A jet nebulizer is a device used to deliver aerosolized medication to the lungs. Jet nebulizers require either an air compressor or compressed gas to aerosolize the medication in the nebulizer reservoir. Jet nebulizers are also called handheld nebulizers, updraft nebulizers; unit dose nebulizers or small volume nebulizers.
Jet-Shearing Principle
Nebulizers use the jet-shearing principle to create an aerosol or mist from a liquid solution held in the reservoir cup. As the compressed gas flows through a small opening in the cup, creating negative pressure, the solution is drawn into a tube. As the solution enters the gas stream, small droplets form from the turbulence and contact with the baffles inside the cup. The larger droplets fall back into the cup and re-circulate.
Parts
A jet nebulizer consists of a nebulizer cup, an air compressor or compressed gas, tubing to connect the cup to the compressor and a mask or mouthpiece. To use the jet nebulizer, you need medication and a power source.
Advantages
Advantages to using a jet nebulizer include its ability to nebulize a wide variety of medications as well as medication mixtures. It is easy to use with minimal coordination and can be used on infants all the way up to the elderly. The medication reservoir allows for easily adjusted medication concentrations.
Disadvantages
Disadvantages include the cost of the air compressor and the need for an external power source. Also, the unit can become contaminated if not properly cleaned after each treatment.
Care
After each use, the nebulizer should be rinsed out with warm water and allowed to air dry. Twice a week, the nebulizer should be disinfected with a vinegar and water solution or a disinfectant provided by your durable medication equipment provider.
