The nebulizer is one of the most important home healthcare devices that helps treat lung conditions and overcome breathing difficulties easily and comfortably. However, it is essential to know how to use a nebulizer correctly to ensure medication benefits and avoid any complications.
What Is a Nebulizer and How Does It Work?
A nebulizer is a small device used by patients at home to convert liquid medication into an easy-to-inhale mist. The medication is inhaled through a mouthpiece or attached face mask, allowing the medication to enter the lungs directly.
Conditions a Nebulizer Helps Treat
Nebulizers can be used, provided you know how to use a nebulizer properly, for patients with lung diseases, such as:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Shortness of breath
Asthma
Bronchiectasis
Cystic fibrosis
Types of Nebulizers
When comparing nebulizers vs. inhalers for adults, we find that the nebulizer is easier and faster to use. Most nebulizers rely on air compressors to generate a mist containing the medication. Another type, called the ultrasonic nebulizer, works by using sound vibrations. Generally, nebulizers are divided into three main types:
1. Jet Nebulizer
This device converts compressed air into a mist of tiny medication particles that float in the air and reach the lungs.
2. Mesh Nebulizer
This nebulizer passes the liquid medication through a small mesh to create a tiny fine mist.
3. Ultrasonic Nebulizer
This nebulizer relies on high-frequency vibrations to deliver the medication into a mist while the droplets are slightly larger. This type of nebulizer is quieter, but it is more expensive compared to previous types.
Types of Medication Used in a Nebulizer
The most common and important classes of drugs that can be used in nebulizers are as follows:
1. Bronchodilators
The bronchodilator medications play an important role in relaxing the muscles of the airways in the respiratory system, which helps the patient breathe better during an attack of shortness of breath.
2. Corticosteroids
Cortisone medications, such as corticosteroids, are also used in nebulizers to prevent airway inflammation and relieve symptoms.
3. Other medications
Sometimes, a patient with asthma, pneumonia, or respiratory distress may need antibiotics or a saline solution to dissolve phlegm and mucus. These medications can also be used in nebulizers.
How to Assemble the Nebulizer and Air Compressor
Among understanding How to use a nebulizer how to use a nebulizer correctly, it must be assembled and prepared as follows:
First, wash and sanitize your hands thoroughly.
Connect the hose to the air compressor.
Then fill the medicine cup in the device with the required medication.
To prevent spillage, make sure the medicine cup is tightly closed and always hold the mouthpiece straight up and down.
Finally, connect the other end of the hose to the mouthpiece and medicine cup. The nebulizer is then ready for use.
How to Use a Nebulizer Step by Step
After assembling it, knowing how to use a nebulizer correctly will be very easy, as follows:
Insert the mouthpiece into your mouth and make sure your lips fit tightly around the mouthpiece to allow the medication to fully enter your lungs.
If you wish to use a mask for better comfort, you can place it over your mouth and nose.
Then breathe through your mouth until the medication in the nebulizer is completely used up. If you have difficulty breathing, you can use a nose clip to breathe through your mouth only
This may take approximately 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the type of inhaler and medication used.
If you feel dizzy during use, try slowing your breathing or resting for a while, then resume use.
After use, the nebulizer must be turned off, the parts disassembled, and cleaned thoroughly.
Are Nebulizers Safe to Use?
If you understand how to use a nebulizer correctly, it will be very safe to use at home. In addition to mastering its use, you must ensure that all parts of the nebulizer are cleaned and sterilized after each use to remove any remaining drops or medication. This prevents bacteria from growing around them and reaching your nebulizer, potentially causing serious health complications when you use the device again.
Care and Cleaning of Nebulizer Equipment
After each use of your nebulizer, you must:
Wash the medicine cup and mouthpiece with warm running water, then let them air dry or use clean paper towels.
Assemble the device parts and run the air inside for 20 - 30 seconds to ensure all parts are dry.
Then disassemble the device again and store it covered until next use.
Note that a mild cleaning powder can be used to clean the external parts, and a saline solution with vinegar can also be used to clean the device.
Nebulizers vs. Inhalers - What’s the Difference?
We can uncover the difference via a complete comparison between nebulizer vs inhaler for adults, as follows:
Nebulizer Features
Easy to use, making it ideal for children and those with severe lung conditions.
With the nebulizer, you can see and feel the medication as it's inhaled.
The process of inhaling medication with this device takes 5 to 10 minutes, or possibly longer.
Larger size, so it may be difficult to use outside the home.
Features of the inhaler:
It delivers medication quickly and accurately.
Some training is required to use it correctly.
It is smaller and more portable, making it easy to take the device outside the home or while traveling.
It is less expensive and does not cause any health complications
However, your doctor will determine whether you need an inhaler or a nebulizer.
When to Call the Doctor
While using the nebulizer, even if you know how to use a nebulizer correctly, you must talk to your doctor immediately if you encounter any of the following symptoms or complications:
Feeling nauseous, dizzy, and anxious.
Experiencing palpitations and severe irregular heartbeat.
Feeling very excited and restless.
Experiencing shortness of breath and difficulty using the device.
Taking Care of Your Nebulizer for Long-Term Use
To keep your device in good condition for as long as possible, you should adhere to the following instructions:
Each week, make sure to soak the nebulizer parts for a sufficient time in a suitable sterile disinfectant at least once.
The nebulizer medicine cup and mouthpiece can be soaked in a solution of one cup of distilled white vinegar to two cups of warm water.
Learn well how to disassemble and reassemble the device parts accurately and carefully.
If you do not know how to use a nebulizer correctly, ask your healthcare provider or family member for help.
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FAQs
What to put in a nebulizer for a cough?
You can put in it the medication that was prescribed by the doctor to relieve a cough.
How to make nebulizer mist?
By pressing on the air compressor and converting the liquid drug into a mist.
What are common nebulizer mistakes?
Incorrect use, not placing the mouthpiece properly and tightly, and using medication doses exceeding the recommended dose.
Is a salbutamol nebulizer safe in pregnancy?
Yes, the salbutamol nebulizer can be used safely during pregnancy.
Sources:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000006.htm
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/4254-home-nebulizer