A Guide to Nebulizer Use and Care

By: Jason Petrina



A nebulizer is a device that changes liquid medicine into fine droplets such as a mist form or aerosol that can then be inhaled through a mouthpiece. It is commonly used to deliver airway opening medications such as Albuterol or Atrovent. It used powered by a compressed air machine and plugged into an electrical outlet. The basic supplies needed to operate a nebulizer include an air compressor, nebulizer cup, mask or mouthpiece and clean eye droppers or some other measuring devices that can be used to dispense medication.

In order to operate a nebulizer, the cord is plugged into the compressor and then into an electrical outlet. The user of the nebulizer should always operate the equipment with hands that have been washed with warm water and soap and are completely dry. Next, the medicine will be carefully measured and placed into the bottom of the nebulizer cup. The doctor prescribing the medicine will provide instructions regarding how much medicine should be used for each use. Next, the top portion of the nebulizer cup is attached to the mouthpiece.

The tubing should then be connected to the aerosol compressor and the nebulizer cup and the compressor turned on. A light mist will begin to come from the back of the tube when the device is turned on. The person taking the treatment should sit upright in a comfortable chair and place the mask carefully on their face. If a mouthpiece is to be used instead of a mask, the piece should be inserted between the teeth, with the lips sealed securely around it.

The user should take deep, slow breaths through their mouth and hold each breath for two three seconds, if possible, before breathing out. This method will allow the medication to settle into the airways. The treatment will then continue until the medicine is gone; which should take up to about ten minutes. On rare occasions, the user may begin to feel jittery or dizzy. If this reaction should occur, the user should stop and rest for a few minutes before continues. In the event that such problems continue, advice should be sought from a medical professional before further treatments are pursued.

A nebulizer will work best when it is cared for properly. This includes complete disinfection on a routine basis, after each treatment. The nebulizer can be cleaned by rinsing the cup with warm water and allowing it to air dry. Once a day the cup, mask or mouthpiece should be washed in warm soapy water and rinsed completely. They should then be allowed to air dry. The tubing will not generally need to be cleaned. Nebulizer parts are not generally recommended for washing in the dishwasher. To ensure that the nebulizer equipment is thoroughly disinfected, twice per week it should be disinfected using a solution of vinegar and water or a solution recommended by the vendor or physician.

A vinegar and water solution can be mixed by combining a half cup of white vinegar with one and a half cups of water. The equipment should then be soaked for 20 minutes and rinsed under water. Finally, allow the equipment to air dry.

The compressor on a nebulizer will also need routine care in order to stay in top working condition. This can be achieved by covering it with a clean cloth when it is not in use and wiping it down with a clean damp cloth as needed to remove dust and grime. The nebulizer will work best when it is stored on a flat surface, above ground level.



Jason Petrina is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com