Definition

1. Noun:
   • A medical device that produces a vapor or aerosol to be inhaled through the nose or mouth: An inhalator is a dispenser designed to deliver medication in a fine mist or vapor form directly into the patient's respiratory system to relieve congestion or treat other conditions.
   • A breathing apparatus for providing artificial respiration: An inhalator can also refer to a device used to administer long-term mechanical ventilation or assisted breathing to a patient who cannot breathe adequately on their own.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor prescribed a steroid inhalator for her asthma.
  • After the surgery, the patient was kept on an inhalator for 24 hours to support his breathing.

Advanced Usage

• Medical Context: In clinical settings, the term "inhalator" is often used interchangeably with "nebulizer" when referring to devices that convert liquid medicine into a breathable aerosol. However, it is distinct from a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI).
  • The nurse set up the ultrasonic inhalator to deliver the bronchodilator medication.

Variants and Related Words

• Inhaler (n): A more common general term for a portable device used to deliver medication to the lungs. An inhalator is often a specific type of inhaler, typically referring to a nebulizer or a resuscitation device.
• Nebulizer (n): A type of inhalator that uses compressed air or ultrasonic power to turn liquid medicine into a mist.
• Respirator (n): A device worn over the mouth and nose to protect from airborne particles or, in a medical context, a machine that provides mechanical ventilation.

Synonyms

• Nebulizer: A device that aerosolizes liquid medication for inhalation.
• Breathing apparatus: Equipment designed to supply or support breathing.
• Vaporizer: A device that produces a vapor, often for inhalation (though more general than a medical inhalator).

Related Phrases

• To use an inhalator: The act of administering medication or receiving respiratory support via the device.
  • He had to use his inhalator every four hours during the allergy season.
• To be on an inhalator: To be dependent on a device for artificial respiration.
  • The accident victim was on an inhalator in the intensive care unit.

Noun

1. a dispenser that produces a chemical vapor to be inhaled in order to relieve nasal congestion
2. a breathing device for administering long-term artificial respiration