Medical Device Introduction: Nebulizer Equipment/Nebulizer Device

I. Device Overview

1. Device Summary

Nebulizer equipment, also known as a nebulizer device, is a professional medical device whose core function is to convert liquid medication into tiny aerosol particles. By inhaling these aerosols dispersed in the air, the medication can act directly and efficiently on the respiratory tract and lungs, thereby achieving the desired local therapeutic effect. It effectively solves problems such as slow onset and significant systemic side effects associated with traditional oral or injectable drug delivery methods in the treatment of respiratory diseases, providing a direct, targeted, and rapidly effective drug delivery route for the treatment of respiratory system diseases.

2. Introduction to Device Types

Nebulizer equipment can be divided into various types based on their nebulization principle, to adapt to different clinical needs and drug characteristics:

• Jet Nebulizers: These create a high-speed airflow using compressed air, which then draws up the liquid medication and breaks it into fine particles via the Venturi effect. These nebulizers are suitable for a wide range of medications and produce a large volume of mist, but they are typically larger in size and have relatively higher operating noise.
• Ultrasonic Nebulizers: These use high-frequency oscillations generated by an ultrasonic transducer to break the surface of the liquid medication into tiny particles. Their characteristics include fine and uniform mist particles and low noise, but some protein-based drugs (such as insulin, interferon, etc.) may lose their activity due to ultrasonic vibration.
• Mesh Nebulizers: These use high-frequency vibration or squeezing of a microporous mesh to force the liquid medication through the micro-holes, forming extremely fine aerosols. Mesh nebulizers combine the advantages of the previous two, offering benefits such as compact size, portability, extremely low noise, high nebulization efficiency, and minimal drug loss, but they have a relatively higher cost, and the mesh requires regular cleaning and maintenance.
• Core Components: Regardless of the type of nebulizer equipment, it typically includes a main unit (providing nebulization power or oscillation), a medication cup (holding the medication), connecting tubing, and components such as a mask or mouthpiece for inhalation.

3. Introduction to Device Functions

Nebulizer equipment possesses multiple key functions and technical characteristics, making it an important tool for the treatment of respiratory diseases:

• Efficient Drug Delivery: Precisely converts medication into tiny particles suitable for inhalation (typically 1-5 micrometers), ensuring the drug effectively reaches the deep respiratory tract and alveoli, directly targeting the lesion.
• Local Targeted Therapy: The medication acts directly on the respiratory mucosa, reducing systemic absorption, thereby lowering systemic side effects and improving treatment safety.
• Rapid Onset of Action: Medication in aerosol form can be rapidly absorbed by the respiratory tract, achieving quick relief for acute respiratory symptoms (such as bronchospasm).
• Easy to Operate: Most devices are designed with user-friendliness in mind, featuring simple operating procedures, making them convenient for patients or caregivers to use at home or in the hospital.
• Wide Range of Applicable Medications: Except for specific drug restrictions, it can be used for nebulization of various liquid medications, including bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics, mucolytics, etc.
• Multiple Nebulization Modes: Some advanced devices can adjust nebulization rate and particle size to meet the treatment needs of patients of different age groups (e.g., infants and adults) and different medications.
• Portability: Especially mesh nebulizers, their compact size and battery-powered capability greatly facilitate home and on-the-go treatment for patients.

II. Scope of Application

1. Application Scenarios

Nebulizer equipment is widely used in various medical institutions and home environments:

• Hospital Environment:
  • Outpatient/Emergency Departments: Used for rapid relief of acute asthma attacks, bronchitis, and other respiratory symptoms.
  • Inpatient Wards: Daily treatment and management for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, pneumonia, etc.
  • Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Assists mechanically ventilated patients with airway humidification and drug delivery, or for airway management.
  • Pediatrics: For the treatment of pediatric respiratory infections, asthma, and other diseases, providing a safe and effective non-invasive drug delivery method.
• Home Environment: Long-term maintenance treatment and self-management for patients with chronic respiratory diseases (such as asthma, COPD), improving quality of life.
• Community Medical Institutions: As an important component of grassroots medical services, providing convenient nebulization treatment services.

2. Applicable Diseases and Symptoms

Nebulizer equipment is primarily used for the following diseases or symptoms caused by these diseases:

• Bronchial Asthma: Relieves bronchospasm and controls airway inflammation.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Improves airway patency, reduces the frequency and severity of acute exacerbations.
• Acute/Chronic Bronchitis: Alleviates symptoms such as cough, phlegm, and wheezing, promotes inflammation resolution.
• Pneumonia: Assists anti-infective treatment, thins sputum, and promotes sputum expectoration.
• Bronchiectasis: Helps clear retained secretions in the airway and control infection.
• Cystic Fibrosis: Helps clear viscous secretions through nebulized medication.
• Laryngitis, Pharyngitis: Relieves local inflammation and discomfort.
• Infant Bronchiolitis: Improves breathing difficulties.
• Other respiratory infections or allergic diseases requiring local drug delivery.

