Nebulizer (inhaler): description of the device and its variety

Many remember that earlier for the treatment of any respiratory disease, inhalations were prescribed in the polyclinic. These offices, where there was always a smell of medicines, big terrible devices ... and then the road home in cold weather - and the whole procedure is a nuisance. An alternative option is to breathe the house over a teapot with brewed grass or soda. Now everything has changed. There are special devices that can be purchased for personal use. The subject of our conversation will serve as a representative of such devices - a nebulizer-inhaler. Someone thinks that this is the same, and the first term is a kind of the second. We will not delve into these subtleties. We are interested in the result that results from its use.

What is inhalation and when is it needed?

This procedure is one of the most effective ways of preventing and treating various respiratory diseases. There are several advantages of carrying it out before the habitual use of medicines. First, we do not need such a large dose of medication. Secondly, recovery in most cases occurs much faster because of direct effects on the location of the disease. Thirdly, every person, regardless of age, can use the device. And finally, which is also very important, when using a nebulizer, there is practically no risk of side effects.

The device and principle of operation of the inhaler

All models on sale have a similar design. First, this is the main unit. It is there that the jet of air is generated, creating a therapeutic aerosol of the desired dispersion. Secondly, in this place there is a special chamber resembling a glass of a small volume (only 5-10 ml), in which a solution for the procedure is poured. The damper located in the tank has two hoses. The first leads directly to the device, and the second - the output. To the latter is attached a mouthpiece, mask or tube into which an aerosol of low or medium dispersion is fed. It should be remembered that large-scale solutions are not desirable, since a nebulizer (inhaler) can simply break.

What to expect from inhalations?

During therapy, a number of important tasks are performed:

• Removal of bronchospasm;
• Sanitation of respiratory organs;
• Elimination of the inflammatory process;
• Improvement of the laryngeal mucosa, removal of its edema;
• Ensuring that the medicinal product enters the most remote areas - the alveoli;
• Increase in local protective functions.

Obviously, thanks to such a wide range of actions, the nebulizer (inhaler) proves to be indispensable in the fight against almost all respiratory diseases, because the apparatus copes with its functions very well.

Contraindications for use

Despite all the positive qualities of this device, there are a number of conditions when it is worth refraining from using it. These include: constant high blood pressure; Respiratory insufficiency; Allergy to medicines that are used for inhalation; Recently suffered heart attack and stroke; Arrhythmia and heart failure; The thermometer reading is above 37.5 ° C. Therefore, you should be careful and carefully read the instructions before buying, or even better - consult a doctor.

At what age can a person use a nebulizer?

The inhaler (the one we all probably remember from early childhood) had to be used very carefully, if it was about treating babies. It was explained by the fact that there was a danger of getting burned by the mucous membrane due to too hot steam and using improvised means. With the advent of new developments, the whole process has become absolutely safe. Modern models will not deliver a crumb of discomfort and will help to cope faster with the disease. You can use such devices from birth, following all the recommendations of the manufacturer and your pediatrician.

Varieties

To date, there are only 4 types of this device. Which one is the best, it is difficult to say, because everyone has a number of advantages and some disadvantages. Steam models by heating convert the drug solution into a "healing cloud". The procedure contributes to the softening of the nasopharynx and the better separation of sputum. There are also disadvantages of this device: a small concentration of medication in the solution; Loss of some useful properties (so often it is essential oils that boil at lower temperatures); Some discomfort when inhaled by hot steam. In fact, such devices are already becoming less popular, failing to compete with the latest models.

The nebulizer-inhaler compressor functions as follows: under the influence of compressed air, which is obtained due to the operation of the compressor, the drug liquid is converted into an aerosol. The most important advantage of this type is its ability to spray many therapeutic solutions. Among the shortcomings can be called a large size and a loud sound that is formed during operation.

Another modern device is an ultrasonic nebulizer (nebulizer). In it, the formation of an aerosol occurs due to the vibration of a metal plate, which is affected by sound waves. As a result, very small particles are formed that can penetrate even the alveoli. Small dimensions make it indispensable for travel and travel. Another plus is the low noise level. Such devices are attractive for families with young children, because they can be used, thanks to special attachments, even for the treatment of a sleeping child. Also, if desired, you can moisten and disinfect the air in the room, which is very convenient when the house is a hotbed of infection. But there is one "But!". Not all preparations can be used in this device because of the destructive properties of ultrasound.

Practically ideal are mesh-inhalers. They combined all the advantages of the above-described models: absolutely no noise is created during the operation; You can use the widest range of medicinal solutions; Small dimensions make the unit very convenient to use outside the house; These devices have a high spraying speed of the aerosol.

What kind of nebulizer to purchase for personal use, should everyone decide on their own. Having studied the main disadvantages and advantages of models, you can safely go for a purchase.