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How to Use a Nebulizer, Adult


About this topic


A nebulizer is a machine that changes a liquid drug into a mist. You breathe in the mist and the drug gets into your lungs. People with asthma may use this machine to take their asthma drugs. Sometimes, a nebulizer is used to give large doses of drugs that are inhaled. This device may also be called a breathing machine or an aerosol machine. ‚  
The nebulizer has a few different parts: ‚  
  • A device that gives the air called an air compressor
  • A small cup to hold the drug
  • A thin hose that lets the air move from the machine to the drug cup
  • Either a mask or mouthpiece to breathe in the drug
  • The drug you need to use. It may come in a tube that is measured for you. Some drugs you may have to measure with a dropper or syringe.


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What care is needed at home?


How to Use a Nebulizer ‚  
  • Plug the cord into an electrical outlet. Make sure you put the machine on something solid like a table or desk.
  • Wash and dry your hands well before you use the nebulizer.
  • Put the drug in the small cup.
  • If the drug is measured for you, put the whole amount into the nebulizer cup.
  • Otherwise, carefully measure the drug to get the right dose. Put the drug into the nebulizer cup.
  • Put the lid on the nebulizer cup.
  • Connect the nebulizer cup to the air compressor with the thin hose.
  • Attach the mask or mouthpiece to the nebulizer cup.
    • Mask: Put the mask over your nose and mouth.
    • Mouthpiece: Make sure your lips are tightly sealed around the mouthpiece.
  • Turn the nebulizer ON. You should see mist coming from the mask or mouthpiece.
  • Sit up straight in a chair. Take slow, deep breaths in and out through the mouth. This will help get the drug into the lungs. Continue this breathing until all of the mist is gone. The treatment should take about 10 minutes.
  • Turn the nebulizer OFF.
  • Follow the directions that came with your machine for cleaning and how to store your device.

What problems could happen?


Call the medical equipment company that provided your nebulizer if: ‚  
  • Your machine is not working
  • You have questions about how your nebulizer works

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum.
  • Trouble breathing
  • Coughing that will not stop
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you why I need a nebulizer and how I will use it.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have trouble breathing, more coughing, or I am wheezing.

Where can I learn more?


American Association for Respiratory Care ‚  
http://www.yourlunghealth.org/healthy_living/aerosol/Patient_aerosol_guide.pdf ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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