Nebulizer Guidelines
Using a nebulizer is different from using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). While the principle is the same (breathing medication into your lungs to treat your asthma), the nebulizer is a machine that converts the liquid into a mist. The care of the nebulizer is also more specialized than for an MDI.
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What a Nebulizer Treats
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Nebulizer and Cup
Nebulizers are used to treat asthma in young children, the elderly and those whose asthma would benefit from treatments that get farther down into the lungs. A nebulizer is a machine that converts liquid asthma medication into a mist that can be more easily inhaled into the lungs. It consists of a compressor, tubing and a nebulizer cup, the mouthpiece or a face mask.
The medications used in nebulizers are albuterol and/or ipratroprium bromide (Ventolin, Proventil and/or Atrovent). Use of a nebulizer is most often indicated when an asthma patient requires a treatment that delivers medication more quickly and deeper into the lungs than a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) can provide.
Proper Use Guidelines
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Nebulizer Compressor
Before using your nebulizer, put it on a firm surface such as a table and plug it into a three-prong outlet. Before you put the medications into the cup, wash your hands with warm, soapy water. Dry your hands with a clean paper towel. If you have to measure your medication, measure the exact quantity. If your medication comes in small ampules, break those open and pour the medicine into the cup and put the lid of the cup on securely. Connect the mouthpiece or mask to the cup and the cup to the tubing. Switch your nebulizer on and place the mouthpiece in your mouth or the mask over your face. Sit up straight and comfortably and put your lips securely around the mouthpiece. Breathe in slow, deep breaths so the medication can settle deeper into your lungs. If you get dizzy or jittery, stop your treatment for a few minutes, then resume the treatment. This time, try to breathe in more slowly. Once your treatment is over, turn the compressor off and breathe several deep breaths so your medication can move more deeply into your lungs. Cough any secretions into a facial tissue and discard. Disconnect the cup or mask from the tubing and rinse it well. Cover the compressor until the next treatment.
Cleaning Guidelines
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Cup Parts in Warm, Soapy Water
It is important to clean and sterilize your nebulizer on a regular basis (wash the nebulizer cup and/or mask daily in warm, soapy water and sterilize every three days in a solution of water and vinegar* or a disinfectant solution recommended by your nebulizer supplier). *Mix 1/2 cup of vinegar with 1 1/2 cups of water. Immerse the cup and mask for 30 minutes, rinse it completely and allow it to air-dry. Make sure the parts are completely dry, then store them in a clean plastic zipper bag.
To care properly for your compressor, cover it with a clean cloth when it is not being used. Wipe it down with a damp cloth when necessary. Do not immerse your compressor in water. Do not store it or use it on the floor. Check the nebulizer filter on a regular basis. Make sure you clean or replace the filter according to your supplier's directions.
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