Nebulization is a treatment that clears the airways by inhaling steam, which may contain saline and/or medications that help humidify the airways and thin mucus, making breathing easier.
Nebulization is often recommended for problems that affect the respiratory system, such as the flu, colds, sinusitis, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and can be done at home or in the hospital using an electric nebulizer.
Nebulization lasts about 15 to 20 minutes and can be performed 2 to 3 times a day. It has a quick effect on the respiratory tract and has fewer side effects than oral medications. Although vaping is a simple treatment, it must be done under medical supervision, especially if medications are required.
what are they used for
Nebulization is recommended to help treat respiratory problems such as:
- influenza;
- cough;
- cold;
- sinusitis;
- pharyngitis;
- tonsillitis;
- asthma;
- bronchitis;
- Bronchiolitis;
- bronchiectasis;
- Pulmonary Fibrosis;
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
- pneumonia;
- Cystic fibrosis.
Your doctor may recommend nebulizing to prevent shortness of breath and improve breathing. Nebulization is often supplemented with other forms of treatment, such as the use of medications or respiratory physiotherapy. Learn how to perform respiratory physiotherapy.
How to atomize
Nebulization should be done with an electric nebulizer, which may only contain saline to replenish the airway or inhaled medications such as corticosteroids or bronchodilators, which must be prescribed by a doctor.
Before nebulizing, make sure the nebulizer is clean and equipped with all necessary parts, such as mask, nebulizer bottle, plastic tubing, and compressor assembly.
To perform fogging, follow these steps:
- wash your hands well Wash with water and mild soap and dry with a clean, dry towel;
- Place 5 to 10 mL of saline and/or medication Pack in a nebulizer cup at the dose recommended by your doctor;
- Place the glass top Nebulizer in mask;
- Attach plastic pipe to glass Nebulizer and compressor units;
- sit or lie down be in a comfortable position;
- Turn on the nebulizer and observe If mist forms inside the mask;
- Wear a mask, Must cover entire mouth and nose;
- Breathe slowly and deeply through your mouth, Inhale for 2 to 3 seconds and then exhale to allow the steam to reach your lungs;
- Continue misting for 15 to 20 minutes Or until there is no more mist coming out of the atomizer.
At the end of nebulization, remove the mask, turn off the device and clean appropriately according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Saline solution should be stored in the refrigerator and used up to 15 days after opening. If you need to use the serum again, remove the bottle from the refrigerator and wait for it to reach room temperature to avoid worsening of nasal congestion or bronchospasm.
Another important tip is to rinse your mouth after nebulizing, especially when using corticosteroids such as budesonide or fluticasone, to reduce the risk of oral fungal infections.
How to nebulize your baby
To nebulize an infant or child, the mask must be held correctly to inhale the mist and achieve the desired therapeutic effect. In addition, the baby or child must sit on an adult’s lap or on a special chair.
Saline solution can be used to nebulize an infant or child, and in some cases, such as when treating asthma, bronchitis, or allergic crises, the pediatrician may also direct the use of nebulized medications. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions on nebulizer dosage and duration of use.
Nebulizer care
After nebulizing, you should always clean the nebulizer parts, wash the cup, mask and tube with warm water and mild soap or detergent, then air dry.
It’s also important to disinfect your nebulizer weekly by immersing the mask, glass, and tube in a white vinegar solution of 1 part vinegar and 3 parts hot water and letting the parts soak in the solution. At least 1 hour, or according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Additionally, nebulizers should always be stored in a dry, moisture-free place to extend the shelf life of the device.
If mold is found on the device, use should be avoided as the mist may transport fungi or other microorganisms to the respiratory system, worsening symptoms or causing new infections.
Nebulized medicine
Some medications your doctor may order to be nebulized include:
- bronchodilators, For example, albuterol, formoterol, or salmeterol;
- corticosteroidssuch as budesonide, fluticasone, or beclomethasone.
These nebulized medications should only be used under the guidance of a physician, based on the condition to be treated and individualized dosage.
possible side effects
Nebulization is a safe and well-tolerated treatment, primarily when administered with saline.
However, when bronchodilator drugs or corticosteroids are used for nebulization, they may cause side effects such as headache, tremor, nausea, or cardiac palpation. It is important to tell your doctor when some of these symptoms occur so treatment can be re-evaluated.
Contraindications
There are no contraindications to saline nebulization. However, nebulizing medications should only be done with medical indications, as some medications are not suitable for children, the elderly, or during pregnancy, for example.