All About Ultrasonic Inhalers

Inhalers of various types are actively used for therapeutic purposes for the treatment of respiratory diseases. The popularity of nebulizers (this is another name for the device) is associated with their effectiveness and the ability to use at home. Consider how to choose ultrasonic inhalers, how to use them and why they are needed.

Inhalation can be done even when the child is lying

Inhalation can be done even when the child is lying

Advantages of using an ultrasonic nebulizer

A nebulizer is a device used for physiotherapeutic procedures aimed at treating not only the upper, but also the lower respiratory tract. These devices can be used to treat adults and children.

Inhalers can be of three main types:

• membrane;
• ultrasound
• compressor

The former are oriented primarily to work in medical institutions and have a fairly high price. Compressor and ultrasound are more affordable. They are often purchased for home use.

Inhaler with a mouthpiece

The apparatus works best with the following solutions indicated for pathologies of the respiratory system:

• bronchodilators;
• water soluble drugs;
• mineral alkaline water;
• salt solution.

They have a therapeutic effect in the treatment process and can also be used for prevention. Depending on which active ingredient is involved, the use of a nebulizer allows you to relieve bronchospasm, improve sputum removal, facilitate nasal breathing, eliminate inflammation, remove cough, etc.

Indications for use may include:

• tuberculosis;
• bronchitis;
• pneumonia;
• tracheitis;
• bronchial asthma and other diseases.

Ultrasonic or compression: which is better?

Popular and most commonly used are compressor models. In order to give preference to one or another type of device, it is necessary to know their strengths and weaknesses.

Comparison of compressor and ultrasonic inhaler in several ways:

The restriction on the drugs used is related to the peculiarity of the effect of ultrasound on active substances. There are groups of drugs that are destroyed and become ineffective. For example, you can not use pulmicort, which is a hormonal anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic drug. Therefore, before using a specific medicinal substance, it is necessary to clarify whether its use in ultrasonic nebulizers is permitted.

Note! The operation features of a portable ultrasonic inhaler include the need for regular replacement of the drug container.

Operating principle

The influence of high-frequency waves on the treatment solution results in the grinding of particles to such a size in fractions of microns that can penetrate even into the lower parts of the respiratory tract, exerting a therapeutic effect. This property allows use inhalers even with pneumonia and bronchitis.

Note! The mobility of the device and the compact size allows it to be used even in cases where the patient is in a lying position or outside the home.

Bright coloring of the body specifically for the child

Prescription of medicinal components:

• with a wet cough, inhalations with Lazolvan solution are indicated;
• "Rotokan" is taken to stop inflammation;
• with dry cough - “Berotek”, “Atroven” and others;
• to enhance immunity - "Interferon";
• "Gentamicin" will help to overcome a bacterial infection.

Inhaler Operation

Saline, which is used for inhalation, serves to soften the respiratory tract and acts as a mild disinfectant. It is used to dilute the drug component.

Device and types of devices

The kit is usually present: an ultrasonic device, a spray, nozzles, including mouthpieces, tubes and masks. Additionally, spare parts can be included in case of wear and tear.

For the treatment of children, devices in the form of toys, with a bright body or drawings, are most often chosen. If you intend to use the nibulizer frequently on the road, it is best to choose a compact model that is easy to take with you. Running on battery power, such a device can be a reliable assistant on the go.

When choosing a medical device for newborns, it is very important to choose the right mask and other nozzles. The mask must be of high quality and soft enough, providing a good fit without discomfort. If several children will use the device, it is advisable to purchase each of them a separate mask.

Note! For children under one year old, an ultrasonic device is preferable to a compressor unit.

The device with a mask

Advantages and disadvantages of the device

An ultrasonic inhaler helps to quickly cope with colds and other diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract. The device is convenient in operation and allows for intensive treatment at home for children, adults and bedridden patients. In less than a minute, the apparatus can deliver up to 6 ml of aerosol mixture, the latter being homogeneous and has a certain composition.

Important! The device forms an aerosol cloud even with a large slope, which allows the use of the device for the treatment of seriously ill bedridden patients and infants.

Ultrasonic devices have several significant drawbacks. This is a high price compared to compressor devices. And the impossibility of using certain types of drugs. Including hormonal drugs, antibiotics. The device can only work with suspensions, the use of powders and powdered tablets is prohibited.

When used correctly, the nibulizer cannot be harmful. Its use should be agreed with the attending physician. It is not allowed to exceed the dosages of drugs and use water instead of saline for diluting the main agent.

Contraindications

There is a list of conditions in which the use of this type of inhaler is contraindicated.

Among them are the following:

• individual intolerance to the components of the drug;
• the likelihood of pulmonary hemorrhage;
• pulmonary failure;
• respiratory failure;
• hypertensive crisis.

How to use an ultrasonic inhaler

Modern models of nebulizers are quite convenient to use. First you need to study the instructions for the device to find out all the intricacies of working with it.

How to use:

1. The medicinal solution of the fixed asset and saline solution is introduced into a reservoir designed for this. For one session, an average of 3-6 ml of the drug is needed.
2. A special mouthpiece, tube and mask are attached to the device.
3. Press the power button.
4. When steam appears in the mask, it should be applied to the face and fixed. If a device with a mouthpiece is used, then it is placed in the mouth.
5. Ultrasonic inhalation lasts an average of 5 to 10 minutes, sometimes longer. During exposure to the gaseous form of the medicine, breathing should be free, natural and not too deep.
6. After the procedure, when the aerosol has stopped spraying, the device is turned off.
7. The remainder of the solution is poured.
8. The device is disassembled.
9. Removable parts (mask, tube, mouthpiece) are washed and dried.
10. The reservoir in which the medicine was stored is thoroughly cleaned.

Store the device in a place protected from direct sunlight that is inaccessible to children. Since the device can be used regardless of the patient’s body position, it can be successfully used to treat bedridden patients and infants, even during their sleep.

Note! Most devices are equipped with a timer and a time adjustment knob.

Selection recommendations

It is necessary to approach the purchase of a nebulizer as seriously as possible, since this is an expensive product that must meet all the requirements associated with the treatment process.

The mask should be comfortable

When choosing an apparatus, you need to consider for the treatment of which disease it will be mainly used. Depending on this, models are selected according to specific characteristics.

Main parameters:

1. The size of the particles produced by the apparatus (the smaller they are, the deeper they are able to penetrate). The optimal range of values ​​should be from 0.5 to about 10 microns.
2. Productivity, the period of time during which 1 ml of solution is sprayed.
3. The nuances of the design. The capacity volume should be sufficient for one treatment session. For this, the volume of the tank should be from 6 to 8 ml.

Note! The most significant of the presented parameters is the particle size, which is obtained at the output. If it is more than 10 microns, then the device is considered ineffective for treatment.

When choosing, it is recommended to take into account the following parameters:

• the convenience of use;
• power consumption;
• installation dimensions;
• the presence of several containers;
• automatic shutdown device;
• simplicity of operation;
• compactness;
• the presence of a timer;
• cost-effectiveness of the drug to the last drop;
• duration of work without connecting to a network;
• the presence of indicators;
• additional functions (performing cosmetic cleansing of the face, moisturizing the air).

Equipment

Ultrasonic inhaler is a necessary device in the house, which serves for the treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases. Its use for the treatment of adults, children and bedridden patients is not fraught with difficulties.