The Right Way to Use a Nebulizer to Relieve Breathing
In addition to the inhaler, one of the breathing apparatus commonly prescribed by a doctor for people with asthma is a nebulizer. At the beginning of use, many people do not understand how to use the right nebulizer. You need to understand how to use the correct nebulizer to get the best benefits. Here's the guide.
What is a nebulizer?
Nebulizer is a tool that converts liquid medicine into steam. As you breathe through the mask, the vapor of the medicine will enter the lungs to improve breathing. Nebulizer is commonly used as a treatment of chronic asthma, both for children and adults. In addition to the treatment of asthma, this tool can also be used for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung infections, and severe allergic reactions.
The nebulizer consists of an air compressor, a small container for liquid medicine, and a tube that connects an air compressor to a drug container. Above the medicine container there is a funnel or mask that will be used to inhale the fog. Usually, this tool consists of two versions that are using electricity and using the battery.
How to use the right nebulizer
How to use the right nebulizer will allow the drug to work effectively treat asthma. Here are the steps:
- Wash hands with soap under running water to prevent germs from coming into the lungs through the nebulizer.
- Prepare the medicine to be used. If medication is already mixed, pour it directly into a nebulizer medicine container. If not, enter one by one using a pipette or syringe.
- Add saline if necessary and prescribed by a doctor.
- Connect the medicine container to the machine and also the mask to the top of the container.
- Put the mask down to cover the nose and mouth.
- Turn on the machine then inhale with the nose and release slowly through the mouth.
- You can end it when no more steam comes out, indicating the drug is gone.
- This treatment generally takes about 20 minutes.
How to treat the nebulizer to be durable and not easily damaged
The nebulizer should be cleaned every time it is used to prevent the growth of germs inside the machine that can enter the lungs. In addition, the tube also needs to be changed regularly to be more hygienic and ensure that you are not inhaling harmful germs.
After you finish using it, wash the medicine container and also mask with dish soap and rinse with hot water. Try to clean it without anyone missing. After that, clean each section of the nebulizer completely dry. To dry faster, you can also install each part of the nebulizer to the machine and turn it on. The air removed from the engine helps dry the appliance quickly and practically.
In addition to cleaning, you also need to sterilize the breathing aids every two days after treatment. The trick is to soak the parts of the nebulizer (except the mask) into a basin containing three glasses of hot water mixed with a spoon of whitewater vinegar. Let stand for one hour or as instructed in cardboard packaging. After that, dry by placing the nebulizer piece into the machine and then turn it on. Make sure all parts are completely dry before saving.
After understanding how to use the nebulizer, be sure to clean and store it in accordance with the instructions for the device to function properly and be kept clean.
