Contents
What is the difference between a nebulizer and an inhaler?
The main differences:
Inhaler | Nebulizer | ||
A type | Operating principle | A type | Operating principle |
Steam | It resembles in its action the “grandmother’s” method “we breathe over a saucepan of hot water.” The advantage is that you can safely use decoctions, oils, tinctures. The effectiveness is evident in the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract. | Compressor | The compressor delivers a powerful stream of air through the nebulizer chamber filled with inhalation solution. Due to this, the drug is sprayed. |
Ultrasonic | High-frequency ultrasound affects the drug. Therefore, it is forbidden to use antibiotics, mucolytics, etc. | ||
Mesh nebulizer | Most efficient and compact. Features a unique low frequency atomization. The working element is a membrane with the smallest holes invisible to the eye, through which the inhaled aerosol is “squeezed”. There are practically no restrictions in preparations: antibiotics, hormonal preparations, herbal decoctions, ether-containing solutions, etc. | ||
Additional differences:
Inhaler | Nebulizer |
Steam inhalation should not be carried out if the temperature is above 37, as it will rise even more. The patient’s condition will worsen. | Mesh nebulizers are so compact that they will fit in a lady’s handbag and will not cause inconvenience to its owner. However, they have a rather high price compared to their counterparts of a different principle of operation. |
Due to the high temperature of the water, the range of medicines that can be used is reduced. Read the instructions carefully. | Convert liquid medicines to aerosol. |
Due to the high temperature of the liquid, the concentration of inhaled substances is greatly reduced. | Wide spectrum of action. Due to the particle size and temperature of the aerosol, they penetrate into the deep sections of the respiratory tract. |
A steam inhaler is not recommended for small children, as hot steam can burn the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract crumbs. | It is strictly forbidden to use herbal decoctions, pure tinctures, oil solutions. |
Suitable for the treatment of simple colds and SARS with a mild course of the disease. | Optimal for newborns. |
You can not use antibiotics, mucolytics, bronchodilators, hormonal drugs. | Medicines enter the deep layers in liquid form, without irritating the mucous membrane. |
Solutions for nebulizers
Broncholytics
Berodual: The active ingredients fenoterol and ipratropium bromide eliminate the effects of suffocation in chronic obstructive respiratory diseases. The drug is highly effective however, its use is possible only after consulting a doctor. The dosage is selected individually, taking into account the severity of the attacks.
For one inhalation for adults and children over 12 years old, the dose varies from 1 ml (20 drops) to 2,5 ml (50 drops).
For children under 6 years old – 0,1 ml (2 drops) per 1 kg of body weight, not more than 0,5 ml (10 drops) under medical supervision. It is necessary to add 0,9% sodium chloride solution to the recommended dose to a final volume of 3-4 ml.
Berotek: It is prescribed for the prevention and relief of attacks of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. For adults and adolescents over 12 years old – 10 drops, up to 4 times a day.
Children under 6 years old (body weight less than 22 kg) – 50 mcg / kg (= 0,05 ml or 1 drop per kg of body weight), but not more than 0,5 ml (10 drops per dose) up to 3 times a day . Dilute with 0,9% sodium chloride solution to a final volume of 3-4 ml.
In severe cases – 1 ml (1000 mcg of fenoterol – 20 drops); 6-12 years (body weight 22-36 kg) – 0,25-0,5 ml (0,25-0,5 mg – 5-10 drops), in severe cases – 1 ml (1000 mcg of fenoterol – 20 drops ). The active substance fenoterol (0,1% solution for inhalation) eliminates asthma attacks.
Salgim, Ventolin Nebula: The drug is used without the addition of saline. The active substance salbutamol (0,1% solution for inhalation), eliminates asthma attacks, is used for the prevention and treatment of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
For one inhalation for adults and children, 2,5 ml (2,5 mg) is required, apply at intervals of 4-6 hours.
Atrovent: The active ingredient is ipratropium bromide (0,025% solution for inhalation), eliminates asthma attacks, is suitable for the prevention and symptomatic treatment of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The drug has side effects and contraindications. Use strictly in the dosage prescribed by the doctor.
One inhalation for adults and children over 12 years old requires 0,5 mg (40 drops), 3-4 treatments per day; 6-12 years – 0,25 mg (20 drops), 3-4 times a day; up to 6 years – 0,1-0,25 mg (8-20 drops), 3-4 times a day (under medical supervision). Dilute with saline to a volume of 3-4 ml.
Thinning and expectorant drugs
Fluimucil, ACC Inject: Active ingredient acetylcysteine (10% solution for injection). For inhalation, a 10% solution is used (to obtain a 10% solution, an ampoule with a 20% solution is diluted with water for injection in a ratio of 1: 1). It is used in violation of sputum discharge from the lower respiratory tract. Facilitates the passage of mucus from the upper respiratory tract.
