If your child needs medicine to reduce wheezing, it's important to get the medicine where it's needed - in the lungs. Nebulizers and inhalers are both designed to deliver medicine, but which device is better? This week we look at the differences between a nebulizer and an inhaler and how each can help a child with wheezing.

What is a nebulizer?

 A nebulizer is a powerful device that turns liquid asthma medications into a mist that is easy to inhale. It can be powered by electricity or batteries and is available in portable and tabletop versions. An air compressor helps turn the liquid medicine into a mist that passes through a tube connected to the mouth. Some nebulizers can also be used with a face mask that covers the mouth and nose. This method of delivery is especially useful for very young children.

What is an inhaler?

An inhaler is a small, portable device that delivers asthma medication. The most common type of inhaler is a metered dose inhaler, also known as an MDI. MDI inhalers are often used at intervals because intermittent inhalers are often misused. This is because inhalers require special equipment to effectively deliver asthma medications to the lungs. Misuse of inhalers is common, and asthma medications can only reach the back of the throat. If your child has an inhaler, it is important to use it correctly. Improper suction techniques can make breath-holding ineffective and make wheezing difficult to control.

Nebulizer or inhaler - which is better? 

This is a slightly burdensome question for our team as we have created a smart, connected, and wearable nebulizer. A 2015 study from the University of Texas found that 84 percent of people misuse their inhalers. As the best-known way to deliver life-saving respiratory drugs, we find these statistics appalling. The main difference between a nebulizer and an inhaler is the ease of use. Nebulizers are designed to deliver medication directly to the lungs and require little or no cooperation from the patient. This is important because the lungs are a source of inflammation. It's a good choice for young children, as all you need to breathe normally to use the nebulizer 'correctly' is to use it. If you think your child is using the inhaler incorrectly, or if you think you are not taking the full dose, it is important to discuss your concerns with your doctor.