Nebulizers are quick and effective in administering the medicine necessary for certain severe respiratory conditions. A nebulizer aids in treating chronic lung conditions such as allergic asthma attacks (breathing issues caused by allergies), cystic fibrosis (a thick mucus formation that clogs the lungs), and other respiratory diseases like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), a condition that happens due to smoking and exposure to harmful fumes. When you have a respiratory issue that needs constant care, a good knowledge of the use of a nebulizer and its side effects is essential
It is essential to understand that a nebulizer is not suggested to use at home as a regular medicine until the doctor prescribes it. The medications used in the nebulizers are meant to reduce the inflammation in the airways, loosen the thick mucus and kill the bacteria. This will help in reducing the difficulty in breathing and wheezing. Every medication has its uses and side effects and the same applies to nebulizers too.
In This Article
- What is a Nebulizer?
- Types of Nebulizers
- Different Medicines Used in a Nebulizer
- How Often to Nebulize a Child?
- When to Use a Nebulizer For a Child?
- What Conditions Can Nebulization Medications Treat?
- Side Effects of Nebulizer Use
- Different Nebulizers Available in the Indian Market
- Should You Consider Nebulization For Kids at Home?
- When Should You Consider Consulting a Doctor?
- FAQ’s
What is a Nebulizer?
A nebulizer is a device that turns liquid medication into a fine mist. The mist or aerosol particles make it easy for the patient to inhale the medication into the lungs. Nebulizers are generally used for lung diseases like COPD, asthma attacks, cystic fibrosis, and other lung-related diseases. A nebulizer contains three parts, a container that holds the medicine, a compressor that turns the medicine into mist, and a connecting tube that passes the converted mist to the patient through a mask.
Types of Nebulizers
There are three different types of nebulizers.
1. Jet Nebulizer
A Jet nebulizer uses air as a compressed gas to make mist out of the medication that is inside the device.
2. Ultrasonic Nebulizer
These nebulizers make mist or aerosol through high-frequency vibrations and are mostly used in hospitals. Ultrasonic nebulizers are not allowed outside hospital use.
3. Mesh Nebulizers
Mesh nebulizers pass the liquid medication through a fine mesh converting them into the finest aerosol.
Different Medicines Used in a Nebulizer
Nebulizers are meant to administer medications like bronchodilators, corticosteroids, sterile saline solutions, and some antibiotics.
1. Bronchodilators
These medications are used to widen the airways in case of serious breathing problems. Usually, they are prescribed for conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and asthma. In rare cases, they are also prescribed for children suffering from bronchiolitis. Bronchodilators like albuterol, levalbuterol containing beta2-agonists help in relaxing the muscles and in opening up the airways. These kinds of bronchodilators should never be used without the consent of a doctor.
2. Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are another type of medication that is used in nebulizers. Nebulized corticosteroids help in reducing the symptoms of respiratory diseases, mainly allergic asthma. Corticosteroids can also be used through inhalers. Patients with extreme asthma might need a heavy dosage of this medication. However, in severe cases, nebulization is a process that can only be done by experienced professional staff.
3. Saline Solutions
Sterile saline solutions are another kind of medication used in nebulizers to reduce the thickness of the mucus. Thick and sticky mucus can block airways and lead to trouble breathing. Taking nebulized saline solutions can help reduce wheezing and other breathing troubles that are caused by mucus formation.
4. Antibiotics
These medications can also be prescribed for nebulization. Antibiotics are mainly used to treat certain bacterial infections in the lungs.
[Read : Breathing Problems In Children]
How Often to Nebulize a Child?
Administering medications through nebulizers can help a child relax and breathe easily. But the usage of nebulizers must always fall under emergency cases and must be used only if the situation demands. Keep in touch with your pediatrician regarding the usage of the nebulizer, when and how to use it. Mild symptoms might not always require a nebulizer. Repeated usage of medication and nebulization can also lead to side effects.
At the suggestion of your doctor, keep the mobile nebulizers handy only if your child is at high risk of catching the Respiratory Syncytial Virus or has chronic allergic asthma attacks frequently. Additionally, getting trained under your family pediatrician can be very helpful in understanding the usage of a nebulizer at home. Do not make it a habit of using a nebulizer for a simple cold and dry nose.
When to Use a Nebulizer For a Child?
Along with understanding how to use a nebulizer for a child, a parent must also understand when to use it. Misuse or unnecessary use can cause problems for a child and lead to unnecessary health issues.
