Which benefits do inhalators offer?

Technical perfection
Today, a practice that once constituted simple inhalation by holding the head over a pot of hot water or saline solution, is now possible with far more modern aids that are also more effective. This is because water vapor is not capable of reaching all angles of the respiratory tract due to the size of its particles. Achieving this requires a much finer mist. Since the development of inhalation devices, it has also been possible to deliver special medical drugs directly to the respiratory tract. Since active ingredients and medication are converted into microscopically fine nebulae, inhalers are often also referred to as 'nebulizers'.

Active ingredients at the right place
In cases of persistent or chronic respiratory diseases such as colds, bronchitis and bronchial asthma, inhalators are often the best treatment devices. They are specially designed to deliver the soothing remedies right to where they are meant to be effective: namely in the upper or lower respiratory tract. The upper respiratory tract includes the nose and throat, while the lower respiratory tract refers to the area of the bronchi and the lungs.

Medical advice
It is important to consult your doctor: If you suffer from asthma, bronchitis or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), mucoviscidosis (also known as cystic fibrosis) or a persistent cold and are advised to use an inhaler, your doctor should also advise which drugs should be used in the inhaler.

Suitable remedy
An inhaler is capable of transporting medication (in the form of liquids, aerosols or powders) into the airways in a targeted and rapid manner. All you need to do is vigorously inhale (when using powder inhalers) or inhale and exhale (when using nebulizers). Some mobile inhalers already include the medicine - these are, for example, helpful in the event of an asthma attack. Other devices need to be filled with the medication before starting the inhalation.

Accessories
There are inhalers with a fixed mouthpiece or with an exchangeable mouthpiece or mask, as well as those that can be adapted to fit/for use by children. It is important to thoroughly clean and disinfect the washable parts after each treatment.

Ease of use
Once familiar with the effects and use of the inhaler, application is relatively simple: The device is filled with the inhalation solution, the mouthpiece is placed between the teeth or the mask is placed on the face and the device is switched on. The inhaler does the work of misting the drug so that it can reach the respiratory tract quickly and directly. After treatment, the device is switched off and the washable parts are cleaned and disinfected.

Inhaler for children
It is important to help children suffering from respiratory disease, who have been prescribed an inhaler treatment by the doctor, with the correct use of the device and to ensure that appropriate accessories (mouthpiece, child mask) are used. Some inhalers are even suitable for babies and cannot just help with relieving colds, but are also effective for treating allergies or clogged noses.

Reimbursement of costs
Health insurance partially or fully covers the costs of an inhaler (maximum reimbursement: CHF 350.00), provided the device has been prescribed by a doctor.