Various lung diseases, like pneumonia and asthma may cause breathing problems. Nebulizer therapy is also known as nebulizer drug therapy. This medication is given using the special device, nebulizer. Nebulizer turns medicine into the aerosol that is inhaled by the patient.
Several medications may be given through the nebulizer. Medication prescribed by the health care provider depends on the symptoms and the respiratory disorder. For instance, people suffering from asthma can have airways that are narrow and may cause wheezing. Often, bronchodilators are given through the nebulizer for opening the air ways.
Other medications include mucolytics, anti inflammatory drugs and antibiotics. These medications may be given during the nebulizer therapy. Dosage of the medicine and the duration of the nebulizer therapy varies depending upon the condition of the patient..
Some nebulizers, like ultra sonic nebulizers are also used. Often, a small volume nebulizer therapy is used. This can be used at the doctor’s clinic or hospital. Sometimes this is also prescribed for the usage at home. Based upon the amount of the medication prescribed, usually treatments may be completed in 10 – 15 minutes. Nebulizer therapy is used for the patients of all ages, that is infants, children and adults.
Although, the devices vary slightly by the manufacturer, many work by placing the prescribed amount of medicine in the nebulizer cup. One end, connective tube is attached to the nebulizer cup. Other end of the tube is connected to oxygen device or an air compressor. Air compressors are used in the hospitals and a flow meter is attached for monitoring the flow of medication. During nebulizer therapy at home, small and portable air compressors are used.
A mask or mouth piece is attached to the nebulizer cup. Mask is used if the person is unable to hold the mouthpiece. Mask is placed over nose and mouth, and the patient is instructed to aspire normally. If mouth piece is used for inhaling, lips should be closed around it and the patient must inhale through mouth slowly and can exhale either through nose or mouth.
Frequency of the therapy depends upon the respiratory diagnosis and medicine prescribed. The adverse effects depend on the medicine. Example: Bronchodilators cause an increase in heart rate, slight tremors and headache.