You can use a nebulizer for you child in the following situations.
- Your child has an underlying lung condition, is prematurely born, and is at a high risk of catching bronchiolitis severely. Doctors may suggest bronchodilators that are used with nebulizers for temporary relief from severe symptoms.
- They have chronic allergic asthma, and if these attacks are frequent, doctors may suggest a nebulized medication for quick relief.
- Your kid is suffering from cystic fibrosis, which is a hereditary disease, nebulization with the right medication can help in reducing the thickness of the mucus and help them breathe easily.
A regular talk with your doctor regarding the condition of your child can help them understand the severity. Nebulizers can be rarely used at home based on the symptoms of your child under the supervision of your pediatrician.
[Read : Bronchiolitis in Babies]
What Conditions Can Nebulization Medications Treat?
As we mentioned earlier, there are different types of medications to use in a nebulizer. Each of these medications is specific to different respiratory conditions.
We now list the conditions that each of these medications treats.
1. Inflammation in Airways
- Bronchodilators can help in reducing the inflammation caused in both smaller and larger airways (bronchi and bronchioles).
- These come under the class of medications such as albuterol and levalbuterol come under the class of beta 2 agonists.
2. Asthma, COPD, and Other Lung Conditions
- Nebulized corticosteroids treat chronic conditions such as asthma that happen due to allergic reactions.
- These also help in treating COPD, an inflammatory lung condition that occurs due to the inhalation of tobacco and other harmful fumes. It is not a pediatric condition, but your child will be at risk of developing it if they start smoking at a very early age or are exposed to any harmful fumes.
3. Respiratory Issues Due to Infections
- Antibiotics are used in nebulizers to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections in the airways and lungs.
4. Mucus Formation
- Sterile saline solutions through nebulization help treat thick mucus formation and related breathing troubles.
- Saline solutions can help in loosening the mucus, thus helping with easy breathing.
All these medications used through nebulizers can help in reducing severe symptoms like wheezing, heavy breathing, pauses while breathing and chest heaviness due to mucus.
Side Effects of Nebulizer Use
Nebulizers should only be used in medical conditions under medical supervision. With proper dosage of medication, they can be extremely effective than any oral medication for your child. Nebulizers are quick in administering the medicine directly to the lungs. This can help the child recover quickly from severe symptoms. Like any medicine, nebulized medications and the usage of nebulizers also have some side effects.
Children often complain about side effects such as
- Having a dry or irritated throat after the process of nebulization.
- Increased heartbeat, and anxiety.
- Headache or nausea after the process of nebulization.
- Secondary infections due to the improper cleaning of the nebulizer. (disinfecting the nebulizer and cleaning it properly is very important after every use).
- Severe stomach pain due to the improper mixing or improper dosage of medicines.
- Developing rashes or hives in very rare cases.
The side effects can be controlled and avoided if the nebulizer is used under the supervision of a doctor. If you are nebulizing your child at home under essential conditions, rush your child to the doctor if you see any of the above symptoms and side effects.
Different Nebulizers Available in the Indian Market
Nebulizers are made to deliver the medicine quickly to the lungs. These can act effectively because they supply the medicine in the form of aerosols. These small particles can rapidly start working against the ailments providing relief.
There are three types of nebulizers available. They are
1. Jet Nebulizers
Jet Nebulizers deliver mist or aerosol particles using compressed gas. They use oxygen to compress the medicine and convert it into a fine mist. The compressed gas flows at high speed to convert the liquid medication into an aerosol. This mist can quickly travel into the lungs to treat the condition. These kinds of nebulizers are generally used in hospitals due to their heavy weight. They deliver the medication through a long tube that is connected to a reservoir on one side and the mouthpiece on the other side.
2. Ultrasonic Nebulizers
Ultrasonic nebulizers deliver the liquid medication by using high frequencies. These are powered by electricity and do not make noise because of the ultrasonic waves that are under function. Through high-frequency waves, the liquid medicine is converted into aerosol and is administered through a mouthpiece or a mask. The aerosol particles are larger when compared to the particles delivered by Jet nebulizers. Ultrasonic nebulizers are mostly used in hospitals.
3. Mesh Nebulizers
Mesh nebulizers fall under the new inventions. These kinds of nebulizers work effectively and are very expensive. Mesh nebulizers work on vibrations and deliver the liquid medicine through a mesh converting them into fine particles. These kinds of nebulizers do not make any noise and are extremely comfortable to carry outdoors.
