Asthma Ventilator Treatment Procedures

Asthma is a chronic, life-long respiratory disease that is characterized by episodes of inflammation and the narrowing of the airways in response to triggers. For those asthmatics with more severe symptoms or small children, asthma ventilators are used at home, rather than in a hospital setting. It is important to understand how the ventilator works and the process in which it is used.

Ventilator Defintion

• A home-based ventilation or breathing machine for asthmatics is most commonly called a nebulizer. It is an air compression machine that takes liquid medication and changes it to a fine mist which is inhaled through a mouthpiece or a face mask.

  It is particularly helpful for infants, small children and those who have difficulty using an inhaler with a spacer attached.

  You will need a prescription in order to obtain a nebulizer. Oftentimes, it will be covered under the "durable medical equipment" portion of health insurance or can be paid for out of pocket, privately.

Medications Used

• A variety of medications are used in nebulizer format. Some are for long-term control, while others are for quick relief. Depending on the age, different medications may be prescribed. The name brand of the medication and scientific names are in parentheses.

  The most long-term medications are corticosteroids (Pulmicort Respules--, budesonide), and cromolyn sodium (Intal). Note that Pulmicort Respules are suitable for children aged 12 months to 8t years of age.

  The most common quick-relief medications are: short-acting beta2 agonists (Airet, Proventil, Ventolin, Albuterol, Xopenex--levalbuterol), anticholinergics (Atrovent--ipratropium), and combination (Duoneb--Albuterol and ipratropium).

Procedures for Use

• You will need the air compressor machine, nebulizer cup, mask or mouthpiece, compressor tubing and the prescribed medication.

  Assemble the nebulizer as shown by your specific make and model. Place the machine on a stable surface and plug it into an electrical socket. Carefully measure the medication (if not pre-measured) and place it into the cup. Attach the mouthpiece or face mask to one end of the tubing and connect the other end to the machine. Turn it on; if working properly, you will see a fine mist coming out.

  Make sure to sit up straight so the medicine has the best chance of entering your lungs. Children may sit on the laps of parents. If using a mask, make sure it is snug and comfortable on the face and covers both the mouth and nose. If using a mouthpiece, create a tight seal between your lips and teeth.

  Take slow, deep breaths. Continue until the medication is gone, if there are drops on the side of the cup, gently shake it. The nebulizer will make a sputtering noise and very little liquid will be left in the cup when the treatment is over.

Cleaning

• After each treatment, rinse the cup, mouthpiece or mask in warm water. Shake off any excess water and let air dry. At the end of the day, soak all the pieces (except the machine itself) with warm, soapy water, rinse and let air dry completely. You do not need to clean the tubing.

  You may also use a 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1 1/2 cup warm water solution to disinfect. Soak for 20 minutes and air dry on a paper towel.

  Store accessories in a zipper lock bags and the machine under a clean, dry cloth. Do not store on the floor or under beds. Keep the medications in a cool, dry place. Clean the machine filters as necessary.

Warnings

• Some medications may cause a jittery or anxious feeling with a speeding heart when inhaled. If this occurs, turn off the machine for five minutes, take slow deep breaths and then try again.

  If any medications change color or have grown crystals, throw them away and replace before using in the nebulizer machine.