Aerosol Nebulizers

Pari Vios Aerosol Nebulizer

Aerosol Nebulizers are aerosol therapy devices designed to provide the delivery of medication during the inhalation phase of respiration. Bronchodilators, corticosteroids, mucolytic agents and antibiotics are all medications that can be delivered by aerosol nebulizers to treat asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and other respiratory conditions.

How they work:

Aerosol nebulizers turn liquid medications into a fine spray or mist. To vapourize the medication, a high velocity flow of air is created by the nebulizer to break the liquid medication into small particles so that a breathable mist is produced.

The aerosol nebulizer system consists of a mask or mouthpiece, nebulizer cup, air tubing and an air pump that, depending on the model, be powered by normal house current, batteries or an automotive adapter. The air pump produces air pressure to the nebulizer cup via the air tubing. The nebulizer cup has a small orifice that increases the air flow speed that turns the medication into a mist. The mist passes through the mask or mouth piece and is inhaled by the user.

Cleaning and part replacement:

Because the aerosol medication will coat the surfaces of the nebulizer cup and mask or mouthpiece during use, these parts must be cleaned thoroughly after each use and replaced regularly for hygenic and functional reasons. Soiled or worn nebulizer cups, masks and mouthpieces will not function properly and reduce the effectiveness of the aerosol treatments.

The advantages of aerosol nebulizers include:

1. Many different medication solutions can be used
2. Two or more compatible medication mixtures can be combined and given at the same time
3. Patients only need to breath the vapour from the nebulizer to receive their medication
4. Simple to use for very young, elderly, people with disabilities or patients in distress
5. Medication dosage and concentrations can be fine tuned
6. Normal breathing pattern can be used, and the user is not required to hold their breath

Model choice:

There are several different models of aerosol nebulizers, masks, mouthpieces and nebulizer cups available. Each of these models will have different specifications and features so it is important that the user has the advice of a professional when choosing the type of equipment and supplies to use. The following is a list of things that should be considered when choosing an aerosol nebulizer:

1. Is the nebulizer cup disposable or non-disposable?
2. What volume of medication does the aerosol chamber hold?
3. Can multiple medications be given at the same time?
4. Can thicker medications, be given through the nebulizer cup?
5. What are the nebulizer cup's cleaning instructions?
6. How much time will the aerosol therapy session take?
7. Should the user have a mask or mouthpiece?
8. Can the nebulizer be independently used properly by the patient?
9. Does the nebulizer cup have to be kept upright for patients who receive treatments while in lying down?