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Treatments & Procedures

Home Nebulizer Therapy

(Also Called 'Home Nebulizer Therapy - Care & Treatment')

What is a nebulizer?

A nebulizer changes liquid medicine into fine droplets (in aerosol or mist form) that are inhaled through a mouthpiece or mask. Nebulizers can be used to deliver many types of medicines.

A nebulizer might be used instead of other inhalers. A nebulizer is powered by a compressed air machine and plugs into an electrical outlet.

Nebulizer care guidelines

Your home care company will show you how to use the nebulizer. You will need the following supplies to give the nebulizer treatment:

  • Air compressor
  • Nebulizer cup
  • Mask or mouthpiece

Treatment procedure

  1. Place the air compressor on a sturdy surface that will support its weight. Plug the cord from the compressor into a properly grounded (three-prong) electrical outlet.
  2. Wash your hands with soap and warm water and dry completely with a clean towel.
  3. Remove the top part of the nebulizer. (See illustration)
  4. Place your medication in the bottom of the nebulizer cup, as shown below.
  5. 3. Remove the top part of the nebulizer.

    4. Place medication in cup.

  6. Attach the top portion of the nebulizer cup, and connect the mouthpiece or face mask to the cup.
  7. Connect the tubing to both the aerosol compressor and nebulizer cup.
  8. Turn on the compressor with the on/off switch. Once you turn on the compressor, you should see a light mist coming from the back of the tube opposite the mouthpiece.
  9. Sit up straight on a comfortable chair.
  10. If you are using a mask, position it comfortably and securely on your face.
  11. If you are using a mouthpiece, place it between your teeth and seal your lips around it.
  12. Take slow, deep breaths through your mouth. If possible, hold each breath for 2 to 3 seconds before breathing out. This allows the medication to settle into the airways.
  13. Continue the treatment until the medication is gone (about 7-10 minutes). Use all of the medicine unless you are directed otherwise by your doctor.
  14. If you become dizzy or feel “jittery,” stop the treatment and rest for about 5 minutes. Then continue the treatment, but try to breathe more slowly. If these symptoms continue with future treatments, inform your health care provider.
  15. Turn off the compressor.
  16. Wash your hands with warm water and soap, and dry them with a clean towel.

Care of nebulizer

Cleaning and disinfecting your equipment is simple, yet very important. Cleaning should be done in a dust- and smoke-free area away from open windows. Here is how to clean your equipment:

  1. After each treatment, rinse the nebulizer cup with warm water. Shake off excess water and let it air dry.
  2. At the end of each day, the nebulizer cup, mask, or mouthpiece should be washed in warm, soapy water using a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly, and allow to air dry.

    Note: There is no need to clean the tubing that connects the nebulizer to the air compressor.

    Do not put these parts in the dishwasher.

  3. Every third day, after washing your equipment, disinfect the equipment using a vinegar/water solution or a disinfectant solution your supplier suggests. To use the vinegar solution, mix one part white vinegar with three parts water. Soak the equipment for 30 minutes and rinse well under a steady stream of water. Shake off the excess water and allow it to air dry on a paper towel. Always allow the equipment to completely dry before storing in a plastic, zipper storage bag.
  4. Some nebulizer parts can be boiled in distilled water for 5 minutes. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Compressor care

  1. Cover the compressor with a clean cloth when not in use. Keep it clean by wiping it with a clean, damp cloth as needed.
  2. Do not put the air compressor on the floor either for treatments or for storage.
  3. Check the air compressor’s filter as directed. Replace or clean it according to the directions from your equipment supplier.
  4. Always have an extra nebulizer cup and mask or mouthpiece in case you need it.
  5. Medications should be stored in a cool, dry place. Some may require storage in darkness. Follow the directions from the pharmacist or manufacturer. Check medications often. If they have changed color or formed crystals, throw them away and replace them with new ones.
  6. All equipment for your nebulizer therapy can be obtained through your equipment supplier.

Important: Unplug the compressor before cleaning it.



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