A nebulizer is a machine that can be used at home to administer vaporized medications directly to the lungs for asthmatics and others with serious breathing problems, according to CalderMed. It can be used in addition to a hand-held metered dose inhaler for deeper treatment. The medication is inhaled through a mouthpiece or mask continuously over 15 to 20 minutes. When used following your doctor's instructions, nebulizer treatments are safe for adults and children.
Symptoms of Breathing Disorders
Nebulizer treatments help those with breathing disorders such as allergies, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. Symptoms of breathing disorders include shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, wheezing and coughing, according to PDRhealth. These symptoms may be experienced any time during the day, often worsening at night, so having a nebulizer readily available at home can be life-saving.
Medications
A variety of medications can be used with a nebulizer. According to Monthly Prescribing Reference, inhaled medications can be administered alone or combined with others to improve breathing. Beta-agonists such as albuterol sulfate are used to relax the smooth muscle lining the airways. The corticosteroid budesonide acts to reduce inflammation within the lung. Bronchodilators, such as ipratropium, can be used alone or in combination with another medication. These medications come in pre-measured vials or can be measured out by hand using a medicine dropper. Some of these medications can make you feel jittery, so any side effects should be discussed with your doctor immediately.
Nebulizer Components
The nebulizer consists of an air compressor that is one of two types, mechanical or ultrasonic. The compressor drives the nebulizer and converts the medication from a liquid form into a fine mist that can be breathed in. A length of oxygen tubing connects the compressor to a removable medicine cup where the liquid medication is deposited, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The medication is delivered to the lungs through the mouth using a mouthpiece or a mask that fits over the nose and mouth.
Nebulizer Procedure
The nebulizer must be placed on a flat, stable surface. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you connect the oxygen tubing to the air compressor. To administer the correct amount of medication, use a pre-measured vial, or a clearly demarcated medicine dropper. Place the medication into the medicine cup and replace the top. Attach the mouthpiece or mask to the medicine cup. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, or the mask over your face. Take slow, deep breaths through the mouth for 15 to 20 minutes, until the medication is gone.
Care of the Nebulizer
The nebulizer must remain squeaky clean so that no pathogens are inadvertently introduced into the lungs during treatments. Following each treatment, rinse the medicine cup with warm water and set it out to air dry. Wash the mouthpiece or mask using a mild detergent in warm water. Rinse it thoroughly and set it out to air dry. The tubing doesn't require any special cleaning. The nebulizer components should be hand washed and never put into a dishwasher. The Cleveland Clinic recommends disinfecting the components using a solution of 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1 1/2 cups warm water to soak them for 30 minutes. Rinse well, leaving them out to air dry.
