Nebulizer - How Best To Use It?

The lung deposition characteristics and efficacy of an aerosol depend largely on the particle or droplet size. Generally, the smaller the particle the greater its chance of peripheral penetration. Particles of more than 10 m in diameter are most likely to deposit in the mouth and throat, for those of 5 10 m diameter a transition from mouth to airway deposition occurs, and particles smaller than 5 m in diameter deposit more frequently in the lower airways and are appropriate for aerosols. For very fine particles below 0.5 m in diameter there is a chance of avoiding deposition altogether and being exhaled.

The hose and mouthpiece are attached to the medicine cup. The mouthpiece should not be too tight for the patient. It is advisable for the patient to avoid breathing from the nose unless it is completely open and available for breathing. Check the nebulizer before turning it on, to prevent leakage or an accident while in use.

A nebulizer can be used by anyone provided he/she has read the instructions carefully. It can even be used at home for daily nebulizations as it is a very simple to use the device. Use the home nebulizer only as per Doctor s directions. Using it more than the advised time period may result in side effects.

Nebulizers are commonly used for the treatment of cystic fibrosis, asthma, COPD and other respiratory diseases or disorders. They may be electrical or mechanical. Electrical nebulizers are most preferred types of nebulisers. Jet nebulizer and ultrasonic wave nebulizer are the most effective nebulizers that are currently used for patients.