Should You Consider Nebulization For Kids at Home?
Nebulizers are used to treat respiratory ailments and chronic lung conditions. Children who are at the risk of developing allergic asthma attacks and other viral infections like bronchiolitis fall under the category that may need nebulization. But nebulization should only be considered if the child is having severe symptoms like wheezing, difficulty breathing, unable to take any fluids, and cyanosis (lack of oxygen supply). One should always visit and talk to a doctor if they see their child developing these symptoms. In such cases, the child may need hospitalization.
Nebulizers should be used very carefully. In case of cyanosis, doctors may need to supply oxygen along with nebulization. So, it is not safe to give nebulization to kids at home as regular medicine. In some rare cases, doctors may consider giving a nebulizer for children at home with a proper prescription and dosage. Keeping in regular touch with your doctor during such situations may help you avoid any side effects.
When Should You Consider Consulting a Doctor?
Children who suffer from respiratory ailments suffer mild to serious symptoms. Mild symptoms can often be treated at home with proper care and hydration. However, severe symptoms must never be ignored and should be taken to the notice of your pediatrician at any cost.
Severe Symptoms of Asthma in a Child
- Wheezing sound while breathing.
- Aggressive cough and shortness of breath.
- Tight feeling in the chest, or heaviness in the chest.
Severe Symptoms For Bronchiolitis in a Child
- Wheezing or grunting sound while breathing.
- Drawing the chest completely inside while inhaling.
- Rapid or shallow breathing.
- Cyanosis or lack of oxygen. Turning lips and fingertips blue.
Children with these symptoms may require immediate hospitalization. Keeping track of the symptoms that your child suffers and a timely appointment with the doctor can help them recover without any complications and side effects.
Nebulizers can help children with respiratory diseases to recover quickly. Nebulizers are made in such a way that they deliver the medicine in the form of fine liquid particles called aerosols that can quickly enter the airways. But experts do not recommend using a nebulizer at home. Improper or incorrect usage can cause severe side effects. Unnoticed side effects can prove to be extremely dangerous. Considering your child’s condition, doctors may prescribe a nebulizer in very rare cases. Otherwise, a nebulizer should always be used under the supervision of a doctor or in the hospital if the child is suffering from severe symptoms.
[Read : Asthma in Toddlers]
FAQ’s
1. Is Nebulization Only For Children Suffering From Asthma?
Nebulization is prescribed for children suffering from different respiratory ailments like allergic asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchiolitis, and other viral infections that affect the airways. Nebulizers help in reducing inflammation or loosening the thick mucus. As a result, breathing becomes easy and normal.
2. Are Inhalers and Nebulizers the Same?
Inhalers and nebulizers work for the same cause. They deliver the medication to the lungs quickly in the form of aerosols thus making it work faster. The nebulizer sends the medicine in the form of a fine mist that can be directly inhaled without any difficulty. This will reach the airways and lungs without any effort and start working quickly. Inhaler needs a bit of to consuming the medicine that comes in the form of mist in a pre-measured dosage. There are types of both nebulizers and inhalers, both work for the same purpose.
3. Can a Nebulizer be Used For Respiratory Illness as Well?
Yes, a nebulizer can help treat and clear respiratory problems that are caused by chronic asthma, cystic fibrosis, and other viral infections that block airways. But you should always use a nebulizer under the supervision of a doctor with a proper prescription. Using nebulizers at home without the consent of a doctor can cause serious side effects.
4. Will My Kid Need to Take Deep Breaths During Nebulization?
Nebulizers are very effective at delivering medicine to the lungs. This will not need any effort. Nebulizers release the medicine in the form of a fine mist with different techniques. Nebulizers come with a mouthpiece that is connected to a tube. This will help the child inhale medicine through normal breathing.
5. Does Nebulization Cause Addiction?
Nebulizer is a device that supplies medicine. Medicines such as antibiotics or steroids can help in loosening the thick mucus. Nebulizers help a patient suffering from respiratory illnesses and issues and cannot cause any addiction. The medicines administered through nebulizers help clear the infected airways. Regular nebulization for small and mild symptoms is strictly not suggested.
6. Does Nebulizer Use High Dosage of Medicines?
Nebulizers are used for patients suffering from respiratory problems. The dosage of the medication depends on the severity of the condition. Nebulizers can also be used to administer high doses of medicines in very rare cases.
Read Also: Tuberculosis in Children – Symptoms, Treatment and Remedies by Dr. Srikanta J T
