1. Take a Deep Breath
A nebulizer is a machine that breaks down liquid medicine and delivers it directly to the lungs as a mist. The nebulizer gets medicine where it needs to go quickly for patients who suffer from asthma or a persistent cough related to bronchitis, pneumonia or other lung conditions. The nebulizer has two parts: the compressor and the nebulizer. The compressor breaks down the medicine and the nebulizer delivers the medicine through a tube, medicine cup and a face mask or breathing tube. Nebulizers are fairly small and easy to use and require a prescription from a doctor. Nebulizers help restore regular breathing fast and break up congestion and tightness in the lungs making coughs more productive and reducing inflammation.
2. Slowly, In and Out
Once your doctor determines that you or your child needs a nebulizer, you'll usually take one home from the doctor's office or take your prescription to a medical supply company for filling. When using a nebulizer, doctors recommend slow, even breaths. Some even tell patients to hold their breath for a few seconds after inhaling with nebulizer medicine to give it a chance to absorb into the lungs. A nebulizer treatment takes anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, but most machines do the job so quickly you'll only be sitting for about 7 to 10 minutes. After all the medicine leaves the cup the steam from the cup disappears and the compressor slows and sputters. That's how you know it's time to stop the treatment, or simply follow your doctor's instructions for treatment length.
3. Keep It Clean
One of the biggest mistakes people make with a nebulizer is not keeping it clean. Each removable part of the nebulizer needs thorough cleaning in order for the machine to stay safe and sanitary. One good trick to dry out the tubing is to remove the cup and mouth piece and allow the machine to run for a few more minutes. This dries out the tubing thoroughly and removes any chance of bacteria from left over moisture. Another thing to remember is that if more than one person in the house needs the nebulizer, have separate cups and mouth pieces for every user. Most nebulizer cups and mouthpieces are dishwasher safe. After every few treatments submerge the tubing in hot, soapy water and blow the water out one end. Rinse. Place the tubing back onto the machine and run until it dries out completely.
4. I Feel Dizzy
There are very few disadvantages or side effects from nebulizer use. However, if you breath in and out too quickly, you may experience dizziness or light headedness. It's also important to remember that the nebulizer delivers a large dose of medicine right where it needs to go quickly, so if you become jittery during treatment, turn the machine off and rest a few minutes before continuing.
5. For the Kids
Children under four who need a nebulizer may have an easier time with a face mask. Older children do well with the mouth piece, especially if you tell them to watch the funny rubber piece at the end go up and down with each breath.
