Inhaler – when is it useful and how to use it?

An inhaler (nebulizer) is a device that disperses drugs or other substances into small droplets that are suitable for inhalation. This device is intended for the treatment and prevention of various respiratory diseases. For example, laryngitis, rhinitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, bronchitis, etc.

When might an inhaler be needed?

Preschool children suffer from respiratory diseases up to 12 times a year, so respiratory care is especially important for them. With the help of a nebulizer, the respiratory tract is moistened, bronchial secretion is stimulated, inhaled medications work faster and more effectively due to significantly better absorption compared to medications taken orally. Regular inhalation of sodium chloride can significantly increase children's resistance to respiratory diseases. Using an inhaler is sometimes an indispensable procedure for adults as well. Inhalation using this device can be prescribed if very large doses of medication are used, when metered inhalers are ineffective or the drug is simply not available in the aforementioned form. As for asthmatics, inhalation can help quickly relieve an attack of the disease, and in chronic bronchitis, using an inhaler is one of the most effective ways to recover.

Types of inhalers

There are 3 types of inhalers: compressor, ultrasonic and mesh. Compressor inhalers are usually quite powerful, their parameters are better compared to ultrasonic and mesh. On the other hand, they are quite large and operate loudly, so it can be problematic to use such a device while traveling or treating a baby. To solve these problems, ultrasonic and mesh inhalers have been created, which operate practically without any sound, are compact and lightweight. The disadvantage of these inhalers is their higher price and usually worse parameters compared to compressor devices.

Using an inhaler

Regardless of the type, the use of all inhalers is similar. The inhaler liquid (distilled water, sodium chloride or medication) is poured into the nozzle and the device is turned on. 2 nozzles can be connected to the nozzle - a mouthpiece or a mask. Inhalations using a mouthpiece are more effective, since all the inhaler liquid enters the bronchi directly. Therapy using an inhaler mask is less useful, since a large number of particles enter the nose, condense on the face and the mask itself. On the other hand, therapy using an inhaler mask is recommended for children, since they may have difficulty inhaling the inhaled liquid, and small babies do not know how to do this at all.

Heating the pouring liquid

In modern nebulizers, the inhaled liquid is not heated. Inhalation, depending on the type of inhaler, occurs due to air pressure or ultrasound. Cold vapors can irritate the throat and respiratory tract. For this reason, it is recommended to heat the inhaled liquid to 60-80 degrees Celsius. If inhalation is performed using distilled water or sodium chloride, you can heat it, but if you inhale medications, you should carefully read the package leaflet or consult a doctor or pharmacist before doing so. Medications can be thermolabile, meaning they decompose at high temperatures or otherwise change their properties, so not all medications can be heated.

What to put in the inhaler?

Prophylactic inhalations are performed using sodium chloride. Keep in mind that it is better to buy sodium chloride in ampoules or other small containers, since after opening this liquid is valid for about 48 hours. If you do not have sodium chloride, you can perform the procedure using plain water (we recommend distilled water to avoid damaging the device). For various diseases, the doctor may prescribe inhaled medications, such as salbutamol, ambroxol, etc. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before inhaling any medications.

Thus, the inhaler and the liquids inhaled with it are an effective and modern therapy for both children and adults who suffer from respiratory diseases. Prevention is especially relevant for children, and treatment of chronic diseases is especially relevant for adults.