It is necessary to distinguish between concepts inhaler and a nebulizer. In the pharmacy for the treatment of sinusitis, bronchial diseases, throat diseases can offer both types of devices. We will understand what an inhaler is and how it differs from a nebulizer.
Steam treatments
A nebulizer is a device into which a medicine prescribed by a doctor is poured, and the device itself converts it into steam (aerosol). An inhaler is directly a device that helps to inhale already converted medicinal fumes. Both types work on the principle of converting a substance into steam, which is why confusion in definitions often occurs in pharmacies.
Devices can “specialize” in another type of treatment: there are also ultrasonic, compressor. All of them work on the basis of converting the medicine into steam. Each of the species has its advantages and disadvantages, since each of them is adapted to its type of disease. Appointments for the use of a certain type of steam device to the patient should be given exclusively by the doctor.
Steam Inhaler Device
A steam inhaler is the simplest of all the proposed models. They consist of a container in which hot water with medicine is poured, and a valve cover (as a rule, repeats the shape of the nose). Through it, the patient inhales the medicine.
Additional accessories
The classic steam apparatus is made of very dense plastic so that hot water can gradually cool in the tank without melting its walls. This allows the patient to independently understand when to complete the procedure. But several years ago new models went on sale, the capacity of which can independently regulate the temperature of the liquid, bringing it to the maximum acceptable state (often in boiling water, many drugs lose their healing properties). That is why you should carefully monitor the temperature of the water inside the tank.
The use of a steam inhaler can be based only on the recommendations of the attending physician, since different types have different contraindications.
Classic steam appliance
Classic look
The classic model of the steam apparatus is used in almost all types of colds and infectious diseases. This type of device produces water vapor, the temperature of which can rise even to a critical 65 degrees in the latest models.
Principle of operation
A patient who inhales water vapor with drugs receives an expansion of the vessels of the upper respiratory tract at the exit of the drug. This leads to increased blood flow and metabolism in the mucous membrane. Often, doctors prescribe water types solely for the analgesic effect, since this type of steam device is based on the physiotherapeutic effect on the patient's body.
Unfortunately, doctors are not always able to prescribe this particular type of breathing procedure.The main difficulty in using the classic steam device is the too high temperatures of liquids and steam, which can adversely affect the health status of some patients.
The main contraindications to the use of a classic steam inhaler:
- Certain types of diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- Especially severe flu or complications after the flu;
- Tuberculosis at any stage;
- Viral diseases of the upper respiratory tract;
- Immunocompromised patients;
- AIDS and HIV-infected patients;
- Blood diseases
- Tendency to bleeding.
If the patient independently decided to use the classic version of the steam device for pain relief or for prophylactic purposes, it is necessary to consult a doctor first. Some doctors believe that the use of a steam apparatus should be limited to a moisturizing function and certain types of chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
Advantages and disadvantages of a steam inhaler
The advantages of the steam device, among others, are that it can be used without problems to use medicines and infusions that have an oily base (other types of nebulizers and inhalers do not imply such a procedure). That is why for effectiveness in the treatment of steam species prescribed for patients who need to inhale the infusion of herbs or for inhalation of sea or mineral water.
The disadvantages include exposure exclusively to the upper respiratory tract. If more serious treatment is needed, then you have to resort to other types of treatment.
Ultrasonic Inhalers
Ultrasonic device
Ultrasound devices distribute the drug through the vibration of a piezoelectric element. This type of apparatus works absolutely silently and is able to spread the medicine much faster across the affected areas of the throat and nose.
The principle of operation of an ultrasonic inhaler
Ultrasound device
With a slight vibration, the medicine gradually pours onto the surface of the solution, resulting in the formation of a cloud from the aerosol. In some models, the patient can set the pace of vibration independently. In simpler types, the most acceptable vibration option is set by default in the device program.
Advantages and disadvantages of an ultrasonic inhaler
Ultrasound devices are not very popular in the medical community, because, unfortunately, there are more disadvantages in these devices than advantages. Perhaps the only advantage of this type of device is its noiselessness and ease of use.
Moreover, it is the principle of ultrasonic transformation of the drug substance that leads to some difficulties in choosing a medicine and operating the device. For example, when using an ultrasound device, certain types of drugs can be destroyed. Any hormones, immunomodulators, all kinds of antibiotics, expectorants and bronchodilators, as well as surfactant, are at risk. In addition, during vibration, it is simply impossible to turn astringent liquids into steam or aerosol. It turns out that the use of essential oils and medicinal suspensions is also prohibited.
Compressor Inhalers
Compressor device
Compressor inhalers are a type of device for professionals. This type of device is common among the equipment of ambulance substations, mobile hospitals, hospitals and hospitals. Simplified types of compressor devices can be used at home, but their spectrum of action will be incomparably weaker. Compressor assistants have been popular for over three centuries. It was then that the first devices came at the disposal of doctors.
The principle of operation of a compressor inhaler
The device of the compressor apparatus
The compressor-type operation is based on the formation of a medicinal aerosol using jets of compressed air. Certain pressure indicators in the apparatus contribute to this procedure. This kind can easily spray the smallest components of the medicine to the farthest sections of the respiratory tract without destroying the beneficial properties of the drugs due to high temperatures.
Advantages and disadvantages of a compressor inhaler
The disadvantages of this type of device include its high price, but this indicator is fully justified by all the advantages of a compressor device. In addition, in order to work correctly with the compressor apparatus, it is necessary to carefully read the instructions, since such devices are very different in structure from other types of steam devices.
Advantages of a compressor inhaler:
- No need for high temperature water. Accordingly, the beneficial components of the drug are not destroyed;
- Allows you to treat the affected areas with the drug: upper and lower respiratory tract;
- Compressor treatment does not preclude the use of all types of drugs;
- They are used to treat almost all diseases affecting the respiratory tract;
- These species are very reliable.
How to breathe a compressor steam inhaler?
This type of device requires clarification in use. Ultrasonic and classic steam devices are based on the principle of converting a drug into an aerosol by exposure to hot water. Compressor view works a little differently.
The child breathes through the compressor type of apparatus
The principle of “filling” the device with medicine is quite simple: you need to pour the medicine and water into the containers corresponding to them (see the instructions for use). The main difficulty is that not all compressor species respond to the patient’s breathing. More simple models are able to turn on when you inhale and immediately spray the medicine on the mucous membrane. Complicated options suggest, after installing the breathing tube-mouthpiece, to start the device using a special valve. For this, it is recommended that you read the instructions for use of the device.
Baby
Inhalers for children have a very specific appearance (especially modern devices). Since it is children who are most often affected by colds, almost all manufacturers began to shape their models with toys. The most popular are a steam inhaler or a whale.
Whale device
The device in the form of a train
This form makes the treatment process into an exciting game in which medicinal steam comes from the tube of a train or from the body of a whale.
