Does a nebulizer work better than an inhaler for asthma? Lately my asthma is getting worse and when I asked the doctor for a nebulizer, she said that nebulizers don't work any better than the inhaler. Am I crazy or do I need a new doctor?
2007-03-26 10:35:43 · 6 answers · asked by Anne 5 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Respiratory Diseases
Nebulizer treatments will certainly help more, in my experience, than an inhaler (MDI) when having severe asthmatic episodes. Not to mention that they last longer.
When I'm sick (chronic persistent severe asthmatic), the MDI will only last about 30 minutes, as opposed to the nebulizer, which not only helps a lot more to open the airways due to the length of the treatment, but also lasts up to 8 hours depending on the severity of my episode.
If your doctor isn't listening to your concerns, you may wish to talk to another doctor, particularly one with experience in treating pulmonary disorders (ie a pulmonologist).
2007-03-27 08:49:02 · answer #1 · answered by Sheila T 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If the inhaler is used properly, the medication dosage is the same, so the results should be the same. However, many patient's do not know how to use an inhaler properly. If it's not used properly, the meds get wasted, and it doesn't help the patient.
When you put a drug (such as Albuterol) into a nebulizer, it is mixed with saline. So, you are not only inhaling the medicine, but about 3cc of saline with it. It definitely takes a lot longer for the meds to reach the part of the lungs where they need to be. (minutes instead of seconds)
Does one work better than the other? It depends on which "expert" you ask. I have heard Docs argue it both ways. I have had patients argue it both ways. If the Doc's happy & the patient's happy, it doesn't make any difference to me, as long as it works. : )
2007-03-26 14:18:53 · answer #2 · answered by mike.marlow 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are many studies out there to prove the deposition of medication in the airways to show inhalers are more effective. Personally thata would be all fine if you could actually take a deep enough breath to get the medication in. When I have problems I have to use a nebulizer, and I have noticed with many patients it is the same way.
2007-03-26 14:53:23 · answer #3 · answered by steveangela1 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Studies say that inhalers work just as well, but the key words in all of them is "WHEN USED PROPERLY." Around 2/3 of their data is thrown out because of this, so of course the end results skew in favor of MDI's. Most people don't or are unable to have very good technique so nebs work better for them.
Yep, I'm another RT. See source link for proper technique so your MDI will work better for you.
2007-03-26 22:54:05 · answer #4 · answered by Helen the Hellion 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to see a specialist to run a series of breathing exercises and tests. I did this and it helped. The nebuliser is more effective for gradual opening of air passages whereas the inhaler is more immediate. Both do have a bad effect on the heart, liver kidney etc.
2007-03-27 01:14:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just my 2¢
Inhalers use CFC or HFA propellents ( forms of freon)
I have a problem with these propellants even in small amounts
~Mostly circulation problems
My nebs are a lot cheaper, 120 doses for $15 Albuterol with HFA is $48.75 for 100 doses
Only situ is nebs take longer ~ like about 8 min for a full dose
2007-03-26 10:51:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