Some self-educated doctors believe that a nebulizer and an inhaler are one and the same device. However, the truth is far away. The difference between an inhaler and a nebulizer is that the nebulizer is able to spray medicines, and the first one allows only to inhale the vapors. The difference between an inhaler and a nebulizer is that the inhaler can deliver medications exclusively to the upper and middle respiratory tract, and the second spray transport drugs to the lower respiratory tract. So it is better to help in a specific case: an inhaler or a nebulizer?
Main differences
What to choose, nebulizer or steam inhaler? Mainly, with steam inhalations it is customary to use decoctions, oils and other homeopathic remedies. Certainly, this type of treatment is effective for common colds, but in cases when it is necessary to deliver an antibiotic or anti-edema drugs directly into the respiratory tract, then the steam-type device will be ineffective. In addition, hot steam for a young child is dangerous. And children can not breathe properly the medicine. The main thing that a nebulizer differs from an inhaler is the possibility of using liquid medications with it. At the same time they will not be delivered to the mouth, not to the stomach, namely to the bronchi and lungs, which need treatment. This is the main difference between the inhaler and the compressor nebulizer. The use of this device is justified for coughing, pharyngitis , rhinitis, bronchial asthma. You can only raise medicines with saline solution! The use of the following drugs is allowed in the nebulizer:
- antibiotics;
- bronchodilators;
- hormones;
- mucolytics;
- cromohexal;
- hypertonic solution.
It is forbidden to use herbal decoctions, oils and euphyllin.
Types of modern nebulizers
At the moment, there are only four types of devices for inhalation, they are all united only by the principle of receiving medication by the patient through his inhalation. This device can be:
- compressor;
- ultrasound;
- electron-mesh.
- It starts with the most common type - the compressor nebulizer. It is these devices that currently dominate the market. They are convenient and easy to use, and extremely effective. There is such a device from $ 100.
- Electron-net nebulizers are the most technologically advanced
devices from the whole group. In their bowels the medicine dissipates through nano-membranes to the smallest particles, they provide the best assimilation of medicines, but these devices and the most expensive in the group (from $ 130). - Nebulizers of ultrasonic type disperse drugs into tiny particles by exposing high-frequency sound waves to it. Their drawback lies in the fact that they can only spray drugs with a simple formula. Advantages - quiet operation and low price (about $ 80).
The main thing in using these devices is the understanding that it's the doctor who can justify their use at the moment. Take care of yourself, do not engage in self-medication, because worse than the disease itself can only be its inept treatment!