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