When an asthma attack strikes, asthma sufferers reach for their nebulizer. While we typically think of inhalers as the solution for asthma, nebulizers are another option for many people who prefer fast relief. But what do nebulizers do to help treat asthma?
What is a Nebulizer?
Nebulizers are devices that turn liquid medicine into a mist. Unlike inhalers, which are manual in operation, nebulizers are battery or electrically powered. They come as tabletop units or portable units and use a mouthpiece to deliver vaporized medicine that is easily inhaled.
What Does a Nebulizer Do for Asthma?
Nebulizers turn asthma medication into a soothing mist that penetrates deep into the lungs. During an asthma attack, the airways become inflamed and tight, causing difficulty breathing. Misted medication helps reduce the swelling and open up the airways to restore normal breathing.
What Medicines Can Be Put in a Nebulizer for Asthma?
- Corticosteroids to fight inflammation (such as budesonide, flunisolide, fluticasone, and triamcinolone)
- Bronchodilators to open the airways (such as albuterol, formoterol, levalbuterol, and salmeterol)
How Often Can You Use a Nebulizer for Asthma?
Asthma patients may use their nebulizers on a regular basis to help prevent asthma attacks. By setting time aside to take misted medicine even when they are not experiencing symptoms, patients can help reduce and minimize attacks in the future. Consult with your physician to determine the best treatment schedule for you and your condition.
When an asthma attack occurs, nebulizers help with symptoms right away, usually within a period of 10 minutes.
For help selecting a nebulizer for your asthma, or to learn more about respiratory therapy in general, contact our knowledgeable staff at The Oxygen Concentrator Supplies Shop. Call 888-941-1688 or email us at contact@oxygenconcentratorsupplies.com today.
When an asthma attack strikes, asthma sufferers reach for their nebulizer. While we typically think of inhalers as the solution for asthma, nebulizers are another option for many people who prefer fast relief. But what do nebulizers do to help treat asthma?
What is a Nebulizer?
Nebulizers are devices that turn liquid medicine into a mist. Unlike inhalers, which are manual in operation, nebulizers are battery or electrically-powered. They come as tabletop units or portable units and use a mouthpiece to deliver vaporized medicine that is easily inhaled. Learn more about nebulizers.
There are three types of nebulizers:
- Compressor or Jet Nebulizers
- Ultrasonic Nebulizers
- Mesh Nebulizers
When to Use a Nebulizer for Asthma?
Your doctor may recommend using a nebulizer when an inhaler is not treating you to the fullest potential.
Additionally, nebulizers can be used for asthma when:
- You have severe asthma and are at risk of severe attacks
- You have trouble using other forms of treatment, like an inhaler.
- Your doctor prescribes you a large dosage of inhaled medication
- You want to prevent or reduce breathing difficulties during physical activity
How to Use a Nebulizer for Asthma?
Each nebulizer on the market is a little different from each other. It is recommended to read your user manual for the most accurate usage and maintenance instructions. However, most nebulizers consist of four parts, the compressor, air tubing, the medication cup, and the mouthpiece, and the process of using a nebulizer generally goes as follows:
- Place the nebulizer on a stable surface in an ideal place to receive treatment.
- Make sure your hands are clean. Wash your hands with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This will prevent germs from spreading.
- Ensure the air tubing is connected to the compressor.
- Detach the medication cup from the mouthpiece. Hold it upright and fill it with the prescribed amount of medication. Then, reattach the medication cup to the mouthpiece component and keep it upright.
- Connect the other end of the air tubing to the bottom of the medication cup.
- Turn on the compressor. You will then see a mist coming out of the mouthpiece.
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips. Make sure your mouthpiece is securely in place so that the medication can go into your lungs without the risk of leaks.
- Take even and natural breaths through your mouth. Make sure you are breathing in and out through the mouthpiece for optimal results.
- Ensure you are sitting upright while using your nebulizer so that the medication cup remains upright as well. The treatment should take approximately 10 minutes (depending on the device and the medication quantity) until the medication cup is empty and the mist stops.
- Power off the machine and remove the medication cup and mouthpiece.
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What Does a Nebulizer Do for Asthma?
Nebulizers turn asthma medication into a soothing mist that penetrates deep into the lungs. During an asthma attack, the airways become inflamed and tight, causing difficulty breathing. Misted medication helps reduce the swelling and open up the airways to restore normal breathing.
What Medications Can be Put in a Nebulizer for Asthma?
- Corticosteroids to fight inflammation (such as budesonide, flunisolide, fluticasone, and triamcinolone)
- Bronchodilators to open the airways (such as albuterol, formoterol, levalbuterol, and salmeterol)
Pros and Cons of Using a Nebulizer
| PROS | CONS |
| Can be used at home for any severity of asthma attacks | Bulkier than inhalers to use and bring with you |
| Provides more relief than inhalers (especially for severe attacks) | Can be expensive |
| Allows patients who can't use other inhalation methods to receive medication | Can potentially cause side effects like having the jitters or an increased heart rate |
| Can be easier for children to use | Takes longer than other treatment methods |
Side Effects of Using a Nebulizer
Potential side effects of using a nebulizer include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Headache
- Nausea/vomiting
- Chest pain
- Allergic reactions like rash, hives, or swelling
- Shortness of breath
If you experience any of these symptoms or others after receiving treatment, contact your healthcare provider right away.
How Often Can You Use a Nebulizer for Asthma?
Asthma patients may use their nebulizers regularly to help prevent asthma attacks. By setting time aside to take misted medicine even when they are not experiencing symptoms, patients can help reduce and minimize attacks in the future. Consult with your physician to determine the best treatment schedule for you and your condition.
When an asthma attack occurs, nebulizers help with symptoms right away, usually within a period of 10 minutes.
For help selecting a nebulizer for your asthma, or to learn more about respiratory therapy in general, contact our knowledgeable staff at The Oxygen Concentrator Supplies Shop. Call 888-941-1688 or email us at contact@oxygenconcentratorsupplies.com today.
