During the changing season, people often fall prey to cough and cold, especially children fall ill easily in this season. When the air becomes polluted during the winter season, cough, cold, sore throat and breathing problems increase. Generally, this problem is seen more in the elderly and children and in such cases, doctors advise people to take steam, because it removes the accumulated mucus and reduces breathing problems. In such a situation, people start using nebulizer and steamer at home, but what is the difference between these two, let us know what nebulizer and steamer are, how they are used and which method is better for whom.
What is a nebulizer?
Nebulizer is a medical device that converts medicines into very fine smoke or steam so that the patient can easily inhale it. Doctors recommend it to patients suffering from asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and severe cold. In a nebulizer, liquid medicine is put into the machine and inhaled through a mask or mouthpiece.
For whom is a nebulizer necessary?
- people with asthma or respiratory disease
- Small children or elderly people who find it difficult to operate the inhaler.
- For the use of special medicines prescribed by the doctor
What is a steamer?
Steamer is a common household appliance used for treating cold, sore throat, nasal congestion or skin cleaning. You must have seen more people using steamers in parlors. The steamer heats water and creates steam, which you inhale through the nose or mouth. It moisturizes the respiratory tract and helps reduce congestion. It is cheap, hence people use it at home to take steam during cold and winter.
For whom is a steamer necessary?
Mild cold or nasal congestion
For skin cleansing or facial
To get relief from sore throat or sinus problems
What is the difference between nebulizer and steamer?
nebulizer
This is a medical device that converts medicine into fine smoke.
Used in respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis and COPD.
Delivers the medicine directly to the lungs, which gives quick effect.
Doctor’s advice and exact dosage is necessary.
Suitable for small children and elderly people who find it difficult to operate the inhaler.
steamer
- This is a domestic steam appliance, which produces steam by heating water.
- Provides relief from mild cold, sore throat and sinus.
- Steam affects only the nose, throat and skin, not the lungs.
- Can be used with plain water or sometimes adding herbal oil.
- Safe and easy to use at home without doctor’s advice.
What precautions should be taken while using nebulizer?
- Always use the medicine only after consulting the doctor.
- Clean the machine and mask after every use.
- Never add oils and herbal products without consulting.
What precautions should be taken for steamer
- Do not heat the water too much, otherwise the skin may burn. Take special care while giving steam to children.
- Do not take steam for more than 10-15 minutes at a time.
Nebulizer or steamer which is better?
It completely depends on your situation. If you only have cold or sore throat, then a steamer is enough for you. But if you have asthma, bronchitis or frequent difficulty in breathing, then nebulizer is a better option. But it is always safe to use it under doctor’s supervision.
Both steamer and nebulizer are beneficial, but they are used in different circumstances. Steamer provides relief in mild problems, while nebulizer is a medical device for serious respiratory problems. Both can cause harm if used incorrectly, so use them with caution and correct information.
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