How to Use a Handheld Nebulizer

Using a nebulizer correctly takes a few steps.

One method to deliver aerosolized medication to lungs is to use a device called a nebulizer, which transforms liquid medicine into an aerosol that can be inhaled. It takes just a bit of practice to learn to use a nebulizer correctly.

Things You'll Need

• Prescribed liquid medication
• Saline solution
• Air compressor
• Watch with second hand

Instructions

1. Wash your hands in hot water with soap before touching the nebulizer. Check your pulse, using a watch with a second hand and your index finger placed on your wrist. (You need to know your baseline pulse in order to track it during your treatment session.) Take off the top of the nebulizer, twisting the top counterclockwise.

2. Pour the prescribed amount of medication into the cup inside the nebulizer. Follow your doctor's instruction on adding saline solution at this point. Reinstall the nebulizer top by pushing it in place and turning clockwise.

3. Locate the breathing port "T" fitting on the nebulizer. Connect the mouthpiece of the nebulizer to one side of the "T" fitting and connect the flexible tubing to the other side.

4. Connect one side of the tubing to the air compressor body and the other side to the port on the bottom of the nebulizer. Plug in the air compressor and turn it on. Verify that a mist is coming out of the nebulizer mouthpiece.

5. Sit down in a chair, as upright as possible. Place the nebulizer mouthpiece so that the end extends past your front teeth. Close your lips around the end of the mouthpiece to create a tight seal. Breathe in the medicine using a slow, deep rhythm, holding your breath after each inhale for a 3 count before you exhale. Repeat until the medicine is gone, checking your pulse every 5 minutes to make sure it has not elevated. Stop treatment and call your doctor if your pulse goes up 20 beats per minute or more.

6. Turn off the nebulizer and cough into a tissue to clear your lungs of fluid. Clean the medicine cup using warm water.

References

• Mercy of Today: Home Care Instructions: Hand-Held Nebulizer PDF