NEBULIZER

A nebulizer changes medication from a liquid to a mist so that it can be more easily inhaled into the lungs. They are particularly effective in delivering asthma medications to infants and small children and to anyone who has difficulty using an asthma inhaler.

Nebulized therapy is often called a “breathing treatment.” And a variety of medications — both for immediate relief and maintenance of asthma symptoms — are available for use with a nebulizer.

To obtain a nebulizer, you need a prescription from your doctor, or it can be dispensed from your pediatrician’s office. Oftentimes, a breathing treatment is administered at the doctor’s office.

To use a nebulizer, you will need the following supplies:

  • Air compressor
  • Nebulizer cup
  • Mask or mouthpiece
  • Medication (either unit dose vials or bottles with measuring devices)
  • Compressor tubing

How Do I Use a Nebulizer?

  1. Place the air compressor on a sturdy surface that will support its weight. Plug the cord from the   compressor into a properly grounded (three-prong) electrical outlet.
  2. Wash your handswith soap and water and dry completely before asthma treatment.
  3. Carefully measure medications exactly as you have been instructed and put them into the nebulizer cup. Most medications today come in premeasured unit dose vials so measuring is not necessary. If you do measure, use a separate, clean measuring device for each medication.
  4. Assemble the nebulizer cup and mask or mouthpiece.
  5. Connect the tubing to both the aerosol compressor and nebulizer cup.
  6. Turn on the compressor to make sure it is working correctly. You should see a light mist coming from the back of the tube opposite the mouthpiece.
  7. Sit up straight on a comfortable chair. If the treatment is for your child, he or she may sit on your lap. If you are using a mask, position it comfortably and securely on your or your child’s face. If you are using a mouthpiece, place it between your or your child’s teeth and seal the lips around it.
  8. Take slow, deep breaths. If possible, hold each breath for 2-3 seconds before breathing out. This allows the medication to settle into the airways.
  9. Continue the treatment until the medication is gone (an average of 10 minutes). The nebulizer will make a sputtering noise, and the cup will have just a little medication remaining.
  10. Stop the treatment and rest for about 5 minutes if dizziness or jitteriness occurs. Continue the treatment, and try to breathe more slowly. Inform your health care provider if dizziness or jitteriness continues to be a problem with future treatments.

If the medication sticks to the sides of the nebulizer cup during the treatment, you may shake the cup to loosen the droplets.

Your pediatrician should tell you the frequency of nebulizer use and how long you should use it.  You should also be given an asthma action plan that explains which medications to use and when.

Using a portable nebulizer is similar to using a home nebulizer, except that you don’t need to plug it in. Most models are small enough to hold in your hand during use.

Related Articles

TETRALOGY OF FALLOT

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that affects the [...]

TRICHINOSIS

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is a parasitic infection caused by [...]

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe facial pain. [...]