How to use a Nebulizer

A Nebulizer is a piece of medical equipment that a person with asthma or another respiratory condition can use to administer medication directly and quickly to the lungs.

A nebulizer turns liquid medicine into a very fine mist that a person can inhale through a face mask or mouthpiece. Taking medicine this way allows it to go straight into the lungs and the respiratory system where it is needed.

Who needs a nebulizer?

Doctors typically prescribe nebulizers to people with one of the following lung disorders:

• asthma

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• cystic fibrosis

• bronchiectasis

Sometimes, a doctor will prescribe a nebulizer for a child who has a respiratory infection, such as bronchiolitis.

How to use a nebulizer?

Each nebulizing machine operates a little differently. It is crucial to read the instructions for the particular device that the doctor has prescribed.

In general, a nebulizer is very easy to use, with only a few basic steps:

1. Wash the hands.

2. Add the medicine to the medicine cup, according to the doctor’s prescription.

3. Assemble the top piece, tubing, mask, and mouthpiece.

4. Attach the tubing to the machine, according to the instructions.

5. Turn the nebulizer on; they can be battery- or electrically powered.

6. While using the nebulizer, hold the mouthpiece and medicine cup upright to help deliver all the medication.

7. Take slow, deep breaths through the mouthpiece and inhale all the medicine.

Please speak with the doctor or call the manufacturer with any questions or concerns about the device.

There are several types of medication that a person can use with a nebulizer:

Bronchodilators: These are drugs that help open the airways and make breathing easier. Doctors often prescribe bronchodilators to people with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory disorders.

Sterile saline solution: A nebulizer can deliver sterile saline to help open the airways and thin secretions. This may loosen and make it easier to cough up mucus in the lungs.

Antibiotics: A nebulizer can deliver some types of antibiotics straight into the lungs or respiratory tract when someone has a severe respiratory infection.

How to maintain and clean the nebulizer

The nurse or pharmacist will demonstrate how to clean and maintain the device. The general guidelines are as follows:

Wash the hands and work on a clean surface.

Disconnect the tube, medicine chamber, mask, or mouthpiece, and wash them thoroughly in warm, soapy water.

Allow the pieces to air dry on a clean towel.

Disinfect the machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

A person will need to replace some component pieces between three and four times per year. Consult the instruction manual to learn how and how often to do this. Also, make sure never to share pieces with another person.

It is essential to follow the instructions for cleaning, disinfecting, and replacement.

If a person does not take good care of a nebulizer, it can become contaminated by bacteria that can cause an infection. Infections can be very dangerous,particularly for a person with a lung disorder.