For one inhalation for adults and children over 12 years old, 3 ml of a 10% solution is required, 1-2 times a day; from 6 to 12 years – 2 ml, 1-2 times a day; from 2 to 6 years – 1-2 ml, 1-2 times a day; Diluted 1:1. The duration of treatment is 5-10 days.
Reception with antibiotics is possible only with an interval between doses of at least two hours. If it is necessary to simultaneously administer acetylcysteine and an antibiotic, Fluimucil Antibiotic is used, or mucolytic drugs compatible with antibiotics, such as Ambroxol, are used.
Lazolvan, Ambrobene: The active substance Ambroxol (solution for inhalation and oral administration) perfectly treats acute and chronic respiratory diseases with high viscosity sputum. Ambroxol-based preparations are not recommended for use with antitussive drugs, such as codeine, libexin, falimint, broncholithin, pectussin, sinekod, etc. When using ambroxol preparations, good absorption of antibiotics is noted.
For one inhalation for adults and children over 6 years old, 2-3 ml of solution is required, 1-2 times a day; from 2 to 6 years – 2 ml of solution, 1-2 times a day; up to 2 years – 1 ml of solution, 1-2 times a day. Diluted with saline in a ratio of 1:1. The course of treatment is no more than 5 days.
Narzan, Borjomi: For 1 inhalation – 3-4 ml of mineral water, 2-4 times a day. Before inhalation perform degassing of water. Used to moisturize the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Glucocorticosteroids and Antihistamines
Pulmicort: The active ingredient is budesonide (suspension for inhalation, available in “children’s” (0,25 mg / ml) and “adult” (0,5 mg / ml) dosages). It is prescribed for bronchial asthma, chronic lung disease, acute inflammatory diseases requiring treatment with hormonal drugs. It has anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties.
For 1 inhalation for adults / the elderly and children over 12 years old, 1 mg is needed, 1-3 times a day; Children from 6 months and up to 12 years, 0,25 mg, 1-3 times a day.
Note: This drug is not used in home nebulizers.
Antimicrobial and antibacterial drugs (Antibiotics and Antiseptics)
Fluimucil-antibiotic: Active ingredients acetylcysteine and thiamphenicol (powder for injection and inhalation, complete with a solvent). At the same time, an antibiotic and a drug of liquefying and expectorant action are introduced.
For 1 inhalation for adults and children over 12 years old – 250 mg, 1-2 times a day; up to 12 years – 125 mg, 1-2 times a day. The recommended dose of the drug is diluted with 2 ml of saline.
To prepare the drug, add 5 ml of the solvent (1 ampoule) to the vial with the powder. The resulting preparation should not be stored for more than a day, warm to room temperature before use.
Solutions for steam inhalers
Sinupret: herbal preparation based on the extract of gentian root (gentian), sorrel, primrose, elderberry, verbena. Helps to restore the protective properties, and reduce swelling of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract in acute and chronic sinusitis. Well cleans the paranasal sinuses of mucus.
Rotokan, phytopreparation, alcoholic infusion of extract of calendula, chamomile, yarrow: Acute inflammatory diseases of the upper and middle respiratory tract.
For 1 inhalation, 4 ml of a solution obtained from 1 ml of the drug and 40 ml of saline is required, 3 procedures per day.
Propolis: Indications: inflammatory processes, pain and injuries of the upper and middle respiratory tract. The remedy is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to beekeeping products.
For 1 inhalation, 3 ml of a solution obtained from 1 ml of the drug and 20 ml of saline is required, 3 procedures per day.
Eucalyptus, phytopreparation: Inflammatory diseases of the upper and middle respiratory tract. Contraindication is bronchial asthma, bronchospasm.
For 1 inhalation, 3 ml of the resulting solution is required, 3-4 times a day. A solution of 10-15 drops of the drug and 20 ml of saline.
Malavit. Biologically active additive, alcohol tincture based on mineral substances and plant extracts. Acute inflammatory diseases and pain of the upper and middle respiratory tract.
Requires 1 ml of the drug and 30 ml of saline. For 1 inhalation – 3-4 ml of solution, 3 times a day.
Tonsilgon N. herbal preparation, drops based on the extract of marshmallow root, walnut leaves, horsetail, chamomile, yarrow, oak bark, dandelion: It is used for tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis.
For adults and children over 7 years old, 1 ml of the drug is diluted in 1 ml of saline; from 1 to 7 years 1 ml of the drug and 2 ml of saline; up to 1 year 1 ml of the drug and 3 ml of saline. For 1 inhalation – 3-4 ml of solution.
Calendula, phytopreparation, alcoholic infusion of calendula extract: Acute inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
1 ml of the drug and 40 ml of saline. For 1 inhalation – 4 ml of the finished solution.