A nebulizer is a device for converting medicine in liquid form into a vapor that is inhaled. Treatment using a nebulizer is usually given to people with respiratory problems, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) when symptoms of shortness of breath are present.
One of the treatment of respiratory disorders or lung disease is to use inhaled drugs or aerosol therapy. There are drugs that work to treat shortness of breath, reduce inflammation, and prevent recurrence of symptoms. This inhaled drug can be given through an inhaler and a nebulizer.
The difference between a nebulizer and an inhaler is in how the device works. The nebulizer doesn't spray the medicine, but instead converts it from a liquid to a vapor, so that the medicine can enter the lungs more easily.
This device is usually used when a higher dose of inhaled medication is needed or when people with respiratory problems have difficulty using the inhaler, for example, children who experience shortness of breath due to asthma.
Diseases Treated with a Nebulizer
Nebulizers are generally used to relieve asthma symptoms. However, this tool is also often used to treat other diseases, such as:
1. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is a condition in which the lungs experience chronic (long-term) inflammation. This inflammation can block the airways, causing symptoms such as coughing up phlegm, shortness of breath, and wheezing. COPD is caused by exposure to pollution and cigarette smoke continuously over a long period of time.
2. Croup
Croup is a disease in which the larynx (voice box) and throat become infected, usually due to a viral infection. This disease often affects children aged 6 months to 3 years. Symptoms that a child may experience when experiencing croup are fever, hoarseness, wheezing, and a cough that sounds rough and loud.
3. Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is swelling of the epiglottis, the cartilage at the base of the tongue that acts as a valve to close the airways when you eat or drink.
The cause can be due to bacterial and viral infections or injury. High fever, hoarseness, sore throat, difficulty and pain when swallowing, to shortness of breath are signs and symptoms of epiglottitis.
4. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs that makes these organs inflamed. The cause can be viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Symptoms of pneumonia are coughing up phlegm, shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness, and fever. Sometimes it can also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or confusion.
A person is more at risk of suffering from this condition if they are hospitalized, have a weak immune system, smoke frequently, or suffer from certain diseases, such as stroke, heart disease, and COPD.
How to Use a Nebulizer Correctly
A set of nebulizer kits includes an air compressor, a mouthpiece or mask, a compressor tube, and a nebulizer cup or medication container. Drugs commonly used are asthma drugs (bronchodilators), anti-inflammatory drugs, and phlegm-thinning drugs.
The following is the correct order of how to use a nebulizer:
- Place the compressor on a level and easily accessible place.
- Make sure the equipment used is clean.
- Wash hands before preparing medicine.
- Put the medicine into the cup When you put the medicine, make sure the dose given is as recommended or prescribed by a doctor.
- Connect the mouthpiece or mask to the nebulizer cup.
- Attach the connecting hose to the compressor and nebulizer cup.
- When the tool is ready, turn on the compressor engine. If functioning normally, the device will emit mist or vapor containing the drug.
- Place the mouthpiece or mask into your mouth. Make sure there are no gaps.
- Sit comfortably in this position. This procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
- When using the device, breathe slowly until the medicine wears off.
- Keep the nebulizer cup upright during use.
If there are complaints of dizziness, chest palpitations, or restlessness when using the drug, stop treatment for a moment. After 5 minutes, use the nebulizer again, but try to breathe more slowly. But if complaints still appear, stop using the nebulizer and immediately consult a doctor.
Caring for and Cleaning the Nebulizer
The nebulizer should always be cleaned after each use. Nebulizers that are not cared for and cleaned properly run the risk of being exposed to germs and viruses that cause infection.
Here are tips for cleaning the nebulizer properly:
- Remove the nebulizer cup and mask/mouthpiece, then clean with warm water that has been mixed with detergent or soap.
- The hose connecting the compressor to the nebulizer does not need to be washed. Usually, the doctor will recommend changing the hose regularly.
- Wipe the washed utensil, place it in a clean place, and let it dry.
- Before storing, make sure the nebulizer is completely dry.
In addition, the nebulizer also needs to be sterilized every 3 days. Here's how to sterilize a nebulizer:
- Remove all removable parts of the tool.
- Soak each appliance in a cleaning liquid or antibacterial soap. You can also use water that has been mixed with vinegar.
- Let the appliance soak for about an hour.
- After an hour, rinse the appliance under clean running water, place it in a clean, dust-free place and let it dry.
- If the doctor recommends boiling some parts of the appliance to disinfect it, do so according to the instructions on the package of the appliance.
- As with daily cleaning, do not store the nebulizer until it is completely dry.
When storing it, cover the nebulizer with a clean, dry cloth. Avoid placing the tool on the floor, either when it will be used or not. As for medicine, store the medicine used in the nebulizer in a cool and dry place.
If you are still confused about using a nebulizer, don't hesitate to ask your doctor about how to use and care for the nebulizer correctly.