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For treatment & care of asthma, a nebulizer is prescribed as treatment or breathing therapy. The device provides the same kinds of medication as metered dose inhalers (MDIs). But, it works differently and may be easier to use than the MDIs. Nebulizers are suitable for children, or adults with severe asthma. These devices turn liquid medicines into a mist, and help treat asthma. They come in both battery-run and electric version. Also, there are options of larger size and smaller size Nebulizers for your convenience. These are made up of a base that supports an air compressor, instrumentation for liquid medicine, and a tube that links the air compressor to the container of medicine. You can connect a mask or mouthpiece above the medicine container to inhale the mist. Pressurized air flows through the tube and converts liquid medicines into a mist. During an infection or an asthma attack, the mist is easier to inhale than a pocket inhaler spray. When your air passage becomes narrow – during an asthma attack etc. – you can not breath properly. For that reason, nebulizers are more effective for the medication. They can provide short-acting as well as long-acting medication for asthma. One or more medication can be given for the treatment. Your physician will prescribe the type of medicine and dose. There may be premixed containers of liquid, or you will have to mix the solution before every use. Your doctor will brief you how to use the nebulizer. Ask the doctor for any specific instruction for your treatment. Also, you should read the manual that comes with the device.
Here are generic instructions that how to use a nebulizer:
- Place the compressor on an even surface, where it can safely range an outlet.
- Make sure that all the parts are clean.
- Wash your hands before the preparation of medication.
- For premixed medication, place it in the container. Otherwise, measure the accurate amount, mix it, and place in the container.
- Connect the tube, compressor and the liquid medicine container.
- Attach the mask or mouthpiece.
- Turn on the switch, and see that the nebulizer is misting.
- Put the mouthpiece, close your mouth around it, or securely place the mask over your mouth & nose, leaving no gaps.
- Breath in and out slowly, until the medication is gone. This may take 5 to 15 minutes.
- Keep the liquid medicine container upright all through the treatment.
It should be cleaned after every use, and disinfected after every different treatment. The device must be clean, as you are breathing the vapor from it. If the device is not cleaned properly, bacteria could grow inside it. Follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider for cleaning & disinfecting, to ensure that you are not breathing harmful bacterias. The tube should be replaced regularly, as it is not possible to clean it completely from inside. Your provider should tell how often to change the tube.
Daily Cleaning:
- Take off the mask/mouthpiece, and take out the medicine container, wash them with hot water and gentle liquid dish soap.
- Shake off the excess of water.
- Re-connect the mouthpiece/mask and medicine container to the compressor, and turn on the machine to air dry the parts.
Disinfecting:
- Take off the mouthpiece and medicine container.
- Soak them in solution provided by doctor, or three parts hot water and one part white vinegar.
- Soak for one hour, or long.
- Remove the pieces and let them air dry
- Re-connect the pieces with machine to dry them.
Make sure that you have the right instructions for daily cleaning & disinfecting.
Discuss with your doctor about an asthma treatment plan. Nebulization is effective for asthma, but the machines usually require a power source, are noisy, and the treatment is longer. When the pump inhaler is not working for you, your doctor may prescribe a nebulizer. Having a nebulizer can be a good option to avoid emergency visits. |
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