The Role of Respiratory Equipment in the Treatment of Asthma
Asthma is a chronic condition caused by inflamed airways. This occurs for many different reasons, such as inflammation, excess mucus, and sometimes the surrounding muscles constrict the airways. Each of these makes it more difficult for air to flow into the lungs, making it harder to breathe.
People who experience asthma can have mild or even life-threatening symptoms in severe cases. There are many treatments for managing asthma, either through medication or treatment from healthcare professionals. Here is the role of respiratory equipment in the treatment of asthma.
How Do Treatments Work?
No matter what options patients choose, all the treatments work in a number of ways. Some medications are muscle relaxants that release the grip of muscles squeezing the airways. Others lessen swelling or the amount of mucus – these are anti-inflammatories, including both steroidal and non-steroidal.
Inhalers
Inhalers play the most prominent role of respiratory equipment in the treatment of asthma. These are small, handheld devices that turn medicine into a spray, similar to an aerosol can. They’re portable and easy to use. There are two main types of inhalers: metered-dose and dry powder. Metered doses provide a pre-measured dose to the person doing the inhaling. People who use these don’t need to worry about making sure they receive the right amount of medication. Certain inhalers will list the number of doses remaining. Younger children will sometimes modify it and use a facemask instead. Dry powder inhalers are powders, not sprays, and more force is needed to inhale when using them.
Nebulizers
Nebulizers turn asthma drugs into a mist. They look like small humidifiers with an oxygen mask attached to them. Most need an external power source, but some are battery-powered. Nebulizers are bulkier than inhalers and have more parts, so they aren’t as ideal for portability.
However, their design makes them helpful for giving asthma medication to small kids as they breathe through the facemask for 10 minutes. The mist also makes it easier for the body to absorb the medicine. Both nebulizers and inhalers are treatments that require a prescription.
Med One only deals with healthcare facilities directly, but many companies offer respiratory equipment such as nebulizers and ventilators for home use. Understanding some of the uses of hospital ventilator equipment will help give a greater appreciation for healthcare professionals treating asthma and respiratory conditions.