NEBULIZERS

WHAT IS AN AEROSOL NEBULIZER TREATMENT?

Your doctor has ordered aerosol therapy. The reason is to deliver the medication, in a fine mist, into your lungs.

HOW WILL THIS TREATMENT HELP?

Some of the medications used for aerosol therapy are called bronchodilators. This means that they work by relaxing the muscles surrounding the airway passages thereby allowing the person to breathe easier. Additionally, this results in an improved ability to cough up the mucous that would otherwise build up to excessive levels. Often, other medications are used in conjunction with the bronchodilator to improve its effectiveness or to relieve other symptoms. One of the major advantages of aerosol therapy is that the medication is delivered directly to the lungs, thereby having fewer effects on the rest of the body.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

You need to read the medication fact sheet that comes with your medication and learn about any medication actions or problems you might have. Some medications may cause: nervousness, shakiness, pounding in chest, or nausea. Not all medications cause these side effects and not all people react the same way (if at all). IF YOU DO - STOP and REST, wait for the feeling to lessen, then finish your treatment. If these feelings persist - you need to call your doctor.

TO SAFELY TAKE YOUR AEROSOL TREATMENTS FOLLOW THE STEPS LISTED HERE:

A.To give a treatment:

1.Measure the right medication dose as shown on your prescription label or as instructed by your physician. Add diluents as prescribed.

2.Sit upright in a chair or in a slight recline.

3.Place the mouthpiece between your teeth, close your mouth and breathe in slowly through your mouth. Take breaths deeper than normal.

4.Hold your breath for as long as you comfortably can before you breathe out.

5.Breathe out slowly in a relaxed way (passively).

6.You should pause after about 5 minutes and try to cough. This will help to move any plugged up mucous out of your airways. You should turn the nebulizer off when you rest so you don't waste your medication.

7.Keep breathing this way until all your liquid medication is used. This will be done when the nebulizer is no longer making a visible mist.

1.After each treatment - take the kit apart, rinse each piece (exception of tubing) in hot water/dishwashing detergent solution. Rinse under hot tap water for 30 seconds to remove detergent residue. Allow to air dry.

2.For reusable nebulizer only, clean daily in dishwasher using top shelf. CAUTION – The DeVilbiss Reusable Nebulizer is dishwasher safe, but do not place any disposable nebulizer parts in an automatic dishwasher; doing so could cause damage.

3.Once each day - take the nebulizer apart, soak in a three parts hot tap water and one part white vinegar 30 minutes. After the 30 minutes, rinse off the vinegar/water mixture under hot water and allow to air dry. Store in a Zip-lock® bag.