A nebulizer is a compressed air machine that
turns liquid asthma medicine into a fine mist your child can
easily breathe.
How is the
home nebulizer used?
- Place the compressor on a hard
surface. Make sure the filter is free of dust and dirt.
If it is dirty, rinse it with water and then dry it.
Plug in the compressor. Wash your hands thoroughly with
soap and water before beginning a treatment.
- If the medicine is in a pre-mixed
single dose vial, open the vial and place the medicine
in the nebulizer cup. If the medicine is not in a
pre-mixed single dose vial, place the prescribed amount
of medicine(s) into the nebulizer with a dropper or
syringe. If you have a question about mixing medicines,
call your health care provider or pharmacist.
- Some asthma medicines come premixed
with sterile saline. Other medicines need saline added.
You can buy sterile normal saline in two ways: in unit
dose plastic vials or a pressurized canister
(Bronchosaline). Two squirts from the canister should be
enough. Never put a homemade saline solution into a
nebulizer.
- Attach the nebulizer cup to the
compressor tubing. Turn the power on. ((You should see a
light mist coming from the back of the tube opposite the
mouthpiece.) Place the mouthpiece in the mouth and
breathe in and out slowly through the mouth until all
the medicine is gone. If the child is able, tell the
child to take an extra deep breath every 10 breaths or
so, hold that breath for 10 seconds, and then breathe
out slowly. This helps the medicine to stay in the lungs
longer for better effect.
If a child is too young to use a mouthpiece,
use a mask. Position the mask comfortably and securely on
your child's face over the nose and mouth.
Most nebulizers must be held in an upright
position to work well. If the mixture coats the sides and
isn't being nebulized, gently tap the side of the nebulizer
from time to time during the treatment. An average treatment
takes 8 to 10 minutes. The treatment is over when all the
medicine is gone, mist is no longer being generated, and the
nebulizer makes a constant sputtering noise.
Some children cough up mucus after breathing
treatments. Note the mucus color and thickness. Normal
secretions are usually thin and white or clear. Thick,
sticky mucus that is yellow or green may indicate infection.
Call your health care provider to report a change.
If your child needs more treatments than
prescribed by your provider, or if the treatments do not
improve the symptoms, call your provider.
How and when
should the nebulizer be cleaned?
If the nebulizer is not rinsed after each
treatment the small holes inside the nebulizer can get
clogged and will not make a mist. You do not need to rinse
the clear compressor tubing.
RINSING:
After each treatment take the nebulizer apart and wash the
cup and mouthpiece with soap under hot, running tap water.
This includes the mask or mouthpiece. Rub off any mucus
stuck to equipment. Shake off the excess water.
DISINFECTING:
Each day the nebulizer, mask or mouthpiece may be
disinfected by using any of the following methods:
- Microwave in a special "Quick Clean"
bag for 3 to 5 minutes. (Follow the instructions on the
bag.)
- Place on top shelf of the dishwasher
for a full cycle.
- Soak in either:
- A mixture of 1 tablespoon bleach
per 1 cup water for 3 minutes OR
- 70% isopropyl alcohol for 5
minutes OR
- hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes.
After soaking, rinse with (sterile) boiling water, then air
dry.
