Using a Nebulizer

There are many ways that asthma medicine can be given. Some medications are taken in the form of pills. Some medications are inhaled (breathed in) using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) or "puffer". Another way to take medicine that needs to be inhaled is by using a nebulizer. For small children who may not be able to use an MDI the nebulizer is another choice. It is also a good option when you cannot take a deep breath because you are having an asthma attack.

Breathing in the Medicine

Using the nebulizer involves putting in a prescribed amount of medicine and breathing in the mist that the nebulizer produces. You might have to measure out the medicine or it might come in small packages with just the right amount for one use. This is called a unit-dose vial. Any of the medicines that you take for asthma can be taken by nebulizer. These include "rescue medications" or bronchodilators which open your airways and corticosteroids which are used for inflammation.

How the Nebulizer Works

Nebulizers are not all alike so be sure you understand how yours works. One end of the tubing gets attached to the compressor which creates the airstream to make the mist that you will breathe in. The other end of the tubing attaches to the bottom of the nebulizer.

There is an opening with a cap which you remove to put in the liquid medicine. Hold it upright when you are filling it. Do not overfill.

Switch on the machine and put the mouthpiece between your teeth or put the face mask over your nose and mouth. Breathe slowly and deeply. Always keep the nebulizer in upright position

Cleaning the Nebulizer

You should clean your nebulizer after each treatment because germs can grow in it.

1. Remove the nebulizer from the compressor. Remove the mouthpiece.
2. Unscrew the upper half of the nebulizer and rinse all parts under running water.
3. Wash nebulizer in warm water and dishwashing detergent. Rinse with fresh water. Leave parts to air dry on a clean paper towel.
4. Wash hands and reassemble the nebulizer.
5. To remove any water left in the nebulizer tubing, attach tubing to compressor, turn on compressor and allow air to pass through tubing until dry.
6. Store nebulizer with cap on it until next treatment.

Problems There are not usually any ill effects from using a nebulizer. If you have any problems, tell your health care provider and perhaps you will need a change of medicine. You should not use the nebulizer more often than your doctor has instructed.

Resources For More Information:

Asthma Center at Long Island College Hospital

James P. Mara Center for Lung Disease at St. Luke's - Roosevelt Hospital Center

The material contained in this document was prepared to provide basic information.
Questions concerning its application to your particular case should be directed to your physician.