Nebulizer: functions, side effects and how to use

Shortness of breath certainly makes you feel like you're out of breath and in torment. There are several treatment methods to treat the problem that is causing shortness of breath. Starting from oral medication to inhaled drugs using a nebulizer which is considered the most effective. Check out the full review of the nebulizer, from its use to how to treat it.

What is the function of the nebulizer?

A nebulizer is a machine tool that converts liquid medicine into vapor to be inhaled into the lungs. The function of the nebulizer is to relieve narrowed airways.

The nebulizer consists of an air compressor machine, a small container for liquid medicine, and an elastic hose that connects the air compressor to the medicine container. On top of the medicine container there is a funnel or mask that will be used to inhale the mist.

There are two versions of the power nebulizer, namely using electricity and using batteries. You can consult with your doctor to find out how to choose the type of nebulizer that suits your needs.

This tool is commonly used as a treatment for chronic respiratory diseases, both for children and adults. This is because compared to inhalers, the vapor produced by the nebulizer is very small so that the drug can more quickly penetrate the targeted lung area.

How does a nebulizer work?

This breathing apparatus works by converting liquid medicine into vapor. The air containing the medicinal vapor is then pushed up through the tube into the mask.

From there, you will inhale your medicine. The medicine delivered by the nebulizer will be absorbed slowly, and you may have to sit still for 10 to 15 minutes.

Nebulizers are more commonly used in asthma and COPD attacks because they do not require complex breathing techniques. The reason is, when using an inhaler, you need to take a deep breath first before spraying the medicine.

This will make it difficult for people who are having an asthma attack or COPD. That is why they are a more effective choice for drug delivery than inhalers in situations of worsening COPD symptoms.

Diseases that can be treated with a nebulizer

The following is a list of diseases that can be treated with the use of a nebulizer:

1. Asthma

Asthma is a condition in which the respiratory tract narrows and swells and produces excess mucus. This condition can cause difficulty breathing, as well as causing symptoms such as coughing and wheezing (wheezing).

2.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is a respiratory disease that causes a person difficult due to blocked airways in the lungs. COPD is a progressive disease, meaning that it will get worse over time.

3. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infectious disease that attacks the lungs, causing the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) to become inflamed and swell. This health condition is often referred to as wet lung, because the lungs can be filled with water or mucus.

4. Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a condition characterized by an airway that is injured and inflamed. This condition makes the airways fill with thick mucus which increases the risk of bacterial infection.

The nebulizer helps clear mucus. This will make it easier for you to pass mucus and the drugs for bacterial infections will be easier to absorb.

5. Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is inflammation and swelling of the small airways (bronchioles) due to a viral infection. This condition is often found in infants and could be one of the risk causes of asthma later in life.

Depending on your condition and needs, your doctor or nurse may recommend a nebulizer for bronchiolitis.

6. Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that attacks the body's ability to control the movement of salt and water between cells. As a result, very thick mucus forms in the lungs and digestive system. This makes it difficult for you to breathe and increases your risk of lung infections.

A nebulizer is useful for thinning phlegm (mucus) or treating other symptoms of cystic fibrosis. The cystic fibrosis drugs that can be used in a nebulizer are bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and the enzyme dornase alfa.

Treatment with this device not only relieves breathing, but also regulates mucus production and prevents the infection from getting worse.

7. Sinusitis

Sinusitis is inflammation of the nasal area and sinuses. According to various reports, the ultrasonic type nebulizer is quite effective in reducing sinusitis symptoms such as nasal congestion or pain in the nose and face area.

This tool is even said to be able to overcome bacterial infections in 76 percent of patients who are given antibiotics via this steam engine.

In a survey of patients using a nebulizer at home, it was evident that the benefits of this vapor inhaler far outweigh any potential risks. This tool in itself can be a very helpful tool in controlling chronic lung disease, as well as helping patients save more.

Are there any side effects from using a nebulizer?

Generally, the side effects of using a nebulizer depend on the fluid for shortness of breath medication used.

Using bronchodilators, for example, may cause certain side effects. According to the NHS, here are some of the effects of using bronchodilators:

• trembling hands
• headache
• irregular heartbeat
• muscle cramp
• nausea
• dry mouth
• cough
• diarrhea

Another with saline or sterile saline solution, other types of drugs commonly used with this tool. Some of the side effects that usually arise due to use saline with a nebulizer are:

• the cough gets worse
• sore throat
• feeling of tightness in the chest

How to use the nebulizer step by step

The proper way to use a nebulizer allows the drug to work effectively, especially to treat symptoms of shortness of breath.

For that, try to follow the following ways of using it, starting from preparing it to using it.

1. Wash your hands with soap under running water to prevent germs from entering the lungs through the hands that touch the appliance.
2. Prepare the medicine to be used. If the medicine has been mixed, pour it directly into the nebulizer medicine container. If not, enter one by one using a dropper or syringe.
3. Add saline if needed and the doctor prescribes.
4. Connect the medicine container to the machine and also the mask to the top of the container.
5. Put the mask on the face so that it covers the nose and mouth. Make sure the edges of the mask are well sealed against the face, so that no steam escapes from the sides of the mask.
6. Start the engine then inhale with your nose and slowly exhale through your mouth.
7. You can end this when no more steam escapes. This is a sign that the medicine has run out.

Using a nebulizer generally takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

How to care for the nebulizer so that it is durable and not easily damaged

The nebulizer vapor inhaler should be cleaned every time it is used. This is important to avoid bacterial growth, which puts you at risk for bacterial infection.

Do the following each time you finish using this tool:

1. Immediately wash the medicine container and mask with dish soap. Rinse it off with hot water. Try to clean all parts without missing.
2. Clean every part of the appliance until it is completely dry. To dry faster, you can also attach each part of the nebulizer to the machine and turn it on. The air expelled from the machine helps dry the appliance quickly and practically.
3. Make sure all parts are completely dry before putting them away and using them again.

In addition to cleaning, you also need to sterilize the breath aid every two days after use. You do this by soaking the parts of this inhaler (except for the mask) into a basin containing three glasses of hot water mixed with one tablespoon of diluted white vinegar. You can also ask for a special cleaning solution from a doctor or pharmacist.

Let stand for an hour or as instructed on the cardboard packaging. After that, dry them by attaching the nebulizer pieces to the machine and then turning them on.

After cleaning and sterilizing, be sure to store the appliance according to the instructions so that it is durable and continues to function properly.

The hose needs to be changed regularly to make it more hygienic and ensure that you don't breathe in harmful germs. Avoid washing the hose with water. Hose changes must be carried out periodically as it is impossible to clean the inside of the hose completely.

By knowing how to use and take proper care, you can get maximum treatment with a nebulizer.