A nebulizer is a machine used to deliver asthma medicine deep inside the lungs. It is an asthma treatment option that can be utilized by both children 6 years old and under with a mask and children above the age of 6 with a mouthpiece. The medicine dispensed into the machine comes as a liquid, which then turns into a vapor and is easy to breathe in. If you have any further questions about nebulizers, contact your doctor's office, asthma care team or pharmacy. Video TranscriptA nebulizer is a machine that is used to deliver asthma medicine deep inside the lungs. The medicine that you put into the machine comes as a liquid, which then turns into a vapor and is easy to breathe in. A mask is used for children under 6 years old. A mouthpiece is used for children 6 years and older. Kids using a nebulizer should be sitting upright to help them breathe in and out. It might help them sit still if you can give them something to do while they receive their medicine, such as reading a book. Make sure your child keeps the mask on for the entire treatment, which can take up to 15 minutes. The nebulizer will start to sputter near the end of the treatment. Turn off the nebulizer when the chamber is empty. Clean your nebulizer chamber every day. Unscrew the plastic chamber and soak in warm soapy water for 15 minutes. Run water through it, shake off water, and set out to dry. Remember if you have questions, call your doctor’s office, asthma care team or pharmacy. Additional ResourcesHow do Nebulizers Work?A nebulizer is a small medical device that turns liquid medication into a fine aerosol mist that makes it easy to inhale into the lungs to treat a variety of respiratory conditions. Important steps to taking a nebulizer treatmentBe sure to read the instructions for use that come with your nebulizer system. These instructions provide important information on how to correctly assemble and care for your nebulizer system to keep it working properly. After you've cleaned and disinfected your nebulizer, assembled it correctly, and have attached the tubing to the compressor, you are ready to begin your treatment.
Using a nebulizer – how long will my treatment take?Nebulization time is different for each person and depends on several factors, such as a person's breathing pattern, the type of medication, and the amount of medication that needs to be nebulized. For example, it will take longer to nebulize 4mL of solution than 2.5mL. Also, because PARI's nebulizers are "breath-enhanced" a person that has the ability to take deeper breaths or breathes at a faster rate may have a shorter nebulization time than a person that has slower or more shallow breathing. Should you take deep breaths when using a nebulizer?Put the mouthpiece in your mouth between your teeth and close your lips around it. Hold the nebulizer in an upright position. This prevents spilling and promotes nebulization. Assure deep breathing throughout the treatment.
Does a nebulizer open up your lungs?Doctors often prescribe bronchodilators to people with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory disorders. Sterile saline solution: A nebulizer can deliver sterile saline to help open the airways and thin secretions. This may loosen and make it easier to cough up mucus in the lungs.
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