Basic Knowledge About Nebulizers

Nebulizers are used to treat asthma, COPD, and other respiratory conditions needing certain inhaled medications. There are a few types of nebulizers available on the market. However, the two most common nebulizers are compressor nebulizers and ultrasonic nebulizers. Compressor or pneumatic with jet nebulizers are typically heavy tabletop devices attached to tub/jet nebulizer, and/or mask for inhalation. Ultrasonic nebulizers are usually much smaller handheld devices that can be used directly with the mouthpiece or with a connecting mask. Ultrasonic nebulizers are perfect for people on the go or who may need to use it discreetly and quietly in places such as work or school. Medical research has shown that ultrasonic nebulizers perform more effectively and faster in depositing medication into the lungs. Depending on which models are being compared, ultrasonic nebulizers can deposit around double the amount of medication into the lungs as opposed to certain compressor nebulizers. In addition, do not be alarmed if treatment with an ultrasonic nebulizer ends 5-10 minutes earlier than your normal compressor nebulizer treatments. Ultrasonic nebulizers provide effective and faster treatment.

Following simple steps while using a nebulizer can improve the effectiveness of the treatment and increase the longevity of the nebulizer. By always reading the instruction manual before use and before cleaning it, the beneficiary has taken the first necessary step into effectively taking the treatment and properly using the nebulizer. Depending on the nebulizer, treatments can be most effective while taking slow, calm inhales or while breathing normally. Usually sitting during treatment is best for the beneficiary and the nebulizer; it allows the beneficiary to breathe normally and the nebulizer to stand upright and not titled. Lying down and sleeping during treatment might be easier for some children and is still effective as long as movements are not affecting the nebulizer. In cases where children have to sleep to take their treatment, heavier compressors might be more suitable since most of those models have a sturdier base and will not be affected by movement during sleep.

The most important factor to having a long lasting, and clean nebulizer is cleaning it after each and every use, and even sometimes before use. Without regular cleaning, contaminated nebulizers can cause infection or re-infection to the beneficiary’s lungs. Typically a mild dish washing soap and warm or hot water may affectively clean the removable parts of a nebulizer and air drying is best to prevent any contamination after washing it. However, each manufacturer has their protocols for cleaning the nebulizer so always read the instruction manual before cleaning it and before use.

References:

[1] European Respiratory Journal, http://erj.ersjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/10/4/905

[2] Microbiologic contamination study of nebulizers after aerosol therapy in patients with cystic fibrosis, http://pt.wkhealth.com/pt/re/ajic/abstract.00000545-200010000-00004.htm;jsessionid=LkzSm6Qrdq9pLMSJ8GrQ0XJyGZkvc2BHTKtTZBXDkg4knT8kJ5Dq!2129441969!181195629!8091!-1

[3] Nebulizer Cleaning and Disinfecting, http://www.rxstat.net/nebulizer_cleaning.html

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The information on this website aims to provide customers with relevant knowledge regarding our products. Under no circumstances should the information be used for therapeutic purposes. Customers must consult their doctors for the correct use of these information and products. ClinicalGuard.com is not responsible for any losses or accidents caused by the use of information on this website.

Difference Between Ultrasonic Nebulizer and Nebulizer Compressor

What is nebulizer?

A portable nebulizer machine is a device used to administer medication to people in the form of a mist inhaled into the lungs. It is commonly used in treating cystic fibrosis, asthma, and other respiratory diseases.

What is different between A Ultrasonic Nebulizer and Nebulizer Compressor

There are several different types of nebulizers. The most common nebulizer supplies is the Jet nebulizer. Jet nebulizers are connected by tubing to a compressed air source that causes air or oxygen to blast at high velocity through a liquid medicine to turn it into an aerosol, which is then inhaled by the patient. Sometimes doctors will prescribe a patient the use of an inhaler because they are more convenient than a nebulizer. Because a nebulizer compressor is attached to an air compressor treatment may be very loud and can make the treatment experience more uncomfortable. Due to the inaudibility of ultrasonic waves unheard by human ears, an ultrasonic nebulizer would be more ideal to have in the home; the noise level during operation is much lower than that of an air compressing nebulizer. You do not have to interrupt your activity during the treatment cycle.

