Basic Function
A jet nebulizer is a medical device that is used for the inhalation of medicine. It is commonly used to treat asthma patients and lung disease in cystic fibrosis cases. Jet nebulizers allow the medicine to reach the lungs directly, where they can be more effective. Jet nebulizers function by converting solutions or suspensions into aerosols with a mist particle size small enough to reach the lungs via inhalation. In addition to jet nebulizers, there are mesh nebulizers and ultrasonic nebulizers.
Aerosol Production
The medicine is placed in the nebulizer's medicine cup. When the jet nebulizer is used, the medicine forms a thin film of liquid. A compressor forces air through the thin film of liquid medicine, turning it into a mist. The mist is forced by the air pressure generated by the compressor into the mouthpiece, where the patient breathes it in. Some compressors use AC electrical outlets and some are battery powered, which allows them to be portable but may produce lower air pressure.
Types of Jet Nebulizers
A common jet nebulizer is called a T-piece nebulizer. This type of nebulizer has a hole in the back through which extra air can be inhaled along with the medicine. The extra air functions to dilute the aerosol. Other jet nebulizers make smaller particles in the aerosol, allowing the medicine to go deeper into the lungs. This type of jet nebulizer shortens the treatment time but is not appropriate for every type of inhaled medicine. Other types of jet nebulizers only let extra air into the nebulizer during inhalations. This allows for less medicine to be wasted during exhalations.
