Hand-held Nebulizer Treatment

Some people with respiratory conditions take hand-held nebulizer treatments. These treatments are given to patients in hospitals and people can take them at home. Some units are battery-operated and easily portable, which allows you to take a treatment anywhere, anytime you need one. This treatment delivers aerosolized medication directly into your lungs and airways similar to the way an inhaler works except this treatment takes several minutes to complete.

Equipment

• Obtain the equipment you will need for your hand-held nebulizer treatment. You need a doctor's order for the medication and to receive insurance coverage for the machine and supplies. The machine is a small air compressor that runs air through tubing when it is turned on. In the hospital, the treatment might be given using oxygen instead. In addition to the compressor and medication, you will need the nebulizer device which includes plastic tubing that connects to the compressor, a small cup for holding the medication and a mouthpiece or mask for directing the aerosol into your lungs. Make sure you always have at least two nebulizer kits at home so you don't run out.

Procedure

• Set the compressor on a level surface and plug it into an outlet. Open a vial of your respiratory medication and pour it into the medicine cup. Screw the cup lid on tightly. Connect one end of the tubing to the nebulizer cup and the other end to the compressor. Attach the mouthpiece or mask to the nebulizer and turn the unit on. You should see a fine mist coming out of the mouthpiece or mask. If using the mouthpiece, put it into your mouth and inhale the medication using slow deep breaths. If you use a mask, put it up to your face and breathe the medication in deeply. Breathe slowly so you do not hyperventilate. Continue breathing in the medicated mist until the medicine is all gone and the mist stops coming out.

Cleaning

• Clean your respiratory equipment well so you do not inhale bacteria or mold that might grow on a dirty nebulizer. After each use, wash the medicine cup and mouthpiece with warm soapy water and rinse them well. Let them air dry and store them in a plastic bag when dry. It is not necessary to wash the small tubing that connects to the compressor. Once a week, wipe down the outside of your compressor and throw away your nebulizer kit and open a new one. Date it when you open it so you know when it is time to be replaced. Check the filter in your compressor once a week. When it looks cloudy, wash it with soapy water or replace it with a new one if it is disposable.