What kind of medications could we use and How does they work?

There are several different types of medications. The most common medication is Albuterol (also known as Proventil or Ventolin). It is what is called a "bronchodilator". It is basically a muscle relaxer for your airways. Your airways are like tubes. They have muscles surrounding them. These muscles can constrict or even spasm (bronchospasm). A bronchodilator helps your airway muscles to relax, causing your airways to literally open up. After use with corticosteroids, it is theoretically possible for patients to develop a yeast infection in the mouth (thrush) or hoarseness of voice (dysphonic), although these conditions are clinically very rare. To avoid these adverse effects, some clinicians suggest that the person who used the nebulizer should rinse his or her mouth. This is not true for bronchodilators; however, patients may still wish to rinse their mouths due to the unpleasant taste of some bronchodilating drugs. A second type of medication is a muclytic, like Mucomyst. This medication helps to break up the bonds in mucous to make it easier to cough out secretions. Sometimes the airways can become swollen inside and have mucous in them. This happens with a lot of asthmatics as well as people with chronic lung diseases. Usually, the aerosolized medicine is inhaled through a tube-like mouthpiece, similar to that of an inhaler. The mouthpiece or nebulizer mask, however, is sometimes replaced with a face mask, similar to that used for inhaled anesthesia, for ease of use with young children or the elderly, although mouthpieces are preferable if patients are able to use them since facemasks result in reduced lung delivery because of aerosol losses in the nose.

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Antibiotics for Sinusitis

Sinusitis is one of the most widely spread respiratory diseases in the United States. Each year, millions of individuals experience the discomfort of symptoms from some kind of sinus infection. Symptoms for sinus infection vary depending on the case and severity of your condition. In most cases, these symptoms will include headaches, fever, fatigue, nasal discharge, congestion or blockage.

Sinus symptoms can also be caused by colds, allergies and environmental irritants, which are more common than a bacterial sinus infection. That is why some people actually mistake sinusitis as the common cold and don’t really get proper medical treatment for it, thinking that the symptoms will go away and resolve on its own.

Other than viral or bacterial causes for sinus infection or symptoms, your living conditions can also contribute to your sinusitis. Allergens may be present that may trigger sinus problems.

If your head aches, you have blockage or congestion in your nasal passages, or you have a runny nose and this goes on for weeks without improvement, it is best to see your doctor and get a proper diagnosis to treat your sinus infection.

Your doctor will be able to prescribe you antibiotics that will help you with your symptoms, as needed. An analgesic may also be prescribed at the same time, to aid in your sinusitis treatment if you are feeling too much pain. Some over the counter medicines can also be taken for additional relief or comfort for other symptoms. But in most cases, an antibiotic will do just fine and will work successfully if taken the right way.

Antibiotics are usually taken anywhere from 7 to 14 days continuously. The dosage and frequency of your intake would depend on the severity of your symptoms and the kind of infection you have.

There are also different ways to take antibiotics. Oral antibiotics are the most commonly prescribed antibiotics. Although it usually takes time for it to be effective because you have to wait for the medication to circulate your bloodstream before you feel any kind of relief from it.

Nebulized antibiotics are getting more and more popular these days. With this type of antibiotic, a nebulizer or inhaler is used to administer the medication. With this method, you inhale the medication through your nose. This allows topical application of the medicine directly onto the infected areas providing a faster and more efficient treatment of your sinus infection.

In select cases, the doctor may choose to give you antibiotics intravenously. This method allows the medication to directly enter your bloodstream through a direct injection to your vein and is instantly circulated through your system, giving you faster relief. This type of antibiotic usually lasts 4 – 6 weeks.

If you have taken antibiotics according to the instructions given to you by your doctor and there is still no improvement in your condition after 14 days, stop taking any medication and consult your doctor. A different treatment program may be prescribed for you or further tests may be needed to identify the type and severity of your condition.

This composition is projected to inform readers about sinusitis treatment. For more topics about treating your sinusitis you can visit Sinusitis - Sinus Dynamics.