The Purpose of Breathing Treatments

Many people suffer from upper-respiratory illnesses and conditions that make it hard for them to breathe, or may find themselves in other situations that require the administration of corticosteroids, bronchodilators and other medicines directly to the respiratory system. "Breathing treatments"---performed using nebulizers or pressurized metered dose inhalers (MDIs)---are viable options to treat such conditions and illnesses.

Nebulizers

• A nebulizer is a device that is used to deliver medication in aerosol or mist form directly into a patient's lungs. Nebulizers utilize compressed air, ultrasound or oxygen to disperse medicines into this form in order for it to be directly placed in and absorbed by the respiratory system. Nebulizers are used in situations that call for the rapid release of medicines and other substances directly into the system that needs it---such as during asthma attacks or during severe colds.

Metered dose inhalers (MDIs)

• MDIs consist of a mouthpiece and a canister filled with medicine. Medicine is administered by pressing the canister to release one dose of medicine and getting the patient to inhale deeply. Medicines delivered by MDIs differ from those delivered by nebulizers in that the particles they disperse are larger and cannot penetrate as deeply into the respiratory tract. Studies quoted in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine have found that MDIs with attached spacers---add-on devices used by asthma sufferers to increase MDI effectiveness---are cheaper, more portable, and faster to administer than nebulizers.

Disorders or conditions that can be treated by breathing treatments

• Breathing treatments may be prescribed to deal with many problems and conditions of the respiratory tract, especially those that require haste to relieve patients suffering from breathing problems. Asthma and severe colds that curtail breathing activity, pneumonia, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are conditions that can be treated with inhalers.

Advantages of breathing treatments

• Breathing treatments can be exceedingly effective for people who are in need of quick relief from a wide range of conditions. Benefits include fast relief of upper-respiratory breathing problems thanks to the enormous absorptive area of the lungs, the lack of enzymes and digestive action that can degrade many drugs, and the need for only a fraction of the dose required for oral therapies. Much of the equipment used in dispensing breathing treatments are portable and is easily carried around in case of emergencies.

Limitations of breathing treatments

• Breathing treatments are not perfect, however. It may be hard for drugs dispensed using breathing treatments to reach the lower airways. MDIs that are poorly designed or administered may result in deposition of the medicine in the upper airway or in the mouth. There is a constant risk of contamination of MDIs and nebulizers when not actively kept clean, due to constant contact with the mouth and saliva.