Nebulizer v/s Inhalers
By: Paul FryattTotal Views: 206, Word Count: 515,
Nebulizers and inhalers are both used to deliver asthma and other respiratory medications. In several cases, they are used during acute asthma attacks, but they could be used to deliver regular preventive drugs.
Asthma is a severe respiratory condition where the airways are constricted or blocked, thus causing wheezing, coughing and difficulty in breathing. Majority individuals who are suffering from asthma would have prescribed medications, generally inhaled through inhaler or nebulizers which are used during acute asthma attack. Nebulizer v/s inhalers, which one is better, can be understood by the following points.
Size
Inhalers are much smaller as compared to nebulizers and could be easily carried in a purse, small bag and pocket. Inhalers could be misplaced as they are small and so it’s a good idea to keep them where you could get them easily such as in a purse or backpack and in your car. Nebulizers are bigger machines which usually require an electric outlet to use. Some nebulizers are also operated in a way which makes them more portable.
Nebulizer v/s Inhalers
Both inhalers and nebulizers provide medications for patients to breathe easier, but both are used quite differently. Inhalers rapidly manage a dose of medication. By putting the inhaler in the mouth, people push the canister to receive a dose. Nebulizers, on the other hand take longer to give the medication, generally about 5 to 10 minutes. The patient breathes in the haze which is created by the nebulizer either through a mouthpiece which is held in front of the mouth and nose or through a face mask.
There are 2 types of inhalers. MDIs or metered dose inhalers work like a spray can. These inhalers give small doses of the prescribed medication to either lessen sharp symptoms or prevent symptoms of asthma. Asthma drugs are also delivered by dry powder inhalers, but it’s a powdery, dry medication which patients inhale instead of a haze.
Benefits of Nebulizers
Nebulizers are quite easier for young kids to use. In truth, until children are about 6 years old, several asthma medications cannot be administered through the inhaler. Until then, the prescribed medications need to be administered through the nebulizer. The child just needs to sit still, either holding a mouthpiece near the nose and mouth or wearing a face mask to receive the medication through the nebulizer.
Benefits of Inhaler
Inhalers are good options for individuals who are active or for those whose asthma is supposed to be affected by a physical activity or exercise. As inhalers are easy to carry, you can have them with you anywhere you go, whether at office or anywhere outside if you have an asthma attack. Kids with asthma could also keep the inhaler with them, making it easier for treatment while at school. Inhalers also provide fast treatment with just a dose of medication in a few seconds.
Nebulizer v/s Inhalers, which one to choose? This is a trick question as both are effective, but inhalers have slight advantages over nebulizers as they are portable and easy to use.
About the Author
Paul Fryatt, M.D. has been in this profession from last 24 years. He made great achievements in his profession. He made an initiative to open a Family Allergy Clinic in 1985 to help his patients who were not reacting to traditional allergy treatment programs. Moreover he has explored the treatment to overcome allergy symptoms to reclaim quality of life through his convenient, no-shots therapy.
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