How to Use a Nebulizer

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Patients with asthma, pneumonia and emphysema or other respiratory conditions are those most commonly prescribed a nebulizer. A nebulizer is a medical device that turns liquid medication into an aerosol or mist, which is then inhaled. There are different types of nebulizers. The most commonly used is a jet nebulizer. A doctor may prescribe a nebulizer to deliver medication like bronchodilators, steroids and antibiotics directly to the lungs.

Steps

1. Attach 1 end of the oxygen tubing to the nebulizer cup. On most types of nebulizers, the tubing will connect on the bottom of the cup. Connect the other end of the tubing to an air compressor used for nebulizers.
2. Unscrew the top of the nebulizer cup and put the prescribed medication into the nebulizer. Securely replace the top to prevent the medication from spilling out. Many types of respiratory medications for nebulizer treatments come in pre-measured doses.
3. Add the mouthpiece to the nebulizer cup. Although different manufactures may have slightly different jet nebulizers, most mouthpieces will attach to the top of the nebulizer cup.
4. Plug the air compressor into an electrical outlet. Turn the air compressor on.
5. Put the mouthpiece into your mouth and keep your lips sealed tightly around it. Inhale slowly and deeply in through your mouth. Exhale either through your mouth or nose.
6. Continue to inhale the medication until the mist stops. Once all liquid is gone, the mist stops coming out.
7. Turn the machine off and unplug it from the outlet.

Tips

• Set up an activity to occupy young children during the nebulizer treatment, which typically takes about 15 minutes. Puzzles, books or coloring may help the child sit still for the length of the treatment.
• An oxygen cylinder can also be used in place of an air compressor if needed. Turn the flow rate to between 6 and 8 liters per minute to start the aerosol.
• Consider using an aerosol mask as an alternative to a mouthpiece for young children as well as people who are too ill to hold the mouthpiece in their hand. Aerosol masks attach to the top of the nebulizer cup. The mask comes in pediatric and adult sizes.

Warnings

• Do not put any parts of the nebulizer into a dishwasher to clean it. Rinse the nebulizer cup and mouthpiece after each treatment with tap water. Allow both to air dry. Do not rinse the air compressor or oxygen tubing.
• If a significant adverse reaction develops, such as increased wheezing or trouble breathing, while inhaling the medication, stop using the nebulizer and consult your doctor. Your doctor will prepare you in advance for normal side effects, such as increased heart rate or dizziness, which patients may experience while they use a nebulizer with certain medications.

Things You'll Need

• Nebulizer
• Air compressor for a nebulizer
• Prescribed medication

Related wikiHows

• How to Create an Asthma Action Plan
• How to Make a Spacer for an Asthma Nebulizer
• How to Help an Asthmatic During a Asthma Attack and a Panic Attack
• How to Nebulize a Toddler

Sources and Citations

• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000006.htm

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Use a Nebulizer. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

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