According to WHO, around 262 million people worldwide suffer from asthma. This makes the disease one of the most common chronic diseases.*1 Inhalation is a natural and proven method for relieving respiratory complaints and respiratory diseases. The correct application is crucial for an effective inhalation therapy. Here, you will learn what you should pay attention to.
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Examples of upper respiratory system diseases include:
Examples of lower respiratory system diseases include:
Our respiratory tracts are exposed to many different stimuli, whether through environmental pollution, pathogens or allergens. These stimuli can lead to inflammation, mucus production and other unpleasant symptoms.
In inhalation therapy, steam particles enriched with active ingredients are inhaled, which reach the affected area in the respiratory tract directly. Inhalation can help to loosen mucus, reduce inflammation and clear the airways. Inhalation can be started preventively at an early stage of a cold or respiratory disease.
The effect of inhalation therapy depends on the added active ingredient of the solution to be nebulised, the nebulisation rate and the particle size.
The correct inhalation agent depends on individual needs. In the case of a mild cold, it can be helpful to inhale a saline solution, which is freely available in the pharmacy. This solution can also be useful for daily use for moistening the respiratory tract. For more severe complaints, it is advisable to consult a doctor who can give a sound recommendation for a suitable inhaler and active ingredient. Whether for the relief of cold symptoms or for general respiratory support - there is a suitable solution for every need.
The nebulisation rate is measured in ml/ min and describes the amount of inhalant exiting the device per unit of time. The higher the nebulisation rate, the shorter the necessary inhalation time, as active ingredients are expelled in larger quantities. Particularly in the case of children or chronically ill persons, a short and effective inhalation is particularly important.
The particle size determines the lung penetration of the nebulised active ingredient. Thus, larger particles over 10 µm only reach the upper respiratory tract, i.e. the mouth, throat and nasal cavity. Particles between 5 and 10 µm can reach the area between the trachea and bronchioles. Smaller particles from 2 to 4 µm penetrate into the deeper lung areas, such as the alveoli.
For the most effective and efficient inhalation, you should consider the following points:
There are 2 distinguishable methods of inhalation: Steam inhalation or steam nebulisation and inhalation with inhalers.
The general difference between both technologies lies in the accessibility of lung-penetrating smallest active ingredient particles that are generated during application.
The classic variant is steam inhalation over a bowl of hot water. Here, essential oils such as eucalyptus or chamomile can be used to enhance the healing effect. The rising vapours are inhaled through the mouth and nose, thus acting in the upper respiratory tract.
In comparison to steam nebulisation, modern inhalers produce a consistently high number of smallest active ingredient particles during operation, which can penetrate particularly deep into the respiratory tract and thus act effectively. They reach both the upper and lower respiratory tract.
Inhalation using an inhaler offers a variety of advantages for the health of the respiratory tract and general well-being:
Inhalation technologies are essential tools in modern respiratory therapy, as they enable targeted and efficient administration of medication. The technologies vary in their operation and application areas to meet the specific needs of users.
Viscosity - Relationship between technology and inhalation medication
It is important to note that not all technologies and inhalers are suitable for every type of inhalation medication. The key factor here is the viscosity of the medication. This refers to the thickness of liquids and gases. The higher the viscosity, the thicker the liquid. The lower the viscosity, the thinner it is.
In compressed air nebulisers, a compressor generates compressed air (approx. 0.8 bar). The generated compressed air is conveyed via an air hose into the nebuliser. Here, the mixture of air and inhalant is atomised into fine particles through a nozzle. The inhalant is then inhaled by the patient via a mouthpiece or a mask. We recommend inhalation with a mouthpiece as it is the most effective form of therapy.
Compressed air technology products are often characterised by a high nebulisation rate, which reduces inhalation time. Another advantage is that this technology can achieve a particularly small particle size (MMAD). At the same time, these inhalers are suitable for any type of inhalation medication, regardless of its viscosity.
Micro-compressed air technology differs from classic compressed air technology in one essential aspect – products with this technology are small, lightweight and very quiet. A special motor allows the nebuliser to be built much smaller and is therefore particularly easy to handle.
These devices, also known as membrane or mesh nebulisers, use a vibrating membrane with microscopic holes to nebulise the inhalant. The vibrations transport the liquid through the holes, creating a fine, even mist.
Inhalers with this technology are very quiet, require little power (can also be powered by batteries) and are ideal for travel (due to their compact size) and children.
In ultrasonic technology, an ultrasonic source sets water into high-frequency vibrations. These vibrations cause individual particles to detach from the inhalant. These are mixed with air via the air channel. A fan ensures that the aerosol can be inhaled via a mask or a mouthpiece. Ultrasonic nebulisers are quiet and characterised by a short inhalation time.
Beurer offers you a comprehensive range of modern inhalers. The choice of the right inhaler for you depends on your personal needs.
The Beurer Inhaler IH 28 Pro with compressed air technology offers soothing inhalation thanks to a comprehensive nebuliser set with high-quality silicone masks and nasal douche. The integrated accessory storage compartment makes this inhaler particularly practical.
Small, lightweight and quiet, the Beurer Inhaler IH 57 with vibrating membrane technology is the ideal travel companion for treating the upper and lower respiratory tract.
*1 https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma#:~:text=It%20was%20estimated%20that%20more,and%20lower%2Dmiddle%20income%20countries.