Asthma relief with nebulizers
The portable inhaler is the most commonly used device for delivering asthma
relief medication. However, some asthma patients have trouble using inhalers
because of the coordination required between pressing down on the inhaler and
breathing in the medication. For instance, young children as well as old people
who are very ill may not be able to use inhalers. In such cases, nebulizers are
used to provide asthma relief.
What is a nebulizer? It is basically a device that delivers medication in the form of a fine mist that can be breathed in through a face mask / mouthpiece. The medication in the nebulizer is in liquid form which is then converted into a mist.
The main components of an asthma relief nebulizer are the air compressor, nebilizer cup and a mouthpiece / mask connected using flexible tubing. There are also nebilizers that don't use an air compressor. Instead, they use sonic waves to achieve the same effect.
Dispense medication
Nebulizers may be used to dispense medication like Proventil or Atrovent, which are bronchodilators. The nebulizer delivers medication directly into the lungs and is a highly effective delivery method. It is also much easier to use than inhalers.
The nebulizer and medication must be used only with your doctor's prescription. You will need to be shown how to use a nebulizer - a respiratory therapist or a nurse can help you with this. Once you are familiar with its operation, you can use it yourself to take medication.
How to use a nebulizer for asthma relief
Follow the doctor's instructions precisely when using a nebulizer. The following guidelines are fairly general and the instructions you receive may vary.
In most cases, medication for use in nebulizers is in the form of a liquid. A specified quantity of medication must be poured into the bottom of the nebulizer cup.
Once the medication is in place, the nebulizer cup must be closed. The face mask or mouthpiece must now be attached to the top portion. There is flexible tubing going from the air compressor to the nebulizer cup - this must be be fixed in place.
If everything is set up correctly, when you turn on the compressor, you should see a fine mist coming out of the mouthpiece or face mask.
Now place the mouthpiece between your teeth. The lips should be closed around the mouthpiece to retain the medication inside. In nebulizers that come with a face mask, fix the mask in a comfortable position over your nose and mouth.
Breathe in and out in a relaxed manner. Try to hold the breath in for a second or two so that the medication can seep into the lung tissues. Continue breathing the medication in until the nebulizer cup is emptied of the drug.
Each session with an asthma relief nebulizer generally takes seven or ten minutes. Most people who use a nebulizer find it an enjoyable experience - they can relax for a few minutes in a restful position while the medication does its work. A few patients find it frustrating to sit still for even this short period of time. In such cases, the doctor may be able to prescribe other alternatives.
Like all other medical equipment, nebulizers must be maintained well. The cup, which holds the medication, should be thoroughly washed after each use. At the end of each day, use a mild detergent to wash the mask / mouthpiece and the cup. They should be allowed to air dry after that. In addition, every two or three days, use a mixture of vinegar and water to disinfect the equipment. You can also use a commercial disinfectant.
Maintaining the nebulizer is important to eliminate the possibility of an infection. Used properly, nebulizers are very effective in providing asthma relief.