Do nebulizers work better than inhaler pumps?
Unfortunately, many patients do not take their inhaler properly. Most of the medication usually ends up hitting the tongue or the roof of the mouth and never reaches the lungs. In some studies, it is estimated that only as little as 10% of the medicine reaches the intended targeted Bronchioles. To put that in perspective, 90% of the medication is being wasted. While the inhaler is small and very portable, it's pointless if the medicine never reaches its target. There are spacer chambers available to help make sure that you are not wasting your medicine (and money).
- A spacer chamber temporarily holds some of the suspended medication which allows a patient to take the medication in more than just one breath. It is great for those with coordination issues. Unfortunately many patients feel that the spacer chamber makes using an inhaler pump less portable.
Nebulizers require much less coordination and the medication is dispensed over a longer period of time which allows for better distribution in the lungs. This allows you to get your meds where they are needed, to feel better and not waste money on ineffective treatment.
- The length of time it takes to properly take the medicine is what some patients do not like and unfortunately they stop the treatment while there is still medicine in the Neb Cup (this wastes medication).
- Nebulizers are bulkier than a basic inhaler. There are portable options which are small and may have a battery option.
- Ultrasonic-Vibrating mesh nebulizers are very small and comparable in size to an inhaler pump. They are extremely quiet which many patients love. The treatment times are usually shortened as well.
Most patients have both inhalers and nebulizers and both are effective as long as they are used properly. Nebulizers requires less coordination while Ultrasonic Nebulizers are close to equal in size as an inhaler.
