Nebulizers are specially designed inhalers that deploy medication in a fine, liquid mist. They are commonly used to treat asthma in infants and children, as well as in adults with severe symptoms. The mist from a nebulizer is supplied through a tube that connects to a mask or mouthpiece. Proper use of a nebulizer requires certain breathing techniques to ensure adequate delivery of the asthma medication to the patient.
Positioning a Mask or Mouthpiece
If you are teaching a younger child use a nebulizer, you will need to begin with instruction on proper use of a mask. Position the mask comfortably over the child's nose and mouth and secure it in place around the back of his head with the attached elastic band. If you are teaching an older child, teenager or adult, he will likely use a mouthpiece that is inserted between the teeth. If this is the case, teach him to hold the mouthpiece in place with firm lip pressure that creates a seal around its opening. Some mouthpieces do not deliver mist until a finger is placed over a valve in the mouthpiece that creates the necessary air flow. Other mouthpieces and masks deliver mist as soon as the main nebulizer unit is turned on.
Breathing Technique and Potential Complications
At the beginning of a treatment, the person in your care should breathe out as thoroughly as possible. Once the mist flows into the mask or mouthpiece, she should breathe in deeply and slowly through her mouth. When her lungs are full, she should hold her breath for two or three seconds to give the medication time to fully enter the airways of her lungs. After this first breath, she should continue this cycle of exhalation and inhalation until the dose of medication is finished. Typically, treatment will take roughly five to 10 minutes.
In some cases, the person you are instructing may become dizzy or disoriented during the course of treatment. If this happens, have him take off his mask or remove his mouthpiece and take a break for a few minutes. Once his head is clear, have him continue the treatment and focus on breathing more slowly than before. In some cases, slower breathing may not resolve dizziness or disorientation. In these instances, contact the individual's physician for additional treatment advice.
Ending a Treatment Session
At the end of treatment, encourage the patient to breathe deeply several times and cough vigorously. In combination, these actions will ensure that his lungs are clear and force up any secretions that might be caught in his airways.
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