How to Properly Use a Nebulizer

Summary

This video explains how nebulizers are used by individuals with chronic lung diseases like COPD or asthma to inhale medication in mist form. It outlines the five basic components of a nebulizer, including the medicine cup, compressor, and tubing. The video emphasizes the importance of following prescribed medication steps, ensuring proper setup, and breathing techniques to maximize medication delivery. Viewers are encouraged to visit the American Lung Association's website for further resources on nebulizer care and use.

Takeaways

• 😀 Many people with chronic lung diseases, like COPD and asthma, use nebulizers to take medication in mist form.
• 😀 Nebulizers are especially recommended for patients who struggle with inhalers or can't inhale deeply enough.
• 😀 A nebulizer consists of five basic parts: a medicine cup, a top piece, a mouthpiece or mask, tubing, and a compressor.
• 😀 The compressor can be plugged into an electrical socket, used with a car adapter, or be battery-operated for portability.
• 😀 Patients should use clean hands to pour prescribed medication into the medicine cup.
• 😀 After attaching the top piece, the tubing connects the medicine cup to the compressor.
• 😀 The mask should cover the face or the mouthpiece should be held tightly between the teeth with closed lips.
• 😀 The nebulizer should be held upright to prevent spills and ensure correct medication distribution.
• 😀 Patients should breathe normally through their mouths to allow the medicine to reach deep into their lungs.
• 😀 For additional resources on cleaning and caring for nebulizers, visit the American Lung Association's website.

Q & A

What are nebulizers commonly used for?

Nebulizers are commonly used by people with chronic lung diseases, such as COPD or asthma, to take their medication in the form of a mist that can be inhaled into the lungs.

Why might someone prefer a nebulizer over an inhaler?

A nebulizer may be preferred for patients who have difficulty using inhalers due to health issues or for those who are unable to inhale deeply enough for other devices.

What are the five basic parts of a nebulizer?

The five basic parts of a nebulizer include a medicine cup, a top piece or cap, a mouthpiece or mask, thin plastic tubing, and a compressor.

How is the medicine administered using a nebulizer?

To administer the medicine, you pour it into the medicine cup, attach the top piece, connect the mouthpiece or mask, and then use the compressor to create a mist that is inhaled.

What power sources can be used for a nebulizer?

Nebulizers can be powered by being plugged into an electrical socket, using a car adapter for travel, or being battery-operated for portable use.

What should you do with your hands before using a nebulizer?

You should ensure that your hands are clean before handling the medication and the nebulizer components.

How should you position the nebulizer during use?

You should hold the nebulizer in an upright position to prevent spilling and to ensure proper distribution of the medication.

What breathing technique should be used when inhaling medication from a nebulizer?

You should take normal, regular breaths in through your mouth to allow the medicine to reach deep into your lungs.

How do you know when to stop using the nebulizer?

You should continue using the nebulizer until all of the medicine is gone from the cup.

Where can you find more information on using and caring for a nebulizer?

More demonstration videos and information on cleaning and caring for your nebulizer can be found on the American Lung Association's website at Lung.org/nebulizer.