| The prevalence of the use of aerosol machines has | | | | cup. (Many asthma medications come in pre-measured |
| increased significantly in the last decade. This is due, at | | | | doses, eliminating the need to measure and helping to |
| least in part, to the rising occurrence of lung diseases | | | | prevent dosage mistakes.) The machine is turned on |
| and disorders, particularly asthma, and specifically, | | | | and the compressor pushes air through the tubing. It |
| childhood asthma. In fact, it is estimated that one in four | | | | atomizes the liquid in the nebulizer cup. The patient |
| urban children are affected by asthma. | | | | inhales the mist that is formed through the mouthpiece |
| Asthma is defined as chronic inflammation of the lungs. | | | | or mask. |
| It affects the bronchi (airways) and causes them to | | | | Aerosol machines come in two types. Home units are |
| become narrowed. This narrowing is reversible with | | | | larger and meant for use at home. This is the style |
| medication. In many cases of childhood asthma a | | | | that is also used in hospitals. Aerosol machines also |
| sufferer simply outgrows the condition. | | | | come in smaller, portable styles, which are easier to |
| It is not known exactly what causes asthma, though | | | | travel with. They are typically battery powered so that |
| exposure to secondhand smoke and other | | | | they can be used even when there is no electrical |
| contaminants/pollutants is thought to be one major | | | | power available. |
| cause. It's also unknown why some children outgrow | | | | Aerosol machines are not the only mechanisms that |
| the conditions while others suffer it for a lifetime. It is | | | | can deliver asthma medication to a patient. Most |
| also possible to develop asthma at any point in life, not | | | | asthma sufferers are prescribed inhalers, which are |
| just in childhood. | | | | more convenient to use than aerosol machines |
| Asthma and sudden asthma attacks can be controlled | | | | nebulizers and are usually adequate for treating the |
| and treated with medication, known as bronchodilators, | | | | condition and even for sudden attacks. |
| which expand the bronchi. The medication must be | | | | Aerosol machines can typically be purchased only with |
| delivered directly to the lungs and therefore must be | | | | a doctor's prescription. They are often prescribed for |
| inhaled. An aerosol machine (also known as a | | | | very young children who are unable to work an |
| nebulizer) is one way of getting that medication to the | | | | asthma inhaler. The mask attachment is generally used |
| lungs. | | | | for young children. The mask is placed over the child's |
| Asthma medication comes in liquid form. In order to be | | | | nose and mouth, creating a seal and ensuring that the |
| inhaled, it must be broken down into fine particles (mist.) | | | | child actually inhales the medication. |
| An aerosol machine/nebulizer is an electronic device | | | | Aerosol machines are also prescribed to patients who |
| that takes the liquid medication and breaks it down into | | | | tend to suffer frequent and/or more serious asthma |
| a mist so that it can be inhaled by a patient. | | | | attacks. Medication dosage and delivery is easier to |
| The device consists of several parts. The main | | | | control with an aerosol machine. Those who tend to |
| component is the air compressor. It must be plugged | | | | suffer frequent and serious attacks get more |
| into a power outlet. The compressor is connected to a | | | | effective treatment from using an aerosol machine, |
| nebulizer cup and mask or mouthpiece by plastic | | | | though they may still use inhalers in combination with |
| tubing. | | | | aerosol machine treatment. |
| The liquid medication is measured into the nebulizer | | | | |