What is a Nebulizer?

Long ago, Ancient Egyptians inhaled fumes of herbs heated on bricks. In the 19^th century cigarettes were used. And finally after about a hundred years of experimenting, the first mass produced nebulizer was invented in 1969. Since then, the nebulizer has really been a lifesaver for many asthmatics.

The concept of the nebulizer is quite simple – inhaled asthma medicines go directly to the lungs and may instantly relieve asthma symptoms.

Ancient techniques did this, but they were slow and inefficient. The modern nebulizer solved all these problems. The device is simply a cup with a mouthpiece on the top (or mask) and oxygen tubing on the bottom. The tubing is connected to an air compressor. When turned on, the air compressor provides a flow of air through a tiny hole in the cup so that liquid inside the cup is drawn into the flow, causing a fine, white mist.

In this way, the nebulizer turns liquid into aerosols that are the perfect size for deposition into the lungs once inhaled. This process is called atomization, and this is why nebulizers used to be called atomizers.

Other names for nebulizers are nebs, updraft therapy, nebulizer treatment or breathing treatment. Most air compressors are compact and connect to a power source, while newer ones are quite convenient and even portable as they can be plugged into an outlet in your car.

For most asthmatics a simple inhaler is all they need. Most asthma experts recommend every asthmatic carry an inhaler for quick relief of asthma symptoms.

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How to use a finger pulse oximeter

A pulse oximeter is a medical device that measures heart rate and the oxygen level in the blood, expressed as the percent of oxygen saturation. Pulse oximeters operate by shining light through the skin to the blood vessels below. These devices are commonly used in many health care settings and are available over the counter. If you have high oxygen saturation (close to 100%) it indicates that the red blood cells are fully loaded with oxygen from the lungs.

Follow the steps to learn how to use a finger pulse oximeter:

Step 1
Turn on the pulse oximeter by firmly pressing the power button. The screen should light up almost instantly.

Step 2
Place the sensor, the part that opens and closes like a clothespin, on any finger, with the sensor screen above your fingernail. If the sensor doesn’t have a screen, run the cable along the back of your finger or hand. Don’t use the thumb because these readings are less reliable than finger readings.

Step 3
Wait until the pulse oximeter acquires a signal. This may take 10 seconds or more, depending on the device and the conditions. Excessive movement can decrease the accuracy of the result, so make sure to keep still.

Step 4
Look at the display to see the heart rate, usually indicated with a heart or pulsing light. The percent of oxygen saturation is typically indicated by the symbol “Sp02.” Many devices also have a pulse tone that beeps in time with the heart rate.

Step 5
Leave the sensor on for continuous monitoring. The sensor can become uncomfortable or cause pressure sores if you leave it on your finger for too long. Check and move the sensor at least every two to four hours. If only a single measurement is required, remove the sensor and press the power button to turn off the device.

Take a look at Supply Doctor’s wide range of medical equipment and supplies. There are many options to choose from, including pulse oximeters.