Nebulizer is a tool that works to change the asthma medication from liquid to mist type. In this way, the medication can be easier to inhale to the lungs. In infants and also small children or other asthma sufferers that get difficulty in using inhaler, this tool is so much effective.
When a patient needs inhaled medication in a large dose, nebulizer will be a convenient tool needed. The using of nebulizer is commonly called as Breathing Treatment. There are kinds of asthma medications that use nebulizer as the tool; both the asthma symptom maintenance and the immediate relief.
There are two types of nebulizer; Tabletop Nebulizer (which is used at home) and Portable Nebulizer. Tabletop nebulizer is commonly designed in larger size and need electrical outlet to plug in. Meanwhile, the portable one works with batteries power; either disposable, rechargeable, or plug into cigarette lighter in a car. The portable nebulizer is designed in small size; a little bit larger than a cards deck. The small design enables it to be carried in bag, purse, backpack, or another place so it can be used whenever and wherever needed.
A nebulizer can be purchased with a prescription of a doctor that treat your asthma. Otherwise, you can dispense it from the office of a pediatrician because the breathing treatment is commonly administered at the office of the doctor. The cost of a nebulizer ranges from $50 and maybe more expensive. Besides, it also need some accessories that are available separately. Because of the smaller size, you can buy portable nebulizer in cheaper price. Both of the models are commonly covered by durable medical equipment portion in the health insurance policies. However, the insurance company usually has determined the medical equipment supplier with more durable products. You may need to check the insurance policy before purchase or rent a nebulizer. Or ask the health care provider to help the arrangement.
How to Use a Nebulizer?
There are some supplies that are needed to use a nebulizer, such as: nebulizer cup, air compressor, mouthpiece or mask, medication based on the dose, and also a compressor tubing. When you have prepared the supplies required, do some steps below to use the tool:
- Put the air compressor on a stable place so it supports the weight properly. Plug the compressor cord into a proper electrical outlet.
- Clean your hands properly with water and soap and then dry your hands completely before doing the asthma treatment.
- Measure the medication carefully and exactly based on the instruction and then put it into the nebulizer cup. Most asthma medications today have been made in one dose vial so you may not need measuring process. If you still need a measuring process, make sure every device is clean and used separately for every medication.
- Bring together the nebulizer cup and mask or mouthpiece.
- Make sure the tube has been connected to the nebulizer cup and also the aerosol compressor.
- Try to turn on the compressor so you will know that it works well. See the light mist that comes from the tube’s back; the mouthpiece’s opposite.
- Sit on a comfortable chair straightly during the treatment. If the treatment is done to a small child, sitting on your lap is allowable. Position the mask securely and comfortably on the face. If mouthpiece is the option, then you should position it between the teeth and then cover the lips around it.
- Breathe deeply and slowly, and hold every breath in 2-3 seconds if possible before you breath it out. In this way, you can help the medication settle into the airways.
- The medication will take about 10 minutes. And then the sputtering noise will come out from the nebulizer, whilst just a little medication remained.
- Stop the treatment if you feel dizzy or jitteriness and then take a rest for about 5 minutes. Then continue while breathing more slowly. Consult your health care provider if the dizziness still continue in the next treatments.
Pay attention to the running of the nebulizer during the treatment. So you can solve some problems that may happen. You should shake the cup when you notice sticky medication on the cup’s sides so the droplets are loosened. Ask the pediatrician about the using frequency of nebulizer and how long the treatment should be had. You also should get asthma action plan, which is an explanation about the medication using and the proper time. About the portable nebulizer, the model may have similar way to use, but it isn’t plugged in and in smaller handy size.
Take Care a Nebulizer Properly
You just need some simple steps to do the important cleaning and disinfecting process to the asthma nebulizer. Cleaning it properly will help preventing infection. Clean the nebulizer in a place that is free from dust and smoke as well as far from an opened window.
Some instructions below may guide you to clean a nebulizer:
- Clean the nebulizer soon after every treatment. Rinse the cup thoroughly by using warm water, shake the excess water off and then let it dry by air. The cup and mask or mouthpiece also should be washed in every day end. Use warm water plus a little bit mild detergent. Rinse the accessories well and then let them dry by the air. Whilst, the compressor tubing doesn’t need to be cleaned.
- Disinfect the equipment in every third day after the washing time. Use some vinegar with water solution or ready to use solution that can be purchased in the equipment supplier. The water vinegar can be made by mixing those two ingredients in the same amounts. Use it to soak the equipment for about 20 minutes and then rinse properly under a water stream. Shake the excess water off and then place on a paper towel until them dried by the air. Dry the equipment completely before you store them inside a zippered bag.
- Cover a clean cloth to the compressor when it isn’t used. Clean it with a clean damp cloth whenever required.
- Never put the compressor on the floor during the treatment or when you store it.
- For the medication. Store them in a dry and cool place. Read the instruction well because every medication needs different way of storing. Throw the medication away when they have changed the color or forming crystals.
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