What are nebulizers?
Nebulizers are devices that deliver liquid medication as a mist through a plastic tube that connects the outlet of the device to a mask that the patient puts in his or her mouth.
The vapor goes directly to the lungs as the patient breathes. The medication introduced may be an antibiotic or a medication for your lungs.
Why are nebulizers used?
Nebulizers are useful in the treatment of pathologies such as asthma, COPD, lung cancer or other types of lung diseases, as they transform the liquid medicine, prescribed by the specialist, into vapor and can act more effectively and quickly.
What does treatment with nebulizers consist of?
The patient must always be close to the machine and inhale through the connected mouthpiece. In order for the medication to have the desired effect, it should be inhaled several times deeply and slowly for 10 to 15 minutes, as recommended by the specialist.
The advantages they offer over the traditional inhaler is that they do not require so much effort when inhaling the medication. In addition, nebulizers are small and easy to carry.
Preparation for nebulizers
Before using a nebulizer, it is important to take the following steps:
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Measure with a syringe the medication indicated by the specialist together with the appropriate amount of saline solution (physiological saline).
- Prepare the mixture just before the process.
- Regulate the amount of mist to half power in infants and children.
Care after treatment
Once the nebulization treatment has been performed, it is recommended:
- Disassemble the device, wash all parts (except the valve and tubing) in a dish with water and liquid soap and rinse them with water.
- Shake off excess water after washing the nebulizer.
- Replace the parts and plug them back in with the air compressor to dry the device quickly.
- Make sure that the nebulizer is completely dry before storing it.
- Regulate the amount of mist at half power for infants and children.
Alternatives to the nebulizer
Sometimes to treat pathologies such as asthma, the use of inhalers may be recommended.