How to use a nebulizer

 

 

 

 

Have you ever looked at a nebulizer and thought, "huh?" 

 

How do all the little pieces fit together? 

 

And when I'm done with the breathing treatment, what do I clean? And how do I clean it?

 

Your home health care should have sent a tech out with the nebulizer to show you how to use it, how to keep it clean, and how to store it. 

It's important to clean the pieces of the nebulizer (canister that holds the liquid medicine, the mouthpiece or mask, etc.)

Why is it so important to keep clean? Well, it is medical equipment!

And like any medical equipment, you want to make sure it's kept clean.

If your lungs are already being cranky (which is why you are doing a breathing treatment), the last thing you need is to use dirty equipment covered in bacteria. 

Otherwise, you can inhale that bacteria - which is definitely going to make your lungs worse!

I found a great resource from American Lung Association that shows how a nebulizer works. 

 

Make sure you know how to assemble the pieces, how to clean it, and how to store it to keep it germ free.

It seems like every time I need to use my nebulizer, it's in the middle of the night. The last thing you need to do is fumble to put it together when time is of the essence. 

Know how to use it BEFORE you need it