3. Contraindicated Populations

Before using nebulizer equipment for treatment, it is essential to consult a doctor and be aware of the following populations for whom it is contraindicated or should be used with caution:

• Individuals with known allergies to the components of the nebulized medication used.
• Patients with severe cardiovascular diseases (e.g., severe arrhythmias, unstable angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, etc.): Certain medications (such as β2-agonists) may cause increased heart rate and arrhythmias, and should be used under strict medical supervision.
• Individuals with poorly controlled hypertension: Some medications may cause blood pressure fluctuations.
• Glaucoma patients (especially angle-closure glaucoma): Certain medications (such as anticholinergic drugs) may exacerbate intraocular pressure.
• Patients with hyperthyroidism: Some medications may worsen hyperthyroidism symptoms.
• Pregnant and lactating women: Should be used cautiously under medical guidance, after weighing the benefits and risks.
• Patients who are unconscious or unable to cooperate with inhalation therapy: May affect efficacy due to inability to effectively inhale the medication, and there is even a risk of choking.
• Contraindications explicitly listed in the package insert for specific medications.

III. Usage Guidelines and Precautions

1. Method/Steps for Use or Operation

Correct usage is key to ensuring the effectiveness and safety of nebulization therapy:

1. Preparation:
   • Thoroughly wash hands to maintain hygiene.
   • Check if the nebulizer equipment is clean and intact, and if the power cord or air tubing connections are secure.
   • According to the doctor's prescription, prepare the appropriate amount of nebulized medication, checking its expiry date and characteristics.
2. Adding Medication:
   • Open the nebulizer cup lid and accurately pour the doctor-prescribed dose of medication into the nebulizer cup.
   • If necessary, add an appropriate amount of physiological saline to dilute to the specified mark (usually 2-4 ml), then close the nebulizer cup lid tightly.
3. Connection:
   • Correctly connect the nebulizer cup to the main unit (or external air source).
   • Connect the mask tightly to the nebulizer cup's outlet, or connect the mouthpiece.
4. Position:
   • The patient should adopt a comfortable sitting or semi-recumbent position, keeping the airway clear and relaxing the body.
5. Start Nebulization:
   • Turn on the nebulizer equipment.
   • If using a mask, ensure it fits snugly over the mouth and nose; if using a mouthpiece, hold it in the mouth, inhale deeply through the mouth, then exhale slowly. It is recommended to hold your breath for 1-2 seconds after a deep inhalation to facilitate drug deposition.
   • Children or patients unable to cooperate effectively should use a mask.
6. Duration:
   • Continue inhalation until the medication in the nebulizer cup is depleted (usually about 5-15 minutes), or as directed by a doctor.
   • After completing nebulization, turn off the device.
7. Cleaning and Maintenance:
   • After each use, immediately rinse the nebulizer cup, mask/mouthpiece, connecting tubing, and other detachable parts with clean water, and air dry them naturally.
   • Regularly disinfect the device (medical alcohol can be used for wiping or follow the instructions), and check consumables such as filters and connecting tubing, replacing them promptly if damaged.

2. Common Error Reminders

To ensure the safety and effectiveness of nebulization therapy, please be sure to avoid the following common errors:

• Incorrect drug selection and dosage: Strictly follow the doctor's instructions for drug type and dosage, never change or mix medications without a doctor's permission, or use non-nebulizer-specific preparations.
• Insufficient or excessive nebulization time: Ensure the entire nebulization process is completed without arbitrary interruption. However, it should not be excessively prolonged, to avoid affecting drug efficacy or causing discomfort.
• Improper mask fit/incorrect mouthpiece use: A loosely fitted mask can lead to drug leakage, affecting inhalation efficacy; if the mouthpiece is not held tightly or deep oral inhalation is not performed, the medication cannot effectively enter the respiratory tract.
• Incomplete device cleaning and disinfection: If the nebulizer cup and accessories are not cleaned and disinfected promptly and thoroughly, bacteria can easily grow, increasing the risk of respiratory infections.
• Poor usage environment: Avoid using in dusty, humid, smoky, or strong electromagnetic interference environments, as this may affect device performance and drug purity.
• Insufficient vigilance for adverse drug reactions: If discomfort such as palpitations, hand tremors, dizziness, nausea, worsening shortness of breath, or hives occurs during nebulization, immediately stop use and seek medical attention.
• Limitations of ultrasonic nebulizers for certain medications: For protein-based drugs (such as insulin, α-interferon, certain vaccines, etc.), ultrasonic nebulizers should be avoided to prevent damage to drug activity. In such cases, compressed air or mesh nebulizers should be prioritized.
• Children's use requires supervision: Children should use under the full supervision of a parent to ensure correct operation and close observation of their reactions.
• Irregular inspection and maintenance: Neglecting regular inspection (e.g., checking filters, air tubing for blockages or aging) and maintenance of the device may lead to equipment malfunction or affect nebulization efficacy.