A
nebulizer is a type of medical equipment that a person with asthma or another
respiratory condition can use to deliver medication directly and quickly to the
lungs.
Who
needs a nebulizer?
Nebulizers
are typically prescribed by doctors for patients suffering from one of the
following lung disorders:
•
Asthma
•
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
•
Cystic fibrosis
•
Bronchiectasis
How
to use a nebulizer?
A
doctor or nurse will explain how the nebulizer works and answer any questions
before the patient begins using it.
If
a person gets their nebulizer from a pharmacy or medical equipment company,
someone will explain how to use it.
Each
nebulizer works a little differently. It is crucial to read the instructions
for the specific device that the doctor has prescribed.
In
general, the best nebulizer is
very easy to use, just by following a few basic steps:
1.
Wash your hands.
2.
Fill the medicine cup with the medication as directed by the doctor.
3.
Assemble the top piece, tube, mask, and mouthpiece.
4.
Attach the tube to the machine according to the instructions.
5.
Turn on the nebulizer; these can operate on battery or electricity.
6.
While using the nebulizer, hold the mouthpiece and medicine cup upright to help
distribute all of the medicine.
7.
Take slow, deep breaths through the mouthpiece and inhale all of the
medication.
Talk
to your doctor or call the nebulizer
manufacturer if you have any questions or concerns about
the device.
Is a
prescription necessary?
A
nebulizer and the medicine it uses usually require a prescription from a doctor
or other health care provider.
It
is possible to buy a nebulizer
machine online without a prescription, although a doctor
will likely need to prescribe the medication.
A
nebulizer can be used with a variety of medications, including:
•
Bronchodilators: These
are medicines that help open the airways and make breathing easier. Doctors
often prescribe bronchodilators for people with asthma, COPD, or other
breathing disorders.
•
Sterile
saline: A nebulizer can deliver saline to help open the
airways and watery secretions. This can loosen and help expel mucus from the
lungs.
•
Antibiotics: A
nebulizer can deliver some types of antibiotics directly to the lungs or
respiratory tract when someone has a serious respiratory infection.
How
to maintain and clean the nebulizer?
The
nurse or pharmacist will demonstrate how to clean and maintain the best home nebulizer machine.
The general guidelines are as follows:
•
Wash your hands.
•
Disconnect the tubing, medication chamber, mask, or mouthpiece and wash them
carefully with warm, soapy water.
•
Let it air dry.
Some
component parts will need to be replaced three to four times a year. Check the
instruction manual to find out how and how often to do it. Also, make sure you
never share the pieces with another person. It is essential to follow the
cleaning, disinfection, and replacement instructions.
If
a person does not properly care for a nebulizer, it can become contaminated
with bacteria that can cause an infection.
Summary
A
nebulizer is a type of medical equipment that can help deliver medication
directly to the lungs and respiratory system where it is needed.
Although
the device is easy to operate, it is essential to use, clean, and maintain it
correctly. Be sure to consult the manufacturer's manual or a pharmacist or
doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
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