Nebulizer and Their Uses
What is nebulizer?
For individuals coping with asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other respiratory diseases a nebulizer will be prescribed as part of the treatment plan to control and ease respiratory distress. A nebulizer is a device used to convert liquid medication into a cloud-like mist that is delivered to the lungs via a face mask or mouthpiece. Compressor and ultrasonic nebulizers are two main types of nebulizers used to administer aerosol medication to the individual’s respiratory system.
What is different between the ultrasonic nebulizer and the compressor nebulizer
Research studies have shown the ultrasonic nebulizer to be a quicker, more efficient and more patient friendly method of treatment. Total time for nebulization by an ultrasonic is 9 minutes in comparison with 21 minutes for a compressor. One research study sought to compare the quantity of medication left after treatment from a compressor and an ultrasonic nebulizer. The study demonstrated that the total availability of the medication in the lungs was greater after treatment with the ultrasonic nebulizer.
How does an ultrasonic nebulizer work
Ultrasonic nebulizers work by producing high-frequency vibrations making waves in the liquid medication and creating a small fountain. This type of nebulizer is capable of producing a finer mist because of the vibrations enabling the medication to fully spread throughout the lungs. The small floating particles are administered to the lungs as a consistent, uniform, and fine mist. Solution medications such as Albuterol and Ipratropium may be used in the ultrasonic nebulizer. However, suspension drugs such as Budesonide may not be used due to the interaction between the suspension and the ultrasonic nebulizer. A suspension medication is a mixture composed of many large particles within a liquid, whereas a solution is a mixture composed entirely of liquid and/or dissolved solids. If a suspension drug were to be placed in an ultrasonic nebulizer the machine would not work properly, due to the limited break down of large solid particles within the suspension. For best results only solution medications may be used with ultrasonic nebulizer.
How does an compressor nebulizer work
The compressor nebulizer works by producing a pressurized jet stream that propels medicated droplets out of the nebulizer through the tube and into the facemask. With the compressor nebulizer both solutions such as Albuterol and suspensions such as Budesonide can be used. The medication is drawn up through the tube and aerolized and the remaining larger particles from the suspension are trapped by the jet mask and left behind to be broken down into smaller droplets to be reused. The compressor nebulizer is therefore, capable of breaking down the large particles within suspensions. Choosing the proper nebulizer requires information from your physician; consult with your physician and/or pharmacist to find out your type of medication and which nebulizer is best suited for your prescribed inhalation treatment.
List of Suspension Inhalation Drugs
Budesonide (Entocort EC, Pulmicort, Rhinocort Aqua)
Use: prophylaxis for asthma
Metaproterenol (Alupent, Arm-A-Med, Dey-Lute)
Use: Asthma
REFERENCES
[1] Pulmonary deposition of nebulised amiloride in cystic fibrosis: comparison of two nebulisers. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=463390
[2] European Respiratory Journal http://erjs.ersjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/10/4/905
[3] Functional Comparison of Inhaler Devices http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/408738-5 http://www.sonozap.com/nebulizer.htm
[4] Basic Nebulizer Function http://www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov/pubmed/10147075
[5] Behavior of Nebulizing solutions and suspensions. http://www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov/pubmed/10147076?ordinalpos=1&itool=En…bmed_Discovery_RA&linkpos=5&log$=relatedarticles&logdbfrom=pubmed
[6] Nebulizer Basics http://www.pulmicortrespules.com/professional/nebulizer-basics.aspx
Disclaimer:
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How To Cope With Allergic Reactions To Pets
Allergic reactions to animals of any kind can make a person feel left out. For example, if an individual goes to the park on a lovely Saturday afternoon, then they may feel ostracized by all the dogs being walked by their owners. Thanks to the advancement of medicine, a person with allergic reactions to pets can now have something other than a fish or a pet rock as a companion.
Those who have allergic reactions to animals wonder if they can own a pet besides the lonely goldfish who only bubbles every once in awhile. In fact, many people who are allergic to cats still have one. The truth of the matter is that an allergy to a pet can develop at almost any time. Dander from a pet is the main cause of the allergy. In order to have one's cake and pet it too, a person needs to be able to keep certain areas of the house pet free! The doors to the bedroom should be shut. This will allow one to rest without having itchy eyes. Another wise idea is to invest in a HEPA filter. This will help reduce the amount of allergens in the air and more simply put, is a good idea for anyone who has a pet. And last but certainly not least, is the fact that one should clean their living space frequently. A regular, thorough vacuuming will help people cope with allergic reactions to pets.
