When you're suffering from respiratory health disorders, some of the symptoms can be quick onset and highly interruptive, even despite ongoing treatment. Nebulizers provide a quick and effective solution for patients suffering from respiratory illnesses to get relief from their symptoms and restore their health and well-being. Using a nebulizer to inhale prescription medicine straight into your system instantly. Nebulizers are a great treatment choice for the following respiratory health conditions: Asthma, seasonal allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis. Ultrasonic nebulizers initially made an appearance in the United States in the form of humidifiers in 1949, but physicians were quick to add medications that turned them into therapeutic aerosols. The nebulization story stretches as far back as about 150 years, and this life-enhancing treatment continues to evolve with medical advancements today. This in-depth guide covers everything you need to know about a home nebulizer, including how to use a nebulizer machine, different types, treatment, maintenance, pros & cons, and more.
Nebulizers are classified into three categories:
Consult your physician to determine if a mouthpiece or mask is appropriate for you or a family member. NB: Face masks that fit over the nose and mouth are frequently preferable for children under the age of five.
To get your complete medicine dosage, you need to check that you’re following the steps correctly. The good news is that nebulizers are simple to use; many are compact enough for traveling and cause minimal sound disturbance in any setting. Medications are packaged in sterile unit dosage vials, so no measuring or mixing is required. Nebulizer devices are often useful for treatment in children and patients who are unable to control inhaler timing.
Wash Hands Thoroughly: Always wash your hands when handling the medicine and equipment to keep your device (and lungs) germ-free for optimal health.
Examine Your Medicine Vials: Inspect the labels and condition of the nebulizer with these prompts:
Replace the medication if you answered "yes" to these questions.
Fill The Nebulizer Cup: Unit-dose vials are easy to use ‒ simply twist the cap off and pour. Ensure your nebulizer cap sits flat before pouring. After the vial is opened, smell for any smell that may indicate expiration or the smell of rubbing alcohol. Ensure the nebulizer cup is not overfilled, as this prevents the medication from aerosolizing into the accurate particle measure.
Commence Therapy: Place the mask over your nose and mouth or position the mouthpiece over your tongue, clench your teeth and mouth around it securely, and then power on the machine.
Relax and breathe naturally. If you begin coughing, switch off the machine until you resume normal breathing. Then resume breathing therapy until the cup empties. If the drug bubbles or foams, discontinue treatment. This is an indication that your equipment or medication might be contaminated.
After use, it's important to ensure the tubing, mouthpiece, and nebulizer cup are clean. Any dust particles or contaminants from your hands or environment can enter your cup and get into your lungs. Once your equipment is sufficiently cleaned up and dried, ensure you're storing it in a dust-free place.
NB: Replacement parts such as an extra nebulizer cup, a spacer, tubing, and mouthpiece units do not last forever; the plastic deteriorates over time. Ensure you replace these regularly.
If your machine features an air filter, this should also be replaced and cleaned out regularly.
Modern nebulizers are small, simple to operate, and offer quick treatment times. However, despite technological advancements, human error can lead to ineffective therapy, wasted medication as well as money and time. The most common cause of ineffective treatment is improper cleaning.
Improper cleaning and maintenance can prevent your nebulizer from functioning optimally. Dust, grime, and moisture build-up can cause blockages and an increased risk of infection. The following cleaning steps ensure the safety and effectiveness of your equipment.
A nebulizer is a medical device that can instantly deliver medication to the lungs. A nebulizer treatment decreases inflammation in the lungs and/or open airways.
Nebulizers allow you to inhale medicine while you're still breathing naturally, making them a good option for those who have trouble using inhalers, such as infants and young children. A nebulizer is useful for the treatment of symptoms of patients suffering from respiratory conditions, such as:
However, a nebulizer does not treat the underlying causes of these symptoms. A registered healthcare provider will design a long-term treatment plan and medical advice diagnosis to address underlying issues as well as symptoms.
As you sit with your nebulizer mask or mouthpiece attached, you will take natural deep breaths to allow the medication contained within the nebulizer cup to form an aerosol and make its way into your lungs. The liquid in the nebulizer cup should take about 10 - 15 minutes to evaporate, depending on how much you've filled it.
Despite the numerous health benefits and instant relief nebulizers provide, there are certain negative side effects to prepare for before treatment. The most common side effects include:
Some of the less common side effects include:
Serious possible side effects include:
These side effects should be reported to the prescribing physician as soon as possible. It might be possible that your medication and dosage need adjustment.
Before making any purchase, one must consider the advantages as well as the disadvantages.
When trying to decide between a nebulizer and an inhaler, it's important to take into account factors such as the patient's:
Both inhalers and nebulizers are only accessible with a prescription and are used to administer inhaled medication to the lungs. When used correctly, both devices deliver similar kinds of medicines and function efficiently.
Nebulizers work effectively with a patient's natural breathing, whereas inhalers for an aerosol through the passageways after a manual pump can be difficult for some patients, such as children or the elderly. Your prescribing physician will be able to advise the best solution for you.
If you're living with a respiratory disorder, illness or condition, it may seem overwhelming at first, but with the correct treatment, symptoms can be alleviated and managed with the use of a nebulizer.
Looking for a nebulizer? Your search ends here with ApriaHome. Discover our top 3 recommendations for nebulizers that deliver convenience, affordability, and quality all in one.
ApriaHome ensures support, accessibility, and affordability for patients across the country requiring nebulizer treatment. Our goal is to provide a one-stop convenient online solution for the treatment of respiratory conditions. We stock a comprehensive range of nebulizers as well as replacement tubing, supplies and accessories, power sources, and storage cases.
Keep an eye on our online supply portal, where you can find amazing discounts on selected items. With ApriaHome, you can expect quality service and exceptional support along with expert advice on insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare claims.
Looking for symptomatic relief from respiratory conditions? Get in touch today.
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