If you or your child suffer from chronic diseases such as asthma or sleep apnea, or an acute illness such as pneumonia or bronchitis, you may require in-home breathing treatments. If your breathing treatments do not seem to work as well as they once did, call your doctor. If you are in respiratory distress, extremely short of breath, or if your fingernails or lips turn gray or blue, call 911 or get emergency medical help.
Inhalers
Many people with asthma or certain acute respiratory conditions use inhalers to deliver medication to their lungs. The most common type of inhaler, according to Kids Health, is the metered dose inhaler. With this type of inhaler, you push down on the canister of medication at the same time that you take a slow, deep breath. Some people may have trouble getting the medication where it needs to be, because the mist of medicine can land in your mouth or throat instead of being inhaled into the lungs. Devices such as dry powder inhalers or spacers can reduce or eliminate this problem.
Nebulizers
A nebulizer is a machine that helps to administer medications into the lungs. Kids Health states that babies and young children can not use inhalers, so nebulizers are an alternate therapy for illnesses or chronic respiratory diseases. Nebulizers are powered by battery or electricity, and come with a mask that fits over the patient's face. One disadvantage of using a nebulizer instead of an inhaler is the time required; the breathing treatment can take up to 10 minutes, which prevents the medication from reaching the lungs quickly.
Supplemental Oxygen
If you have lung, heart or blood conditions, or if you were exposed to certain poisons, you may require supplemental oxygen on a temporary or permanent basis. Once you receive a prescription for oxygen, an oxygen delivery service will set up your equipment, show you how to use it and explain important safety information to you. Depending on your specific needs, you may have an oxygen mask or a nasal tube to help get the oxygen into your lungs. Oxygen is available in compressed or liquid forms, and your doctor will recommend the type that is right for your situation.
CPAP Machines
If you have sleep apnea, one common treatment is a CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, machine. A CPAP machine is a device that you wear at night to provide a constant flow of air into your nose or mouth. This type of breathing treatment can prevent pauses in your breathing while you are asleep. Your doctor will recommend the type of CPAP machine and mask that are right for you. The American Sleep Apnea Association recommends renting a machine before purchasing it to make sure that the machine you are considering is working for you.
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