When a person has allergic reactions to animals and they still wish to keep their pet, they must find a way to deal with the allergy. One way is to visit their doctor and set up a regime of medication. Whether it be pills or shots, the facts are the same; a person can deal with allergic reactions to animals and still live a normal life.
Dealing with allergic reactions to animals can be different for many people. Some may choose to never have an animal in the home. Others will be persistent and do anything to keep their beloved pets. No matter what the choice a person makes, they can be assured that with the advancements in today's medicine, allergic reactions to animals may soon be a thing of the past.
Asthmatics and Allergies
Allergy asthma is very common in the USA today. And while its a horrible problem to suffer from, you can take comfort from the great range of treatments available, due to the research done by science into the effects. Its the most prevelant type of asthma in the mainland USA, and the world for that matter. Asthma bought on by allergies and symptoms of allergies can happen in the cleanest of homes, and often attacks are bought on by environments outside the home.
In most cases the concern is that what triggers off your asthma allergy is usually what triggers the asthma too. With these two going hand in hand, its no wonder that allergy asthma is so very common in our society. Take a look at a common example below, and you can see why allergy asthma is so apparant:
Many people are allergic to animals and pets, without even sometimes showing obvious symptoms. Allergy asthma from pets could be brought on by something as simple and innocent as being in the same room as a pet, and this may trigger the allergy, which will start the airways becoming inflamed. The result is allergy asthma and a high chance of an asthma attack.
Triggers that you might encounter commonly include such things as tobacco smoke, pollens and chemcial odors. Sometimes these factors are difficult to avoid and when struck, reactions can be unforgiving and rapid.
Many sufferers also suffer from allergy asthma symptoms that are brought on by skin related afflictions from liquids such as chemicals or irritants, or possibly shellfish and peanuts. Doctors are not really sure why these reactions cause allergy asthma attacks, but it certainly has prompted years of research.
By reading the rest of my allergy asthma article, you can get a much better insight into how you can best avoid allergy asthma. My great tips and tricks section will help you to control allergy asthma, and lead to less asthmatic complications. Click on my full article on allergy asthma.
How to Treat an Asthma Attack
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes your airways to constrict, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma is a serious illness; it's also very common, and millions of individuals throughout the world suffer from it. And the number of sufferers climbs continually.
There's no cure for asthma, but many individuals with the condition can find relief for their symptoms by trying out different asthma remedies. It can be managed to the place where they can go about their lives in a normal fashion without experiencing constant asthma symptoms.
Treating an Asthma Attack
Preventing an asthma attack is your best line of treatment. Find out the specific triggers for your symptoms and stay away from them. Still, there will be instances when you'll experience asthma symptoms no matter what you do. So knowing how to treat an asthma attack is essential.
Keep in mind that when it comes to asthma, not all attacks are the same. Sometimes your symptoms can be much worse than at other times. During a severe attack the airways can become so constricted that they prevent your vital organs from receiving the oxygen they need. This is classified as a medical emergency. People can even die from severe asthma attacks. If you are among the huge number of individuals who experience asthma, it's critical that you realize the seriousness of this condition.
Pharmaceuticals
Medication is usually the first and most common method to treat an asthma attack. It can help asthma sufferers keep their condition under control and ward off an attack before it becomes serious. Asthma remedies are taken either orally or inhaled as a vapor using a metered dose inhaler.
Two kinds of medication are available that can be used to treat the condition. A bronchodilator will help out by keeping spasms in check. Anti-inflammatory treatments work by reducing the inflammation in the airways. If your condition is severe, your physician might recommend that you use them both in combination.
These days there is a variety of prescription treatments that you can try:
*Accolade and Singulair, which are leukotriene inhibitors
*Serevent and Famoterol, long lasting bronchodilators, and
*Aminophylline or Theophylline.
Visit your doctor to find out if these medications are right for you, or to explore a natural cure for asthma.
