| Keep in mind that over time, your needs may change. | | | | when taking medications. |
| Technology will also undoubtedly change, meaning that | | | | 7. How to use a nebulizer? |
| you should change your equipment of choice when | | | | - Place the unit in a sturdy table. |
| newer and much more advanced versions of | | | | - Wash your hands well with soap and water. |
| nebulizers come out on the market. Do not be mislead | | | | - Take off the cup portion of the nebulizer |
| by size. Take into account the effectively as well as | | | | - Draw up the amount that is prescribed of the |
| convenience of the equipment in relation to your | | | | mediation in a syringe or an eye dropper. |
| lifestyle. | | | | - Put the medication inside the medicine cup with |
| Types of nebulizers: | | | | normal saline of 3cc. |
| 1. Non Portable Nebulizer | | | | - Close the cup to the nebulizer. |
| A large sized nebulizer for use in the home. These | | | | - The oxygen tubing is to be attached on the nipple on |
| units are excellent for individuals who can use this at | | | | the nebulizer and fasten the other end unto the |
| home and uses inhalers on the go and for small | | | | oxygen tank or compressor. |
| children who are still not capable of using a metered | | | | - Make sure that the patient is well seated and |
| dose inhaler. Although they can be carrier when | | | | comfortable on a chair. |
| traveling, these units are not the best choice since they | | | | - Turn the compressor or tank on, until the mist is seen |
| are bulky and needs a power source that require A/C | | | | that is coming out of the nebulizer's mouthpiece. |
| exclusively. | | | | - Check the pulse |
| 2. Portable Nebulizer | | | | - Placing the mouthpiece in the patient's mouth (place it |
| These units are small and handy, ideal for the individual | | | | between the teeth, sealing it with the lips), slow deep |
| who is always on the go, preferring to use a nebulizer | | | | breaths should be taken. Hold your breath for two |
| than an inhaler. Battery operated, they can be used | | | | seconds then breathe out. This permits that the |
| conveniently anywhere, anytime. | | | | medication is settled to the airways. |
| 3. Standard Jet Nebulizer | | | | - Continue the breathing process until such time that |
| These units are the common type of nebulizer. Air | | | | there is no more mist coming out of the mouthpiece or |
| pressure is used to turn medication into mist that can | | | | mask. |
| be inhaled through a mouthpiece or a mask. | | | | - Turn the machine off, take off the tube and |
| 4. Ultrasonic nebulizer | | | | mouthpiece. |
| Similar to the standard jet nebulizer, produces more | | | | - Clean tube and mouthpiece with warm soapy water |
| particles that are of the same size compared to | | | | water after each use. |
| compressor nebulizers. If particles are uniform in size, it | | | | 8. Nebulizer Care: |
| allows better aerosol penetration into the lungs. | | | | - Rinse the tube and the mouthpiece of the nebulizer |
| 5. Spacers For Metered Dose Inhalers | | | | after each treatment, with warm soapy water then |
| This type increases the space between the mouth | | | | rinse with warm water. Shake off excess water and |
| and the metered dose inhaler. Spacers aid in the | | | | place it on a clean towel to dry. |
| inhalation of more medication into the lungs, avoiding | | | | - Disinfect the equipment every three days with the |
| depositing of medications on the back of the user's | | | | use of vinegar and water solution or any disinfecting |
| throat. Spacers are recommended for all users of | | | | spray that the supplier suggests. |
| Metered dose inhalers and specially to individuals | | | | 9. Care of Compressor: |
| having coordination problems when breathing while at | | | | - When not in use, the compressor should be covered |
| the same time depressing the inhaler gradually. If | | | | with a clean cloth. To keep it clean, wipe it with a |
| respiratory medication needs to be transported to the | | | | damp and clean cloth as needed. |
| lungs directly, this can be done through the use of a | | | | - The air compressor should never be put on the floor |
| nebulizer if prescribed by your doctor. Signs for this | | | | for whatever purpose. Be it for treatment or for |
| treatment include: | | | | storage. |
| - Tightness in chest | | | | - Frequent examination of the air compressor's filter is |
| - Increased or thick secretions | | | | needed. Replace very dirty filters or clean it following |
| - Pneumonia (congestion) | | | | the instruction manual. |
| - Atelectasis | | | | - Always keep an extra nebulizer cup, mask and |
| 6. Avoid Treatment If: | | | | mouthpiece handy. |
| - Autonomic hyperreflexia, or an increase in the | | | | - Medicines must be stored in a cool, dry place. Check |
| individual's blood pressure | | | | on them often. Throw away any medication that has |
| - Increased pulse | | | | changed in color. |
| - When the individual has a history of harmful reactions | | | | |