NEBULIZER

Nebulizers can be used to relieve symptoms of various lung conditions by administering both quick-relief medicines and long-term control medicines. Most inhaled medications relieve symptoms such as wheeziness, breathlessness, and tightness in the chest. They can also prevent or slow the accumulation of phlegm and mucus.

Inhalers are a common way of administering drugs, but nebulizers have distinct advantages in several situations. In an emergency situation, such as when breathing becomes difficult and a high dose of medication is needed or when antibiotics are needed against an infection, nebulizers should be used. In these cases, it is done by paramedics or hospital staff.

Nebulizers can also be used in less severe cases at home by individual users. Inhalers are less effective than nebulizers, so nebulizers can be used if the condition it is treating is severe. For example, conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be treated with an inhaler to the same effectiveness. However, conditions such as cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis can be better treated with nebulizers.

Some other health conditions, such as arthritis, can prevent patients from using inhalers. Furthermore, nebulizers are used for young children and babies. Nebulizers can deliver drugs such as bronchodilators to open the airways, hypertonic saline solutions to loosen up mucus, and antibiotics to treat or prevent infections.