A nebulizer changes medication from a liquid to a mist so that it can be more easily inhaled into the lungs.

Nebulizer vs. inhaler

• Metered dose inhalers (MDI) are the most widely used, but they require coordination.
• Inhalers are smaller and require no power source. And because they deliver the medicine much more quickly than a nebulizer, they may be preferred by some parents.
• Nebulizers are particularly effective in delivering asthma medications to infants and small children and to anyone who has difficulty using an asthma inhaler.
• Nebulizers are more convenient when a large dose of medicine has to be given.
• You should take the decision of using a nebulizer at home after discussion with your paediatrician. If he/she feels that your child will benefit from nebulisation, learn from your doctor or nurse how to operate it at home.

Components of a nebulizer

• Compressor: This is the power source that pressurises the air. This compressed air breaks the liquid medication down into tiny droplets (a mist) that your child will breathe in.
• Nebulizer chamber: This is a small plastic cylinder that you put the liquid medication into. A long, thin tube connects the compressor to the chamber and passes the compressed air through.
• Face mask or mouth piece: This is the device you place on your child’s mouth and nose to allow him/her to breathe the medication into lungs. It attaches to the nebuliser chamber.

Choosing the right nebulizer

• If it’s for a child you should consider buying equipment designed for kids with colourful or playful themes.
• If it’s for an infant you may need to make sure you have an infant inhalation mask or other necessary accessories.
• Portability and battery packs are important if you’re frequently on-the-go.
• Some manufacturers design nebulizer accessories to be compatible only with their own products. Make sure you are buying the correct parts.

Using a nebulizer

• Place the air compressor on a sturdy surface that will support its weight. Plug the cord from the compressor into a properly grounded electrical outlet.
• Wash your hands with soap and water and dry completely.
• Carefully measure medications in the dose prescribed by your paediatrician and put them into the nebulizer chamber. Most medications today come in premeasured unit dose vials so measuring is not necessary. If you do measure, use a separate, clean measuring device for each medication.
• Assemble the nebulizer chamber and mask or mouth piece. Connect the tubing to both the aerosol compressor and nebulizer chamber.
• Turn on the compressor to make sure it is working correctly. You should see a light mist coming from the back of the tube opposite the mouthpiece.
• Make your child sit on your lap or in an older child let them sit comfortably in a chair. Position mask comfortably and securely on your child, covering his/her nose and mouth.
• In an older child you can use a mouth piece and ask him/her to place between teeth and close mouth.
• Continue the treatment until the medication is gone (an average of 10 minutes). The nebulizer will make a sputtering noise, and the cup will have just a little medication remaining.
• During the treatment, if the medication sticks to the sides of the nebulizer cup, you may shake the cup to loosen the droplets.

Nebulizer care

Cleaning needed daily/after each use :

• Remove the mask or the mouthpiece and the chamber/cup. Remove the tubing and set it aside. The tubing should not be washed or rinsed. The out side should be wiped down.
• Rinse the mask or mouth piece and T-shaped part in warm running water for 30 seconds after each use. Once a day clean these with mild dishwashing soap and warm water. Rinse under a strong stream of water for 30 seconds. Use distilled or sterile water for rinsing, if possible.
• Shake off excess water. Air dry on a clean clothe or paper towel.
• Put the mask or the mouthpiece, cup, and tubing back together and connect the device to the compressed air machine. Run the machine for 10 to 20 seconds to dry the inside of the nebulizer.
• Disconnect the tubing from the compressed air machine. Store the nebulizer in a ziplock plastic bag.
• Place a cover over the compressed air machine.

Cleaning Needed Once or Twice a Week:

• Remove the mask or the mouthpiece and the chamber. Remove the tubing and set it aside. The tubing should not be washed or rinsed. Wash the mask or the mouthpiece and chamber/cup with a mild dishwashing soap and warm water.
• Rinse under a strong stream of water for 30 seconds.
• Soak nebulizer chamber, medicine cup, and mask or mouthpiece for 30 minutes in a solution that is one part distilled white vinegar and two parts distilled water or some other disinfectant solution suggested by manufacturer. Throw out the vinegar water solution after use; do not reuse it.
• Rinse the nebulizer parts under warm running water for 1 minute. Use distilled or sterile water, if possible.
• Shake off excess water. Place all parts on a clean dry cloth or paper towel to air dry.
• Put the mask or the mouthpiece, cup, and tubing back together and connect the device to the compressed air machine. Run the machine for 10 to 20 seconds to dry the inside of the nebulizer thoroughly.
• Disconnect the tubing from the compressed air machine. Store the nebulizer in a ziplock plastic bag.
• Clean the surface of the compressed air machine with a damp, soapy cloth or sponge. You could also use an alcohol or disinfectant wipe. NEVER PUT THE COMPRESSED AIR MACHINE IN WATER.
• Place a cover over the compressed air machine.