What Is A Nebulizer?
How To Use A Nebulizer
Before using the nebulizer, the doctor or a nurse should explain to the patient how to operate it. Most nebulizers have very simple designs despite running on electric power instead of manual engineering. If individuals pick up the nebulizer at the pharmacy, the pharmacist can explain the device and answer their questions. They will also be given a medication instructional guide that will include information about how this particular nebulizer model administers this particular medication dose. When it comes time to use, patients should wash their hands first. They should add a single dosage of their medication to the medicine cup, and put the nebulizer together by fitting together the top portion, tubing, respiratory mask, and included mouthpiece. Then, patients should follow the instructions to hook the tubing to the machine, bring the mouthpiece to their mouth, and turn the nebulizer on. They must make sure the medicine cup stays upright so all the medicine is dispensed. Then all they have to do is breathe slowly and deeply until the nebulizer has dispensed all of the medication. Patients might want to practice assembling it when they're not in respiratory distress to make sure they can manage during an asthma attack.
How To Clean A Nebulizer
The medical professional who teaches patients how to use the nebulizer will also show them how to maintain and clean it. Different models might have slightly different requirements, so individuals need to pay attention. As a general rule, patients should always wash their hands before cleaning and make sure they lay the nebulizer pieces on a sanitized surface. Patients will take apart the medicine cup, mouthpiece, mask, and tube. Each will be washed in warm and soapy water. The pieces should be allowed to air dry on a clean towel rather than being wiped dry. The nebulizer manufacturer will have specific instructions about how to disinfect the machine components. This can typically be found in the accompanying medication instructional guide. Individuals can expect to need to replace a few pieces of the nebulizer once every three to four months. The instruction manual will tell individuals when and how to do this, and where to get the replacement pieces. A dirty nebulizer can get contaminated with bacteria, which can lead to a dangerous respiratory infection.
