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SKIP TO A TOPIC:     ASTHMA  |  EMPHYSEMA  |  BRONCHITIS

ASTHMA

AsthmaAsthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the air passages or bronchial tubes. Persons who suffer from asthma have chronically inflamed airways that overreact to certain stimuli or "triggers" leading to an asthma attack.

There is no known cure for asthma, but with devices that predict flare-ups and easy-to-use medications, it is now a manageable disease. Once the diagnosis of asthma is confirmed, your physician can determine the treatment that is best for you.

Treatment for asthma varies. Anti-allergy drugs are used to prevent asthma attacks. Anti-inflammatory medications work to present increased inflammation of the airways. Meter-dosed inhalers deliver preset doses of corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and prophylactic agents to control the onset of an attack or treat one already in progress.

Compressor & Nebulizers:

CompressorsMany asthma medications are available in liquid form and administered through aerosol delivery devices. These devices, called compressors and nebulizers, allow the drug to be inhaled directly into the lungs where it begins to immediately reverse constriction and widen airways.

Perkins offers high quality Invacare products.

InvacareThe Invacare Envoy Jr. is a high-quality, economical compressor that is efficient, cost-effective, and simple to use.

Perkins also offers the Invacare Envoy Aerosol Compressor, Invacare Passport, Invacare Freeway Lite, Invacare Sidestream Nebulizers, Invacare True PFM Zone Peak Flow Meter, and the AeroChamber VHC (Aerosol Valve Holding Chamber).

EMPHYSEMA

EmphysemaEmphysema is one of several lung disorders classified as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It is a chronic condition in which there is damage to the alveoli or air sacs in the lungs, causing a decrease in respiratory function. As the person breathes, oxygen is unable to transfer efficiently to the blood, resulting in shortness of breath.

Early symptoms include increasing shortness of breath and chronic coughing.

Emphysema is treated by:

  • Quitting smoking
  • Drug therapy
  • Antibiotics
  • Lung transplantation
  • Lung volume reduction surgery
  • Oxygen therapy

Three devices are most commonly used for oxygen administration:

  • High-pressure oxygen cylinders or tanks
  • Oxygen concentrators
  • Liquid oxygen

Oxygen concentrators are the most common and economical. An oxygen concentrator passes room air through a powder to separate oxygen from nitrogen. This oxygen is concentrated and delivered while the nitrogen is periodically released back into the air.

Traditional concentrators require an electrical source for operation and can limit an individual's daily activities. Some newer models of concentrators can fill small portable cylinders at home, providing oxygen portability for users that are more active.

BRONCHITIS

BronchitisWhat is chronic bronchitis?

Chronic bronchitis is one of several lung disorders classified as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD). According to the American Lung Association, approximately 14.2 million Americans have chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation or obstruction in the bronchial tubes. This inflammation leads to the production of excessive mucus, which restricts airflow to and from the lungs, causing shortness of breath.

Three devices for respiratory assistance with bronchitis are:

  • High-pressure oxygen cylinders or tanks
  • Oxygen concentrators
  • Liquid oxygen

Perkins Medical Supply has all of your medical supplies to help you live a happier and healthier life.

Please call us for more information. We're here to help you.