What types of nebulisers are available?
There are numerous makes of nebulisers currently available from a variety of manufacturers. These may plug into mains sockets or car cigarette lighters. Some have rechargeable batteries. When travelling abroad, you will need to bring an adaptor for your nebuliser.Talk to your GP or hospital consultant before buying a nebuliser as there are various options available. The nebuliser has to be suitable for the medicine that you are prescribed. Nebulisers need to be serviced regularly so this needs to be discussed with the supplier before buying.Omron Nebulisers come in a range which includes portable nebulizers and this type of nebuliser system allows patients to effectively manage and treat respiratory conditions anywhere, any time.
Who needs to use a nebuliser?
Nebulisers are most commonly used to treat acute attacks of asthma at a GP’s surgery or in an Accident and Emergency department. Research has shown that in most cases, multiple doses of reliever medication through a spacer are just as effective in acute attacks of asthma, but nebulisers can work quicker. Most people with asthma will not need to use a nebuliser at home. Their inhaled medication is best delivered by an inhaler or by an inhaler with a spacer. Inhalers and spacers are the most portable and cost effective for home use. However, sometimes people who have very severe asthma or other lung diseases find that normal reliever inhalers do not work for them. To help open up the airways or to deal with an attack that comes on very quickly, a doctor may prescribe nebulised reliever medication to use at home.
If you are prescribed home nebuliser treatment, you will be given a demonstration of how the portable nebulizer works and it is important that you understand and follow the instructions properly. As with other types of medical equipment, it is essential to keep the nebuliser clean and germ free and to ensure that proper maintenance is done at regular intervals. Make sure you are clear about how often the compressor needs servicing and how often the filters, tubing and other parts need changing as this is essential for the smooth operation of the unit.