The Functions of Humidifiers, Nebulizers and Aspirators as Respiratory Therapeutic Instruments

Contents

1 Humidifiers
2 Nebulizers
3 Aspirators

Humidifiers

Humidifiers are used to increase the humidity (water content) of the inspired air. The humidity of the inhaled air should be high (near 100%) in order to avoid damage to the upper air passage of the lungs. Hence, the air or oxygen used for the respiratory therapy must be humidified.

All ventilators incorporate an arrangement to humidify the air or oxygen either by bubbling air or oxygen stream through a jet of water or by heat vaporization (steam adding).

Nebulizers

A Nebulizer is a device used to administer medication in the form of mist inhaled to the lungs. Nebulizers are commonly used for the treatment of asthma, common obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), and other respiratory disease. The common technical principle is to use oxygen, compressed air or ultrasonic power as means to break up medical solution into small aerosol droplets for direct inhalation from mouth piece.

Aspirators

An aspirator is a device that creates vacuum due to the venturi effect. It is used for removing liquid or gases by suction. It is a hollow tubular instrument made to create vacuum and suction which is used to remove fluid or tissue or foreign bodies from the body.

The principle of working is based on the fact that, when any fluid (air or liquid) is forced through a smooth constriction then the fluid velocity increases, thereby lowering the pressure below the atmosphere.

Battery powered devices are now available to generate sufficient suction which can remove the mucus residing deep in the sinus cavities.

John Mulindi

John Mulindi has a background in Instrumentation, and he writes on various topics ranging from Technical, Business to Internet marketing fields. He likes reading, watching football, writing and taking on adventure walks in free time.