What is a nebulizer?

Doctors prescribe nebulizers as a treatment or breathing therapy if you are suffering from asthma. The type of medication used in nebulizers is the same as that delivered in metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), which are familiar pocket-size inhalers. In the case of children or adults with severe asthma, it may be easier to use nebulizers in comparison to MDIs because they are not able to use inhalers properly.

 

The liquid medicine is turned into a mist, in the nebulizer which helps to treat your asthma. They come either in electric or battery-run versions. Both portable and large size nebulizers are available in the market. You can carry the portable-sized one with you anywhere.  The larger size that’s meant to sit on a table and plug into a wall. Both are made of a base that holds an air compressor, a small container for medicine, and a tube connecting the air compressor to the medicine container. There is a mouthpiece for inhaling the mist, just above the medicine container.

How to use a nebulizer?

The frequency for the use of nebulizers will be prescribed by your doctor. Ask your doctor for any specific instructions regarding your treatment. Read carefully, the user manual provided with the nebulizer, before using it.

 

General instructions for the use of a nebulizer:

 

1. The compressor should be on a flat surface where it can safely reach an outlet.

2. Before using, make sure that all the pieces are clean.

3. Before prepping the medication, clean your hands properly.

4. Mix the medicine in the proper amount and place it in the container, if premixed directly put it in the container.

5. Connect the compressor and the liquid container with the help of a tube.

6. Attach the mouthpiece or the mask.

7. Turn the switch on and check that if the nebulizer is misting.

8. Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your mouth around it or put the mask securely over your nose and mouth, leaving no gaps.

9. Breathe in and out slowly until the medicine is gone. The whole procedure may take 5 to 15 minutes.

10. Keep the liquid container upright throughout the treatment.

 

          

How does it work?

As the pressurized air passes through the tube, the liquid medicine is turned into mist. The mist may be easier to inhale in comparison to the spray from a pocket inhaler, in case of an asthma attack or a respiratory infection. You can’t take deep breaths during an asthma attack, as the airway becomes narrow. For this reason, a nebulizer is a more effective way to deliver the medication than an inhaler, which requires you to take a deep breath.

 

A short-acting (rescue) or a long-acting (maintenance to prevent acute attacks) asthma medication therapy can be delivered using a nebulizer. Multiple medications can also be given in the same treatment using a nebulizer.

 

Medicines normally used in a nebulizer are:

 

• Albuterol

• Formoterol

• Ipratropium

• Budesonide

• Levosalbutamol

• Salbutamol

Depending upon your individual needs, the doctor will decide the medications you need to take in the nebulizer. The dose and type of medication will be prescribed by your doctor. You may receive containers of liquid that are premixed, ready to be opened, and placed in the machine, or you may have to mix the solution before each use.

Maintenance (clean and care) of nebulizer 

The nebulizer should be cleaned after each use and disinfected after every other treatment. The machine must be clean because you are breathing vapor from it. If the machine is not cleaned properly, bacteria and other germs can grow inside it. To make sure that you are not inhaling harmful germs, follow your healthcare provider’s directions for cleaning and disinfecting the machine.

It is not possible to clean the inner side of the tubing completely, so replace it at regular intervals. The time interval for the change of tube will be explained by your healthcare provider.
 

Daily cleaning should include:

 

• Take off the mouthpiece and remove the medicine container. Clean with mild liquid soap and hot water. Rinse properly.

• Shake off the extra water.

• Reconnect the parts of the nebulizer. Turn on the device to air dry the pieces.

 

Disinfecting the nebulizer
 

Disinfecting should include:

 

• Take off the detachable parts.

• Soak the parts of the nebulizer in the solution provided by the health care provider or in one part white vinegar and three parts hot water. 

• Leave for 1 hour. 

• Remove the parts.

• Either reconnect the machine to dry them or let them air dry.

 

Visit your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you have the correct instructions for daily cleaning and disinfecting your nebulizer.

 

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Advantage and Disadvantage of Nebulizer

Advantages of nebulizer	Disadvantages of nebulizer
Nebulizers are easier to use when you are having an asthma attack since you don’t need to take deep breaths while using one.	Nebulizers are usually not as easy to transport as an inhaler.
Multiple medications can be delivered at the same time	They often require a stationary power source
A nebulizer may be easier to use with young children.	Delivery of medications takes longer through a nebulizer than through an inhaler.

 

More to add about nebulizer

Discuss the line of treatment for asthma with your doctor. Although nebulizers are an effective asthma treatment, the machines are noisy, normally require a power source and the treatment takes longer. 

If you get relief from an inhaler, your doctor will prescribe a nebulizer use only when the pump is not working for you. Always keep a nebulizer with you as a backup to avoid emergency room visits.

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