Nebulizers are an example of an extremely efficient drug delivery system for delivering various essential drugs directly to the lungs. Delivering medication directly to the lungs can be extremely helpful for people with any of the health conditions that make normal inhalation impossible. Nebulizers offer an easy and effective alternative for doctors and health experts to administer medications to patients suffering from asthma, chronic pulmonary tract obstruction, cystic fibrosis or emphysema.
They help doctors administer essential and reliever medications to infants and young children suffering from a blocked pulmonary tract. Nebulizers do not require any additional effort on the part of users to deliver medication to the lungs. Patients just need to breathe normally until the medicine runs out. This simple procedure and the effectiveness of nebulizers have made them very popular with people who suffer from blocked or concussed airways. In fact, nebulizers have become much more popular than metered-dose inhalers or dry powder inhalers.
The latest nebulizers are available to patients in three main variants depending on the technology used to convert the liquid medicine into a fine mist or aerosol. The aerosol or mist form of medication is much more effective than liquid medication in providing relief to the patient. The first type is the ultrasonic nebulizer, which does not have the need to mix saline with the medicine. Ultrasonic nebulizers use a battery-powered compressor to aerosolize the medication. Ultrasonic nebulizers are extremely compact and portable and produce much less noise compared to the other machines. This type of nebulizer is more efficient and faster compared to the other types of nebulizers.
Jet nebulizers use compressed air to generate a fine mist of liquid medicine. Air passes through a tube from the compressor into a plastic cup that contains the liquid medicine. Older models of jet foggers are larger and produce a considerable amount of noise. Also, some of the models require electricity to function and these are not suitable for travel. However, the latest models are more compact and produce lower noise levels. Jet nebulizers cost less compared to other types of nebulizers and are also easier to use.
The fastest and most expensive of all nebulizers are mesh nebulizers. They use the most sophisticated technology to aerosolize liquid medication and are extremely portable and suitable for convenient travel. This type of nebulizer uses a vibrating membrane to produce an aerosol mist from liquid medication for users to inhale. However, mesh foggers require regular maintenance to maintain their efficiency. Users should clean the small opening to prevent clogging and ensure quick release of the mist containing medicine.
Nebulizers can be an excellent option for delivering medications such as steroids and antibiotics to the lungs of patients. Steroids are often effective in relieving airway congestion, while antibiotics help contain and treat infections. Physicians should choose the type of nebulizer according to the requirements of the patients.
