If you have a medical condition that affects your breathing, such as pneumonia, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or a respiratory infection, you may need to use a nebulizer. A nebulizer is an electrical machine that is turned on through a wall outlet and plug or battery. A nebulizer converts liquid medication into a fine mist that is exhaled into the patient's lungs through a mouthpiece or face mask. This will dissipate the mist containing the medication and help the patient breathe better.
Step
Method 1 of 1: Getting Ready to Use the Nebulizer
Step 1. Wash your hands
Start by washing your hands for 20 seconds with soap under running water. Rinse hands and dry with paper towels. Turn off the faucet using a paper towel.
Step 2. Put the medicine into the nebulizer
Remove the cap of the nebulizer cup and put the medicine prescribed by the doctor in it. Many types of respiratory medications for nebulizer therapy. Many types of drugs for nebulizer therapy are available in pre-measured doses. If you don't get it, measure one dose at the prescribed amount. Close the nebulizer tightly to prevent the medicine from spilling out. Do not forget to plug the air compressor into a power outlet if the nebulizer is not battery operated.
- Medications that can be put into a nebulizer include inhaled beta agonists and anticholinergics, inhaled glucorticoids, and inhaled antibiotics. Other inhaled medications are available for the treatment of nonrespiratory ailments. Not all drugs can be processed by aerosol.
- Jet or pneumatic nebulizers are the most common types. Newer types of nebulizers are designed to deliver the entire drug during the inhalation process. The performance of a nebulizer can be affected by the method, the aerosol formation mechanism, and the drug formation. Consult a doctor or respiratory therapist if you need instructions on how to use the nebulizer.
Step 3.
Wear a mouth cover.
Connect the mouthpiece to the nebulizer cup. While different manufacturers may manufacture slightly different jet nebulizers, the mouthpiece is generally attached to the top of the nebulizer cup. Most nebulizers have a mouthpiece, instead of a face mask, because they can cause facial deposits.
Connect the nebulizer pipes. Attach one end of the oxygen tube to the nebulizer cup. In most types of nebulizers, the tube will be connected to the bottom of the cup. Connect the other end of the tube to the air compressor used for the nebulizer.
Using the Nebulizer
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Turn on the air compressor and use the nebulizer. Place the mouthpiece over your mouth, at the top of your tongue, and keep your mouth locked firmly around it. Inhale slowly into your mouth so that all the medicine goes into your lungs. Exhale through your mouth or nose. For adults, covering the nose can help ensure medications are inhaled through the mouth.
Use a Nebulizer Step 5 Consider using an aerosol mask as an alternative to mouth coverings for children or people who can't keep a mouth shut. The aerosol mask is attached to the top of the nebulizer cup. These masks are available in sizes for both children and adults
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Continue to inhale the medication. Sit down and continue to inhale the medicine until the fog stops. This process usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Once all the liquid is used up, the fog will stop coming out. The nebulizer cup generally appears empty. Distract yourself by watching television or listening to music.
Use a Nebulizer Step 6 Organize activities to keep young children busy during nebulizer treatment. Puzzles, books, or coloring books can help the child stay seated during the treatment process. Ideally, hold your child on your lap as he or she has to sit up straight to get the optimal dose of medication
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Turn off the nebulizer and clean it. Be sure to unplug the nebulizer from the wall outlet and remove the medicine cup and mouthpiece from the tube. Wash the medicine cup and mouthpiece with warm soapy water, then rinse with water. Place the utensil on a clean towel to air dry completely. Be sure to perform these steps after each treatment and daily.
Use a Nebulizer Step 7 Do not wash the nebulizer pipe. Replace the pipes if they come into contact with water. Also, do not clean any part of the nebulizer in the dishwasher as the heat can bend the plastic
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Clean the nebulizer with a disinfectant once a week. To do this, always follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Soak all parts of the nebulizer, except the pipe, in 1 part distilled white vinegar to 3 parts hot water for one hour. Discard the solution. Soak the parts of the nebulizer, except the tubing, in cold water and pat dry on a clean towel. Once all parts are dry, store the nebulizer in a clean box.
Use a Nebulizer Step 8 For hygiene, if more than one person needs a nebulizer, do not share utensils even if they have been washed. Everyone has to use their own nebulizer
Tips
- Children under 6 years old are better off wearing a tight fitting sized mask. Doctors' offices usually provide masks with dinosaur images to use on their faces so that children don't feel too intimidated.
- An oxygen cylinder can also be used instead of an air compressor if necessary. Change the flow rate to between 6 and 8 liters per minute to start the aerosol process. While this is another alternative, it's not always good to use because you can run out of oxygen.
