When looking for nebulizer, there are several things you need to get right. Doing so will help you reap the maximum benefits and also avoid possible complications.
But what is it, and how does it work? The nebulizer is a drug delivery device that converts liquid drugs into mist, which are inhaled into the lungs. To breakdown the medication solutions and deliver the needed aerosol dosages into the lungs, these devices use either compressed air, oxygen, or ultrasonic power.
One of the most common types of these devices is the ultrasonic nebulizer. They are quieter and smaller, which makes them ideal to be used anywhere or on the move. To convert liquid medicines into aerosols, these types of nebulizers use rapidly vibrating piezoelectric crystals. To minimize or eliminate wastage, the devices are used with mouthpieces or face masks.
To get the most out of your nebulizer, you need to understand the right way of using them and maintaining them. Now, the following are some of the lung related complications that will send you looking for a nebulizer.
Asthma
You are described as asthmatic when your airways are narrow and produce excess mucus. For some people, asthma is seen as a minor nuisance, but for others, the condition can be harsh to the extent of disrupting daily activities.
In medical circles, there is no known cure for this respiratory complication. It is imperative noting that this condition evolves with time depending on how it is handled, it is, therefore, essential to regularly work with your doctor to effectively manage it, depending on how it fluctuates.
Although the symptoms will vary from person to person, they include:
- Difficulties when sleeping can be caused by either coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
- A whistling sound when breathing and wheezing which is common in children
- Chest tightness which is sometimes accompanied by pains
- If there is a viral attack, the wheezing or coughing becomes worse
For some individuals, the asthmatic symptoms erupt when exposed to some situations or conditions. Examples are;
- Exercise-induced asthma which may be as a result of exposure to cold or hot air
- Allergy induced asthma is brought about by airborne substances, which may include aerosols, pollen, animal products, and strong smells.
- Work-related activities trigger occupational asthma. This includes exposure to strong chemical fumes, dust, and even gases at work.
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term used to describe a collection of lung diseases or complications. They include refractory asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. What are these complications in detail?
- Damaged alveoli cause emphysema. Also known as air sacs, the alveoli walls become overstretched and sometimes even rapture. Over time this condition reduces the surface area of the lungs, leading to shortness of breath.
It is not straightforward realizing that you have emphysema; however, over time, one of the signs is that you will increasingly feel the urge to shun away from activities that lead to shortness of breath.
- Chronic bronchitis is another type of COPD. Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes which are responsible for carrying oxygen into your lungs. This condition leads to mucus building up in your lungs, this, in turn, leads to chest tightness, mild fever, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Smoking is seen as one of the leading causes of chronic bronchitis. However, exposure to air pollution and harmful fumes are also blamed for this respiratory condition.
- Refractory asthma is diagnosed when you experience frequent asthma attacks, persistent symptoms, and low lung functions despite taking medication as required. Although this condition is not very common, it motivates regular health facility visits, which might, in the long run, reduce the quality of life.
Cystic Fibrosis
This condition is hereditary and is known to affect the digestive system as well as the lungs. Our primary focus is on the lungs. When the body produces thick and sticky mucus, and it gets into the lungs, it becomes increasingly difficult to cough it out. In such an event, it becomes tricky to comfortably breathe and get oxygen into your bloodstream and the rest of your body.
Some of the symptoms of cystic fibrosis include:
- Persistent coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Nasal polyps
This condition also fuels the risk of other lung-related infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
Handling These Conditions
On a successful diagnosis, your doctor will advise on the right medication to manage any of these conditions. And one of the best methods of taking the medication is by inhaling, and that is done through working with a nebulizer.
Final Take
Looking for a nebulizer is one of the best ways of beating lung-related issues. Having adequate information about the best nebulizer will help you use it the right way to reap maximum benefits. The proper medication will be prescribed after a proper diagnosis.
