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How Effective Are Nebulizers In Asthma?

Suffering from Asthma? Cannot take a breath in? Inhaler failing to relieve breathlessness? It is at such times that the Nebulizer will come to the rescue.

Nebulizers send medications where they’re needed most, to your lungs, directly in under 5 minutes. On the other hand, oral medicines taken for asthma go through your gastrointestinal tract, then enter your bloodstream to reach your lungs which takes a minimum of 30 minutes to relieve the breathlessness you are feeling. Nebulizers work like an instant meal for the oxygen-hungry lungs!

Who can use a nebulizer?

A nebulizer is an optional asthma treatment to deliver medication in people who cannot use inhalers such as infants, very young children, the elderly or persons who are so breathless that they can’t take a breath in deeply with inhalers. Medicines given using a nebulizer can treat acute conditions and can prevent respiratory complaints from turning serious. Apart from asthma, what else does a nebulizer treat?

Nebulizing is the fastest and the most efficient way to deliver medications into the lungs. Thus, they are perfect for treating any respiratory complaints like –Sinusitis, Allergies, Asthma, Emphysema, Flu, Bronchitis, Cystic fibrosis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and more. This method of dispensing medicines by a nebulizer is also good to dissolve substances that may be blocking the airways.

Nebulizer treatment relaxes the breathing muscles and permits air to flow more easily in and out of the lungs. It also helps to loosen mucous in the lungs. Both of these benefits of nebulizer treatment help to decrease and prevent wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and tightness in the chest.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Here is how a Nebulizer works –

A nebulizer is an electric atomizer, and it dispenses the medication as a fine spray of particles. It is a small air compressor that converts medicines into an air mist that can comfortably be breathed in through a mask or a mouthpiece.

For large doses of inhaled medication, a nebulizer is exceptionally convenient. For both immediate relief and maintenance of asthma symptoms, medicines are available for use with a nebulizer.

But in times of an emergency, what is better? Here is a detailed look at nebulizers and inhalers. A nebulizer is easy to use. You must do nothing except sit in one place and breathe through the mouthpiece or facemask, whereas the use of an inhaler needs learning the initial technique and some practice.

A nebulizer ensures that the complete dose reaches the lungs directly. On the other hand, with the inhaler, the medicine sometimes will reach only until the back of the throat and not get down into the lower airways, delaying instant results and not give as much relief as expected with the same dose of the drug.

Inhalers are typically more convenient and less expensive than nebulizers. Nebulizers can be a good choice for young children or people who have trouble using inhalers. These people can also use a spacer with some types of inhalers to help them get an effective medication dose.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

A nebulizer is a power, or battery-operated whereas an inhaler doesn’t need a power supply and can be used anywhere.

Nebulizers are heavy and can’t be carried along everywhere in anticipation of emergency inhalers that can be quickly taken wherever you go.

A nebulizer is more expensive than a cost-effective inhaler.

We suggest, let your doctor, and you jointly decide which device is best suited for your asthma.

Read More: Asthma Causes and Trigger

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