Patient education: How to use a nebulizer (The Basics)

What is a nebulizer? — A nebulizer is a machine that changes a liquid medicine into a fine mist. When the mist is breathed in, the medicine goes into the lungs. It is also sometimes called a "breathing treatment" or an "aerosol."

Your doctor will order the nebulizer machine and the medicine. You might work with a medical equipment company to get the nebulizer machine and supplies.

A nebulizer has a few parts:

●The machine or air compressor

●A small cup to hold the medicine

●A thin hose or tubing that lets the air move from the machine to the cup

●A mouthpiece or mask to breathe in the medicine

Follow the doctor's instructions, and add the medicine to the small cup each time. Most often, the medicine comes in a small tube with the correct dose.

How do I use a nebulizer? — Each nebulizer comes with its own directions. Your doctor or nurse will show you how to use your (or your child's) nebulizer.

In general, here are the steps for using a nebulizer:

●Wash and dry your hands well.

●Plug the nebulizer cord into an electrical outlet. Put the machine on something solid like a table or desk. Have a place to sit or recline nearby.

●Put the correct amount of medicine in the small nebulizer cup. Close the lid tightly.

●Connect the nebulizer cup to the machine with the thin hose.

●Attach the mask or mouthpiece to the nebulizer cup:

•Mask – Put the mask over the nose and mouth. Masks are best for small children and people who have trouble closing their lips around the mouthpiece.

•Mouthpiece – Seal the lips tightly around the mouthpiece during the breathing treatment.

●Turn the nebulizer on. You should see mist coming from the mask or mouthpiece.

●Sit up straight, or lie back with the head raised. Take slow, deep breaths in and out through the mouth, even if using a mask. This helps get the medicine into the lungs.

●Continue breathing like this until all of the mist is gone. Tap the cup of the nebulizer every few minutes to move any droplets on the side to the bottom of the small cup. Most of the time, it takes about 10 minutes to breathe in all of the medicine.

●Turn the nebulizer off.

What else should I know? — Follow the directions that came with the nebulizer for how to clean and store it. It is very important to clean and disinfect the machine as directed. This keeps it working well and helps prevent infection.

Some nebulizers also have a small filter that you might need to replace.

More on this topic

Patient education: Medicines for asthma (The Basics)
Patient education: Medicines for COPD (The Basics)
Patient education: Asthma in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Asthma in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (The Basics)

Patient education: Asthma treatment in adolescents and adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Asthma treatment in children (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatments (Beyond the Basics)