A nebulizer is a highly effective device used to treat common asthma, particularly an acute asthma attack. There are many benefits of nebulizer treatment. The American Lung Association recommends this treatment for chronic lung disorder, reactive airway disease, and other respiratory conditions.
People with asthma experience inflamed airways, leaving them gasping for air. The use of a nebulizer is a go-to therapy for managing adult-onset asthma triggers and other respiratory infections. A nebulizer is also among the common treatments for pulmonary disease.
The medication comes in a liquid form and is converted into a mist. The droplets of medicine then clear the airways during asthma attacks or coughing due to viral infections, giving the patient instant relief and lessening emergency room visits.
Almost all medical treatments and medications have some side effects you might experience. Of course, using a nebulizer is no exception, and it is best to be aware of them. If you want to curb these side effects, you should buy a portable nebulizer now as they have fewer side effects.
Here is everything you need to know about the side effects of using a nebulizer what to do about it.
Side Effects Of Using A Nebulizer
Nebulizers can have distinct side effects because the medication is inhaled in a mist form. That is why they may vary from the actual side effects of the drug. It is best to consult your doctor and follow their instructions to minimize these side effects.
Keep in mind that most side effects because of nebulizer use correspond to the medication taken. You may face some difficulty in breathing because of the airway contraction that may occur as an effect of the tonicity or temperature of the nebulizer solution.
Moreover, children ages six and under should be monitored for possible negative drug interactions. Check them for an abnormal heartbeat, difficult breathing, increased heart rate, common body aches, runny nose, and acute worsening asthma symptoms.
Besides that, eye irritation is also a common side effect of the procedure if you don’t wear your mask correctly.
Some other side effects of nebulizer treatments include:
- Chest tightness or chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat or rapid heartbeat
- Throat irritation
- Nausea
On the other hand, you need to clean the device after each use. If you don’t do this, there is a high risk of developing a bacterial infection as a result. That is why it is advised to clean the device after using it each time.
Thus, medical doctors advise people to use nebulizers with caution. Even though the potential side effects are less common, they can still cause discomfort.
What To Do When You Have An Allergic Reaction?
Not all nebulizer medications or solutions will suit you. People with asthma need to be aware that certain asthma medications can trigger allergic reactions but only in rare cases.
For instance, people with asthma may experience symptoms like swelling of the face, lips, and throat, difficulty breathing, increased blood pressure, hives, airway inflammation, and much more. The severity of symptoms can vary among patients.
White blood cells can accumulate at the site of inflammation, causing tissue damage and further narrowing of airways. Some patients experience worsening of asthma symptoms, which may result in a medical emergency.
If you have a history of a life-threatening reaction to certain medications, make sure to inform your doctor. Also, tell your doctor if you have a history of heart problems.
When this happens, you need to get emergency medical help immediately, or it will keep getting worse. On the other hand, if the side effects of the nebulizer worsen your asthma symptoms or worsen breathing problems such as choking, wheezing, or coughing, then you need to call your doctor.
Once you do, your healthcare professional will let you know what needs to be done to counteract these effects. However, there is no reason for alarm if you have a stuffy nose, cough, mild wheezing, or sneezing. They are common side effects of using a nebulizer.
If you have non-allergic (intrinsic) asthma, it’s less likely that you will experience side effects from using a nebulizer. A physical exam, which includes blood tests, is a good way to assess your allergic reaction. That said, it’s possible that the symptoms you experience are not related to nebulizer treatments. Having an inflammatory disorder is one of the risk factors to consider.
Breathing tests may be performed to rule out the causes of, say, for example, shortness of breath because it can also be related to acid reflux and sleep apnea.
Asthma Reaction
Treatment for asthma involves nebulizing. Depending on the type of asthma you have, you might be prescribed to use a nebulizer when you have asthma episodes. However, some forms of asthma medication can have unwanted side effects on the body.
If you find it difficult to manage the side effects of these medications, here are some things you can do:
- Know your allergic asthma triggers. There are several things you can do to manage symptoms of asthma. They include knowing the triggers of asthma, such as dust mites, certain fragrances, environmental toxins, and more. According to the CDC National Center for Health Statistics, environmental triggers often include pollution, mold, pets, and weather changes.
- Incorporate good daily health practices to prevent future asthma attacks. You should also incorporate exercise in your daily activities and practice breathing techniques. If you experience difficulties during exercise, opt for low-impact workouts such as walking.
- Change delivery method. Albuterol is the most common type of nebulizer medication. Consider taking an albuterol aerosol inhaler (dry powder inhalers) or oral medications. Ask your doctor about the best oral medicine for your case.
Choose the type of inhaler that is best suited for you. A quick-relief inhaler may come in handy when you are having asthma episodes. Additionally, you can work with a respiratory therapist to explore other ways to treat your condition.
- Reduce your dose. The initial treatment for a severe asthmatic attack can involve a heavier dose of liquid medication. However, the albuterol side effects are more profound with frequent use. Talk to your doctor if you can lower the dose of your asthma medicine.
- Explore other medications. In small, cumulative dose studies, symptoms like headache, tremor, and nervousness were dose-related. There are quick-relief medications for asthma, and there are also long-term control medications.
They include Budesonide, Ciclesonide, Fluticasone, and Mometasone. There are other common medications for asthma. However, you may need to undergo lung function tests for your doctor to find the best treatment plan for you.
What To Do When Experiencing Side Effects
Typically, the side effects may exist because the medication has reacted differently with your internal system. That is why when you call your doctor, they might change your nebulizer medication. Once they do, you will have a much better experience.
There can also be other side effects, but the ones stated above are the most common ones. In any case, you need to consult your medical practitioner immediately.
Final Words
That was your complete guide to the various side effects of using a nebulizer. Keep these in mind and use the nebulizer as directed by your healthcare professional. Besides that, always keep the device clean to avoid developing any infections or worse side effects.
