Guide To The Asthma Nebulizer

Asthma inhalers are the most commonly prescribed method of getting asthma medication into your system. Some people have trouble with inhalers, though, because they require some coordination of breathing and depressing the inhaler. Particularly infants and young children, or people who are very ill, may not be able to use an inhaler to take their asthma medication. For those people, there are asthma nebulizers.

An asthma nebulizer is a device which changes a liquid medicine into a fine mist that can be breathed in through tube connected to a face mask. An asthma nebulizer usually consists of an air compressor, a nebulizer cup, a length of tubing and a mouthpiece. Some asthma nebulizers replace the air compressor with sonic waves, but the purpose of an asthma nebulizer remains the same. It is used to deliver a long acting bronchodilator like Atrovent or Proventil directly to the lungs in a method that is easier to inhale than with an inhaler. A nebulizer and the medication must be prescribed by your doctor, and his instructions should be followed precisely. Usually, a nurse or respiratory therapist will show you how to use the asthma nebulizer before you try to do it on your own.

Generally, the medicine is in liquid form, and is measured into the nebulizer cup. To use an asthma nebulizer for a breathing treatment:

1. Measure asthma medication into bottom of nebulizer cup.
2. Close the nebulizer cup and attach the mouthpiece or face mask to the top.
3. Connect the tubing from the nebulizer cup to the air compressor.
4. Turn the air compressor on. You'll see a light mist coming out of the end of the mouthpiece.
5. If you're using a face mask, place it comfortably over your face. If you're using a mouthpiece, put it between your teeth and close your lips around it.
6. Breathe in and out easily until the medicine in the nebulizer cup is gone. If possible, hold each breath for 1 to 2 seconds to allow the medication to settle into your airways.

A breathing treatment using an asthma nebulizer usually takes seven to ten minutes. Many people who've been prescribed asthma nebulizer treatments find the time relaxing - a few minutes of enforced rest and relaxation. Others find it frustrating to have to make time to sit still. If it's difficult for you, check with your doctor for other options.

Asthma nebulizers also require that you take time to properly clean and maintain them. The nebulizer cup should be cleaned thoroughly after each treatment. The nebulizer cup, mask and/or mouthpiece should be washed with mild detergent and allowed to air dry at the end of each day. Every third day, you should also disinfect the asthma nebulizer equipment with either a commercial disinfectant or a vinegar and water solution.

Taking proper care of your asthma nebulizer can help prevent infection and ensure that the nebulizer treatments do the job that they're supposed to do - reducing asthma attacks by treating the inflammation and muscle contractions that cause them.

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