A nebulizer, an electric atomizer that dispenses medication as a fine spray, may work better than an inhaler, especially for kids or to treat severe bouts of asthma.
Here are some suggestions for using a nebulizer for the first time. Check with your doctor for specific instructions and be sure to read all the accompanying package materials.
If you or someone you love has asthma, your doctor may suggest using a nebulizer as a way to deliver the medicine that helps control asthma symptoms. This optional asthma treatment contains the same medication as an inhaler but delivers it in a different way. Its users generally are too sick or too young to breathe in deeply and use an inhaler effectively.
Asthma Treatment: How a Nebulizer Works A nebulizer is basically a small air-compressor that converts medication into an air mist that you can breathe in through a mouth piece or mask. You can either get a table-top nebulizer that plugs into an outlet, or a portable nebulizer that is easier to move around and can either plug in to an outlet or can run on batteries Asthma Treatment: How to Use Your Nebulizer- Familiarize yourself with every part of your nebulizer before using it.
- Make sure you are sitting comfortably.
- Put the mask in place and breathe evenly, with occasional deep breaths, until the medicine has been fully vaporized out of the cup.
- If you are using a face mask, keep it over your nose and mouth. The NHLBI estimates that using a face mask cuts the amount of medication delivered in half.
- Expect the entire process to take up to 10 minutes.
- Clean the mouthpiece or face mask and the medicine cup after use. Failing to clean the nebulizer properly can lead to bacterial infections.
