Aerosol Breathing Treatment

As explained by ICU-USA.com, medications can be administered through a variety of methods, including through the mouth, veins, arteries, skin and lungs. A medication delivered through the lungs is considered an “inhalation” medication; these medications are typically used for the treatment of asthma or emphysema. An aerosol breathing treatment delivers a mist of medication from an external source directly into the lungs and airways.

Identification

• According to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, aerosol treatments are used to bring medicine directly into the lungs and airways. The major pieces equipment needed for an aerosol treatment include an air compressor, nebulizer, exhalation valve, tubing and a mouthpiece or mask.

Function

• Before administering the breathing treatment, the medication needs to be prepared. While some medications are simply added to the nebulizer cup, other medications must first be diluted with saline. Follow your physician’s instructions to ensure proper preparation of the medicine. Once the medication has been added to the nebulizer cup, turn the machine on. The air compressor blows a stream of air across the medicine in the nebulizer cup, creating a medication mist. This mist travels along the tubing and into the mouthpiece or mask, where it is breathed into the lungs. Most aerosol breathing treatments last between 10 and 20 minutes.

Medications

• Although a variety of medicines can be given through an aerosol treatment, the majority of medications delivered via this method are used to open the airways. These medications commonly include Albuterol, Xopenex and Proventil. All three of these medications cause the airways to relax and dilate, making it easier for air and secretions to pass through them. Additionally, aerosol treatments also deliver medications to decrease irritation in the lungs, such as Pulmictort.

Considerations

• The mist created by the equipment occasionally has an unpleasant taste or smell. However, it is extremely important to continue breathing in the mist until the treatment has finished. It may be necessary to distract a child with a book or video while administering a breathing treatment. During the breathing treatment, carefully monitor for dizziness, shaking, difficulty breathing or a bluish color developing around the lips, gums or fingernails. If any of these symptoms occur, discontinue to treatment and contact a medical professional immediately.

Care

• After using the nebulizer, wash it in warm soapy water or in the top rack of a dishwasher. Allow the nebulizer to air dry completely before putting it away. Once a week, the nebulizer needs to be disinfected. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta recommends soaking it a solution of one-half cup white distilled vinegar and two cups of warm water for 30 minutes, then rinse and allow to air dry. The tubing should not be cleaned and the air filter should be checked regularly. An air filter that is “gray, soiled or wet” should be replaced.