subject: COPD and Nebuliser Treatment [print this page] COPD and Nebuliser Treatment
COPD which stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is also known as COLD or Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease is a debilitating, progressive respiratory disease. It is often treated with the use of a nebuliser.
COPD is actually made up of two illnesses: chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which commonly co-exist together. The two disorders cause the airways to narrow which obviously restricts the ability of the patient to breathe properly, leading them to become chronically short of breathe. COPD can make day to day life difficult for the patient.
Unlike asthma and other respiratory problems, COPD cannot be reversed and gets worse. It was the sixth biggest killer around the world in 1990 and it is anticipated that it will take more lives in the future. There are no cures for the disease, but nebuliser and other treatments may delay its progress and improve quality of life for patients.
The single biggest cause of COPD is tobacco smoking. This and other toxic gases, for example those to which miners and other industrial workers may be exposed to, cause an inflammatory reaction in the lungs, narrowing air passages. It is understood that as use of tobacco increases, so too will COPD deaths.
Giving up smoking helps to delay the progress of the disease, but treatment using a nebuliser is also common. Nebulisers use a compressor to convert liquid medication into a fine mist which is easily breathed in through a mask or mouthpiece. Nebuliser treatment is not actually considered to be any more effective than an inhaler, but is more convenient for those patients who are extremely breathless.
Although in most cases a nebuliser will be used in emergencies for acute treatment in hospitals, patients with long term, chronic, debilitating conditions, notably COPD, are very often required to use nebulisers on a long term basis in the home. Those patients that use a nebuliser frequently, should ensure they clean and maintain it regularly, as well as having a regular manufacturer's service. The manufacturer, as well as your health care professional, should be able to provide details on how to clean and maintain your nebuliser.
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