My Nebulizer Machine

Nebulizer Treatments for Pneumonia: Tips and Recommendations

Lower respiratory tract diseases are ranked first in the structure of the entire morbidity of the population in the USA. Children get sick especially often. The incidence of respiratory diseases increases in winter and spring, during the so-called cold season, and decreases during the warm season.

The most common disease of the lower respiratory tract is pneumonia. This disease has a very complex nature, it can dramatically change its degree. Therefore, medical experts recommend complex treatment of pneumonia, including inhalation therapy with the help of nebulizers.

Nebulizer Treatments for Pneumonia Tips and Recommendations

How inhalation therapy helps with pneumonia

Inhalation for pneumonia is one of the components in the full range of therapy. This type of physiotherapy for pneumonia significantly reduces the time until complete recovery due to the direct delivery of drugs to the focus of the disease ignition.

Inhalation acts as a thinner, removing accumulated phlegm, restoring the full function of the internal organs of the procedure.

Microparticles of drugs delivered during inhalation do not affect other organs, which significantly increases the possibility of using it for the treatment of children and the elderly.

Can you use a nebulizer to treat pneumonia? Definitely yes! But, you should be careful, follow all instructions and notes of the medical staff.

A device capable of converting liquid medicinal mixtures into microparticles (fog, steam), delivering medications to the very “logo” of the disease is called a nebulizer. It is very good that you can use a device at home both for pulmonary ailments and for the simplest ARVI.

For children, this option is a very entertaining procedure that does not cause discomfort or other concussions. It is very convenient that you can continue inhalations without interruption even when the baby is asleep.

Things to remember when choosing a nebulizer for pneumonia

There are currently three models of nebulizers:

  1. Compressor. They are capable of producing small particles, but at the same time they are large enough and create a lot of noise during operation;
  2. Ultrasonic. They can spray particles of different sizes. Ultrasonic nebulizers are more compact and quiet, but they cannot be used to spray hormones and antibiotics;
  3. Electronic mesh. They are considered the most versatile, but they are quite expensive. Such nebulizers can create particles of various sizes. They are convenient to use for both children and bedridden patients. At the same time, the electronic mesh devices are noiseless, they can be used to spray any drugs intended for the procedure.

You should choose the nebulizer model that meets all your requirements. To determine the characteristics of the device, you can consult your doctor.

Important! If you need a nebulizer for the treatment of pneumonia, you should choose a device that converts the medicine into small respirable particles of 2-5 μg. The thing is that particles with ranges from 2 to 5 μm can penetrate into the lower respiratory tract and affect the inflammatory process. If the device forms large particles of 5-20 μg, then the active substance will settle in the upper respiratory tract and will not have a special effect in pneumonia.

The advantages of using a nebulizer for pneumonia

The effectiveness of the device has been proven by the following results:

  • provides a speedy result;
  • delivers drugs directly to the lungs;
  • moistens the mucous membrane;
  • liquefies discharge from the larynx and nose;
  • eliminates puffiness and inflammation;
  • restores ventilation and drainage functions of the lungs and bronchi;
  • stimulates the epithelium;
  • restores the mucous membrane faster;
  • removes spasms.

The main advantage of using a nebulizer is that you can be treated at home and you need a lower dose of medication.

How to use an inhaler to treat lower respiratory tract diseases?

If you buy a nebulizer to be treated at home, you should follow a few simple recommendations:

  • You should take a break of 90 minutes between meals and procedures;
  • If you take expectorant drugs, do it one hour before inhalation;
  • Stop smoking;
  • Do not wear very restrictive clothing – after all, the functioning of the respiratory tract must be full for better delivery of medications;
  • Medicines stored in the refrigerator should be taken out half an hour before the procedure and brought to room temperature;
  • Procedure time varies from 10 to 20 minutes;
  • Breathing should be kept smooth, deep, with a delay of medicinal vapors up to 3 seconds.

Common medications used for nebulizer treatments

If you have pneumonia, medications for inhalation and their dosage should be calculated individually by a doctor.

Doctors usually prescribe the following medicine used in a nebulizer for pneumonia:

  • Bronchodilators – drugs that are able to expand the bronchi, remove spasms, modernize the drainage, ventilation of organs (Ventolin, albuterol). In case of lung damage, bronchospasms are used;
  • Expectorants – medicines that are able to liquefy the resulting phlegm;
  • Drugs that relieve inflammation – they act in the lesion focus, relieve the lesion, prevent complications (Pulmicort);
  • Mucolytics – 2% sodium solution combined with trypsin.

You can also use three types of oils for the treatment of pneumonia: juniper oil, pine oil, and fir oil.

Despite the excellent results in lung drainage, these oils help to increase resistance to viral infections, colds, and flu prevention.

Summary

  1. Nebulizer treatments for pneumonia should be prescribed by a doctor;
  2. You need to use a nebulizer without violating the instructions because it plays a very important role in achieving a positive result in the treatment of pneumonia;
  3. Nebulized particles must have diameters between 2 to 5 μm;
  4. Pneumonia cannot be completely cured without basic medical treatment because inhalation is one of the components of the complex treatment;
  5. Note! Do not neglect lower respiratory tract diseases! Remember – it is not possible to identify the disease on your own. It is very important to consult a doctor before using any medicine – self-treatment in the acute form of pneumonia can even lead to death.