absorption of the medicine. This is achieved by breaking down the liquid medicine into very fine particles, which is inhaled by the patient.

• The first step is to add the liquid medicine to the cup attached to the device. It is important to understand that these devices accept medicine in the liquid form only, and medicine should be added at the time of usage and not before that. If the doctor has prescribed more than one medicine for nebulization, make sure if they can be mixed together or should be taken separately.
• Once the medicine is put in the cup, close the cup and connect its tube to the air compressor. Turn the compressor on and when the compressed air reaches the nebulizer cup, it will vaporize the medicine, creating a mist. The mist is inhaled by the patient, through the mouthpiece or face mask.
• Take deep breaths and inhale the vapor completely. Tap the cup regularly to ensure the right dispensation of medicine and don't remove the mask, until the medicine is used up completely. It will take about 10 to 20 minutes to finish nebulization.

Make it a point to use the device after properly cleaning and sterilizing the parts, to prevent cross contamination. If administered properly, nebulizer treatments are effective in easing breathing problems. It is very convenient for infants and children and for those who are not comfortable with metered-dose inhalers.

The drawbacks of nebulizer treatments include the use of electricity for its working. You won't be able to use these devices while traveling or during power outages. But now battery-operated nebulizers are also available, which can solve these problems. According to some experts, as compared to other inhalers, nebulizers may administer a higher dose of medicine than prescribed. This may lead to side effects, which are experienced in rare cases. Nebulizer side effects include irritation in the mouth, nose and throat, anxiety, jitters, increase in heartbeats, etc.