Nebulisers & COPD: Frequently Asked Questions

20 November 2020
Nebulisers and COPD

As November is COPD Awareness Month, we are covering the topic of nebulisers and the common questions that users may have. Always consult your doctor if you think you need a nebuliser for your respiratory needs
Portable Nebuliser

What is a nebuliser? 
A nebuliser is a device that converts certain medications or sterile saline solutions  from liquid form to a mist so that a person may inhale it into their lungs. The purpose of a nebuliser is similar to that of an asthma inhaler and is used as an alternative to a m etered dosage from an inhaler 

Why would I use a nebuliser? 
Nebulised therapy is often used to give high doses of reliever medication in emergency situations and  can also be used as a more comfortable and effective delivery system  of medication on a regular basis. A nebuliser will turn your medicine into a mist, making it easy and pleasant to breathe the medicine directly  into your lungs. Taking slow, deep breaths for 10 to 15 mins allows the medicine to be fully absorbed into the lungs. Nebulisers are often used by people with respiratory conditions such as COPD, Asthma and Cystic Fibrosis. They are also used by those who find it difficult to use inhalers, like children, infants, the elderly or those who are very ill. 

How does it benefit people with COPD?  
One of the key benefits of inhalation is the fact that the medication is delivered directly into the respiratory tract, allowing for a high drug concentration in the target area. Neb ulising medication can even have a greater clinical effect compared to similar or larger doses delivered orally (tablets) or by subcutaneous injection. Studies have also shown that this can lead to better treatment results than using inhalers alone.    

I’ve been told by my doctor that I need a nebuliser, what nebuliser should I get? 
There are 2 different types of Medicare Nebulisers; the Compressor and the Portable.  
The Medicare V1 Compressor Nebuliser  is robust and ideal for frequent use by  adults and children. This  highly effective  nebuliser combine s a short inhalation time with intelligent medi cation delivery thanks to its powerful compressor. It generates a steam of compressed air which breaks up liquid medication and converts it into a mist so it can be easily and more e ffectively inhaled by the patient through the mask, nosepiece or mouthpiece.  The  Medicare V1 Compressor Nebuliser  is  ideal for home and frequent use.   

The Medicare Ultrasonic Portable Nebuliser  with Mesh Technology uses state of the art electrospray technology that sprays liquid in an aerosol form directly to the patient for inhalation. This technologyallows for better nebulisation and comes in a compact portable size that’s designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand but is still powerful enough to deliver medication quickly and efficiently. It is small discreet and is purposefully  designed for use on the go.  It can be used in any direction also, so it’s perfect for children  who may not want to sit still or prefer to lie down.    

What should I look out for when purchasing a nebuliser? 
The first important factor you should consider  is that the nebuliser you are buying is from a legitimate source. Your local pharmac y  is a great place to buy diagnostic equipment as you can ask qualified professionals  for advice and get your medicine and equipment all in one place. 
  • Particle Size:  This determines how effectively the nebuliser turns the medication into mist and how deeply  it penetrates the lungs’ airways to relieve symptoms.  A nebuliser that has a small  particle size means that  the mist is finer and more effective.   
  • Nebulisation/Flow Rate: This represents how long it takes for the medicine to  be fully consumed by the patient. Choosing  a nebuliser with a high nebulisation rate means that you won’t spend too much time  sitting  down using a nebuliser every day  
  • Medicine CapacityThis shows how much medicine the nebuliser can hold at one time.  Usually, all nebulisers have a universal medicine capacity 
If you have a respiratory condition, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using a new method of treatment.  
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