The one machine that always been an asthma sufferer's best friend is the nebulizer.

A nebulizer is an electrical machine designed for individuals who have asthma or another form of lung disease. Nebulizers may be mechanical or ultrasonic.

By inhaling medicine directly into the lungs, the result is not only faster but this method also reduces the necessary dosage of medication. It provides the same result that a larger dose would enable if swallowed in pill form.

A nebulizer is used to administer medicines meant for controlling and easing respiratory problems. This device comprises of a compressed air source which has tubes connected to a cup, into which the liquid medicine is added. The cup, in turn is connected to a mouthpiece or a face mask. These devices are used to increase the effectiveness of medicines. A nebulizer includes a mouthpiece, mask and tubing are all clean, and you need to make sure that you wash your hands before using them. Because these items are used in and around your mouth, it is essential that all the items are sanitized. Your medication goes into the nebulizer cap and needs saline solution to make it effective. Connect your mask or mouthpiece to the elbow unit and connect that to the nebulizer. The compressor is the machine part of the nebulizer, and you need to connect the tubing to the compressor to make it work.

It's a real relief from the otherwise pathetic pop a pill attitude. Nebulizers convert liquid medicines to aerosol mist, which goes deeper into the airways and eases breathing problems faster much faster than a pill. The results are immediate and much more pronounced. It is very convenient for infants and children and for those who are not comfortable with metered-dose inhalers or pills.

The basic aim of a nebulizer is to facilitate the faster and effective absorption of the medicine. This is achieved by breaking down the liquid medicine into very fine particles, which is inhaled by the patient.

• The first step is to add the liquid medicine to the cup attached to the device. It is important to understand that these devices accept medicine in the liquid form only, and medicine should be added at the time of usage and not before that. If the doctor has prescribed more than one medicine for nebulization, make sure if they can be mixed together or should be taken separately.
• Once the medicine is put in the cup, close the cup and connect its tube to the air compressor. Turn the compressor on and when the compressed air reaches the nebulizer cup, it will vaporize the medicine, creating a mist. The mist is inhaled by the patient, through the mouthpiece or face mask. The nebulizer will continue to mist until all the medication has been dispensed
• Take deep breaths and inhale the vapor completely. Tap the cup regularly to ensure the right dispensation of medicine and don't remove the mask, until the medicine is used up completely. It will take about 10 to 20 minutes to finish nebulization. If you exhale your breath too quickly, the medicine will not have affect on your body.

Nebulizers do not have ant severe side effects. Some experts however believe that nebulizers may administer a higher dose of medicine than prescribed. Nebulizer side effects include irritation in the mouth, nose and throat etc. another drawback could be the use of electricity for its operation that makes it non portable. However off late battery powered nebulizers are also making their into the market.

RITU NAIYA