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For many respiratory infections and ailments, medication is needed to precipitate relief. After the doctor’s prescription of medication to the patient, what’s left is to decide the best delivery method for the medicine. This brings us to the comparison of nebulizers vs. Inhaler which are the two most common delivery methods available.
Choosing the best method of delivery is dependent on the user and how they can handle it. This is why a guide on what these delivery methods are and how they work is important for those looking to choose one. Each method of delivery has its own pros and cons, which means it's important to understand its effects on the users.
A nebulizer is a powered device that turns liquid medications into mists that can be inhaled into the lungs to provide relief to respiratory ailments. These devices can either be powered on battery or electricity and come in different sizes such as home(tabletop) and smaller portable versions. The home nebulizer version is powered by electricity while the portable pocket size version runs on a battery but is also rechargeable. To get a nebulizer, you may need a doctor's prescription or a visit to your pediatrician’s office.
The following are the three main types of nebulizers:
These are the kind of nebulizers that use compressed gas to make tiny particles of medication in the air called aerosols.
These nebulizers make tiny particles of medications in the air with high-frequency vibrations. The aerosol this device produces is quite larger than that which a jet nebulizer produces.
With this device, the aerosol is formed when the liquid medication passes through a mesh. This nebulizer device is the most expensive and effective among all types of nebulizers as it produces the smallest particles of medication.
Inhalers are small devices that are commonly used to deliver asthma medication. They are portable and handheld, making it easy for patients to carry them around. The device is designed to provide immediate relief to users during an urgent respiratory condition such as an asthma attack.
Metered dose inhaler (MDI) is the most common type of asthma inhaler. The inhaler helps to deliver a predetermined amount of aerosols into the lungs. All a user has to do to activate the inhaler is squeeze the trigger of the installer and breathe in. However, the inhaler can be misused without the aid of a spacer. This is because the medication in the inhaler has to be administered to the lungs in a structured way. Failure to administer the medication properly will make it ineffective and difficult to manage.
These types of inhalers are designed to help reduce respiratory inflammation by providing relief through the device. The inhaler can be used a couple of times a day to manage wheezing and other symptoms that may occur throughout the day. It may also help to prevent attacks during exercises and other physically tasking activities.
This type of inhaler helps to deliver powder medication into the lungs without hassle as they are quite easy to use, compared to other types of inhalers. Unlike metered-dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers don't require as much hand-eye coordination, making it ideal for children and aging adults.
The debate on nebulizers vs. Inhalers didn't just start today as they are the most popular medication delivery methods for those with respiratory ailments. It's only right to be curious about the best one for you and the type of medication you use. Below are factors that can help you decide:
Both delivery methods take about the same time to start working. However, a nebulizer takes a slightly shorter time to take effect. While inhalers take about 15 minutes to 20 minutes to provide relief, nebulizers can relieve symptoms in 10 minutes. Nevertheless, the user's medical condition and the medication in the device will determine how long it will take to work and relieve symptoms.
Nebulizers are on the pricey side as home nebulizer costs about $50 or more while portable ones cost even more. However, it is durable and can be insured.
Meanwhile, inhalers cost between $30 to $60, depending on the brand of the inhaler, the amount of medication, and other factors.
When it comes to nebulizer vs. inhaler for aging adults or children when it comes to ease of use, a nebulizer is a clear winner. This is because nebulizers only require a battery or electricity to activate treatment and that is all you need to do. It does not require any physical effort from users, making it suitable and beneficial for kids and aging adults. Inhalers, on the other hand, require some hand-eye coordination and greater inhalation capacity for them to be effective. Elderly adults and little children may experience difficulty learning to use inhalers properly.
You can only measure the efficiency of nebulizers and inhalers by how well they administer dosages of medications into your lungs. Therefore, the way you use these devices tells a lot about their effectiveness on your respiratory ailments.
Not using your inhaler correctly or taking inappropriate dosages of the medication can affect the effectiveness of the device. This can worsen health concerns and can also be life-threatening for users. However, nebulizers release medications in form of mists, making them easy to inhale for users. Moreover, nebulizers are designed to deliver medications directly into the lungs to relieve respiratory inflammation.
There is no doubt that nebulizers tend to be more effective, especially for those having difficulties learning the proper use of inhalers. However, it is still advised to always have a rescue inhaler around in cases of emergencies such as an asthma attack.
The best device to use depends on the user's preference, their health, as well as their cognitive and physical abilities. Since nebulizers doesn't require any physical effort from the user, it may be the best option for aging adults with mobility concerns and children. However, inhalers are lightweight and users can carry them around comfortably and may be a good rescue for emergencies such as asthma attacks.
The method of medication administration is the main difference between nebulizers and inhalers. While nebulizers use an electric pump to convert respiratory medications into vapor form, inhalers are controlled and pumped by hand.
Yes, it is. Nebulizers are safe and easy to use for medicine administration into the lungs. It works easily to relieve respiratory inflammation and improve health.
CWI Medicals has several models of nebulizers available on their site for anyone who needs one. You can get this face mask nebulizer kit or other models here.
Before making a decision on the delivery method to use for your respiratory medication, it's best to speak to your doctor for professional advice. Even though nebulizers are easy to use and ideal for aging adults and kids, inhalers can be beneficial for emergencies like asthma attacks.
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