Getting Treated At Home

An asthmatic attack can occur anywhere, at home or outside at work. It is best to be prepared for an emergency treatment, and having a nebulizer at home is seen as an effective measure. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. It can be a lifelong condition and can occur during any time, day or night.

Doctors recommend nebulizers and inhaler as part of therapy. A nebuliser is a powerful drug delivery system that administers liquid medicine, which gets converted into a vapor or fine mist and is inhaled into the body by the use of a mouthpiece or face mask. People with asthma literally curtail their day-to-day activities constantly monitoring a possibility of getting an asthmatic bout. To a large extent a nebulizer has helped such people retain normalcy.

A nebulizer comprises of a face mask or mouthpiece, a nebulizer chamber and a compressor. Most compressors are connected to power outlets but portable compressors are available that operate on battery. A home nebulizer is used to treat a patient at home and as such is convenient for care givers to the young and very elderly people. These are slightly more expensive but worth the investment as a patient can rest easy knowing that care is at hand.

Nebulisers can be used to administer a variety of drugs including saline, steroids and antibiotics. All medical devices need to be used on doctor’s recommendation. Patients are either recommended an inhaler or nebulizer and the selection usually depends on the condition and age of patient. Like with other devices which come into close human contact maintaining hygienic condition is a must. It is always recommended that the nebulizer is washed at the end of the day with warm soapy water and thoroughly rinsed.

It is also important to have a plan and proper execution of technique demonstrated by a physician if one is self medicating or administering treatment using a nebulizer. While using home nebulizers it is always better to practice before a doctor or registered healthcare professional including a nurse before resorting to self use. Always clear all queries and doubts about dosage and use of the nebulizer.

Remember a condition like asthma can be triggered due to anything including allergens such as dust, pollen, pollution, animal hair or dead skin flakes, certain types of food, cockroach droppings, etc. Having a nebulizer at home will ensure that the care giver is prepared to provide immediate therapy if such a circumstance arises. As in everything else in life it is always better to be prepared for the unexpected. Also read this post on managing breathing disorders.