Are nebulizers advisable?

The function of the nebulizer is turn a liquid medicine into tiny droplets that can be inhaled through a mouthpiece or mask, that is, in a aerosol. In this way, the drug can be inhaled by the patient and reach the bronchi, where it does its action.

It is one of the best routes of administration of inhaled drugs (bronchodilators, antibiotics or corticosteroids) since it allows us the drug get directly and quickly to where we are interested, avoiding the adverse effects of oral administration.

In addition, they allow us to dose the treatment in a very tight way, adapting to the characteristics of the patient, so can be used by adults and children.

Types of nebulizers

Nebulizers are made up of a compressor, the nebulizer kit and fogging mask or mouthpiece and they are classified according to the type of mechanism they use to convert the liquid medicine into an aerosol:

• Nebulizers with compressor or jet type- Use compressed air to create the spray. It is a very efficient and cheap type of spray. The only downside is that it is Very noisy or very large, which makes them less portable. Can nebulize hypertonic serum and drugs.
•  Ultrasonic nebulizers: It uses very high frequency (ultrasonic) vibrations to convert the liquid into an aerosol. They are very fast and less noisy. They only serve to nebulize hypertonic serum and they are not recommended for administering medications as the vibration generates heat and can alter the properties of the drugs.
• Mesh nebulizers: uses a mesh that vibrates at high frequency to generate the aerosol. It is a very compact and silent nebulizer. It is the most fast and effective, but also the most expensive and requires more frequent cleaning. They can be battery operated and therefore portable. With them you can nebulize medications and hypertonic serum.

Use of the nebulizer in babies and children

In children it is especially effective in processes that are accompanied by bronchospasm (closure or contraction of the bronchi) such as the, or more serious diseases such as cystic fibrosis. In fact, in some of these situations the pediatrician may advise nebulisations with hypertonic serum to help soften and cough up bronchial mucus or decrease airway inflammation.

Nebulizers are very easy to use, but they should only be used.

How to do nebulization correctly?

For an inhaled drug to reach the bronchi and the nebulization to be effective, the first thing is:

• The use of a mask appropriate to the age and size of the patient assures us that it fits your face perfectly and we do not have leaks.
• Nebulizing the person when sleeping is not recommended as it tends to close the mouth and breathing may be more shallow. That would make it difficult for the drug to get to the lungs correctly.
• During nebulization It is important that the person does not speak, breathes through the mouth slowly and deeply, holding, if possible, the breath for a few seconds after each inspiration.
• A effective nebulization it requires the person to be calm, fearless and cooperate, as far as possible. In the case of children, before starting to use it at home, a first nebulization must be carried out, supervised by healthcare personnel.
• Should bewash your hands very wellbefore preparing the nebulization to avoid contamination of its components.
• Nebulization prepares shortly before treatment begins and the container should be filled with the exact dose. Once the nebulization is finished, the mouth must be properly rinsed to remove any remaining medication, especially if it contained corticosteroids. And if you have used a mask, you also have to wash your face and nose.
• How long the nebulization lasts depends on the device and the drug dose. The usual isbetween 10 and 15 minutes.

Nebulizer Care and Maintenance

• Clean the nebulized very wellr after each use following the manufacturer's instructions, always with the appliance unplugged.
• Washing the mask or mouthpieceIt is done with warm water and neutral soap, rinsing them well with tap water.
• It should be air dried.
• In immunosuppressed patients or those at high risk of respiratory infection (cystic fibrosis), it is recommended to sterilize the nebulizer kit once a week.
• The air filter must not be washed or cleaned. It must be replaced after the uses recommended in the instructions. And if the filter gets wet, it must be replaced because it can cause clogs.

• In order for an inhaled drug to reach the bronchi and nebulization to be effective, the first thing to do is to have a specific nebulizer for children. The use of a mask appropriate to your age and size ensures that it fits your face perfectly and we do not have leaks.
• In children it is especially effective in processes that are accompanied by bronchospasm (closure or contraction of the bronchi) such as bronchiolitis, asthma or more serious diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
• As it is a device that must be recommended by the pediatrician or pediatric pulmonologist, before using it at home, a first nebulization must be carried out, supervised by healthcare personnel.