Name of the Procedure:

Pressurized or Nonpressurized Inhalation Treatment for Acute Airway Obstruction

• Common names: Inhalation therapy, Nebulizer treatment, Aerosol therapy, Metered-dose inhaler (MDI) therapy
• Medical terms: Intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB)

Summary

Inhalation therapy is a medical treatment that uses devices like aerosol generators, nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers, or intermittent positive pressure breathers to deliver medication directly to the lungs. This treatment helps to open airways, make breathing easier, and can also be used to collect sputum samples for diagnostic purposes.

Purpose

• Medical condition: Relief for acute airway obstruction, treatment of conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory infections.
• Goals: To quickly alleviate difficulty in breathing, reduce airway inflammation, and facilitate sputum induction for diagnostic tests.

Indications

• Symptoms: Shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness.
• Conditions: Asthma, COPD, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress.
• Patient criteria: Individuals with acute respiratory symptoms or requiring sputum samples.

Preparation

• Instructions: Usually, no special preparation is needed. Patients should follow any specific guidelines provided by their healthcare provider, such as taking or withholding certain medications.
• Diagnostics: Sometimes, a spirometry test might be recommended beforehand to assess lung function.

Procedure Description

1. Setup: The device (nebulizer/aerosol generator/MDI/IPPB) is prepared with the prescribed medication.
2. Administration:
   • For a nebulizer, the patient inhales a mist of the medication through a mouthpiece or mask.
   • For an MDI, the patient inhales a dose of aerosolized medication by pressing the inhaler.
   • For IPPB, the device uses positive pressure to deliver the medication, which involves breathing into a mask or mouthpiece.
3. Duration: The patient breathes in the medication over several minutes, typically ranging from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the device and medication used.

• Tools/Equipment: Nebulizer, aerosol generator, MDI, IPPB device.
• Anesthesia/Sedation: Not required.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 5 to 20 minutes.

Setting

Usually performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or at home under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Personnel

• Respiratory therapist
• Nurse
• Physician

Risks and Complications

• Common risks: Dry mouth, throat irritation, cough, or mild dizziness.
• Rare risks: Allergic reactions to the medication, increased heart rate, or paradoxical bronchospasm.
• Management: These are usually managed by adjusting the medication or dosage and monitoring the patient closely.

Benefits

• Expected benefits: Rapid relief of respiratory symptoms, improved breathing, and effective medication delivery.
• Realization: Benefits are typically realized immediately or within minutes after the procedure.

Recovery

• Post-procedure care: Patients should rest and monitor for any side effects.
• Recovery time: Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately, with follow-up appointments as needed.

Alternatives

• Other options: Oral medications, intravenous therapy, or injectable medications.
• Pros and cons: Inhalation therapy is often faster and more directly targets the lungs, with fewer systemic side effects compared to oral or injectable medications.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure: Slight discomfort from the mask or mouthpiece, the sensation of the medication entering the lungs.
• After the procedure: Improved breathing, potential mild throat irritation, or dry mouth.
• Pain management: Pain is not typically an issue, but measures are taken to ensure the patient’s comfort.