How to use nebulizer at home

A nebulizer makes the medicine into a breathable mist making its administration and absorption easier. It is a simple procedure that can be carried out at home and is prescribed by doctors mostly for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, smoke exposure, common cold and flu, pneumonia.

Currently, there are two types available commercially- jet nebulizer and ultrasonic nebulizer. While both achieve the same goal of delivering the medicine, the latter uses ultrasonic vibrations to perform its function. Choosing the right device is essential. You can find a wide range of portable nebulizer machines on Smart Medical Buyer.

How to use it?

A home nebulizer therapy lasts for about 15 to 25 minutes.

The components of the device include: medication, medicine cup, top piece, face mask, tubing, compressor(used with electricity at home and batteries elsewhere).

1. Wash and dry your hands.

2. Place the prescribed dose of medication in the medicine cup and dilute it if required.

3. Cover the medicine cup with the top piece.

4. Place the face mask over the mouth and strap it. If it is a mouthpiece, hold it between your teeth and close the lips.

5. Connect one end of the tubing to the medicine cup and the other to the compressor.

6. Turn on the compressor. Breathe normally.

7. Keep breathing till the medicine cup is empty.

Cleaning

The face mask, top piece, and medicine cup can be washed and cleaned with warm or soapy water and air- dried.

The compressor and tubing should be cleaned with a wet cloth from the outside. Don't soak it in water. If not cleaned properly it can do more harm than good. It is also important to follow the instructions given in the instruction manual and be careful with the dosage of the medication.

It is known to be effective in children and especially younger age groups to relieve cough, asthma and wheezing flare-ups.  The use of a pulse oximeter along with a nebulizer, is common, for diagnosis and monitoring the treatment of many lung conditions by measuring the oxygen saturation. This has become a norm amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. These are also easily available on Smartmedicalbuyer at affordable prices.

The common medication used with a nebulizer is albuterol, formoterol, salbutamol, hypertonic saline.

Precautions

If the symptoms like cough, wheezing, breathlessness worsens it is advisable to seek medical help.

It is advisable to seek emergency care if there is a persistent cough with bluish skin, bloody mucus, chest pain, vomiting, dizziness, choking.

A nebulizer is a way to treat cough and other respiratory symptoms by treating the underlying cause hence being more effective. It treats airway inflammation too. Its use should only be encouraged if prescribed by a certified health practitioner.