What is a nebulizer?
A nebulizer is a device that uses pressurized air to turn a liquid medication into a fine mist for inhalation. If you’ve ever received emergency treatment for asthma, they’ve probably used a nebulizer on you. The term nebulizer is often used to describe both the pump that pressurizes the air, and the part that holds and “nebulizes” the medication. There are hand-held nebulizer units and ones with masks that you strap onto your face. The pressurized air typically comes from a portable pump unit that internally consists of a motor-driven air pump that resembles the fancier types of aquarium pumps. It forces air through a plastic tube into the plastic nebulizer unit. Inside, the nebulizer unit acts much like a perfume atomizer, creating a fine mist that is directed either through a tube that you inhale through or a mask that directs the mist into your nose and mouth.
A nebulizer is a machine that uses compressed air to deliver asthma medicine as wet aerosol, a mist that can be inhaled. Nebulizers are most often used for children younger than 5, people who have difficulty using inhalers, and those with severe asthma. Nebulizers are also used by people with chronic lung diseases, such as emphysema. The most common medications used in a nebulizer are bronchodilators (such as albuterol) to help open up air passages and inhaled steroids. Nebulizers have three main parts: a cup that holds the medication, a mouthpiece or mask attached to a “T”-shaped part, and a thin, plastic tube that connects the mouthpiece to the compressor. There are home and hospital models of nebulizers, as well as portable units. The portable machines run on batteries or can be plugged into your car’s cigarette lighter. How to use a nebulizer Read the equipment instructions completely before using your nebulizer, because directions vary from one manufacturer to another.
A nebulizer is a device that uses pressurized air to turn a liquid medication into a fine mist for inhalation. If you’ve ever received emergency treatment for asthma, they’ve probably used a nebulizer on you. The term nebulizer is often used to describe both the pump that pressurizes the air, and the part that holds and “nebulizes” the medication. There are hand-held nebulizer units and ones with masks that you strap onto your face. The pressurized air typically comes from a portable pump unit that internally consists of a motor-driven air pump that resembles the fancier types of aquarium pumps. It forces air through a plastic tube into the plastic nebulizer unit. Inside, the nebulizer unit acts much like a perfume atomizer, creating a fine mist that is directed either through a tube that you inhale through or a mask that directs the mist into your nose and mouth.
A nebulizer changes liquid medicine into fine droplets (in aerosol or mist form) that are inhaled through a mouthpiece or mask. Nebulizers can be used to deliver bronchodilator (airway-opening) medications such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil or Airet) or ipratropium bromide (Atrovent). A nebulizer may be used instead of a metered dose inhaler (MDI). It is powered by a compressed air machine and plugs into an electrical outlet. Nebulizer Care Guidelines The instruction comes with the nebulizer explain to you how to use it. Depending on how a portable nebulizer system is designed, you may need some or all of the following supplies (which may be included in the reusable kit) to give the nebulizer treatment: • Air compressor • Medication cup • Mask or mouthpiece • Clean eye droppers or other measuring devices to dispense the medication. Care of Portable Nebulizer Cleaning and disinfecting your equipment is simple, yet very important.
