Nebulizers (also called a breathing machine)
Nebulizers make a mist out of liquid medicine. Patients who cannot use an inhaler can
receive medicine for their asthma with a nebulizer. Both controller and reliever
medicines can be given by a nebulizer. Nebulizers are the cup that attaches to the air
compressor. But the whole set-up is called a Nebulizer or breathing machine.
There are many different types of
nebulizer cups. There can be big
differences in how long each one can be
used. Check with your Health Care
Provider regarding how long you can
use your nebulizer cup before replacing
it.
1. Remove the top of the nebulizer cup and place the medication into the cup.
2. Replace the top. Make sure it is tight.
3. Attach the tubing from the machine
to the cup. Place the mask on your
child’s face. It is very important that the
mask fit well so that your child gets as
much medicine as possible.
4. Turn the machine on and encourage your child to breathe normally. Take a deeper
breath every 6 to 10 breaths. Try to entertain your child so that they do not cry. Crying
reduces the amount of medication that gets into the lungs. If your child uses a
mouthpiece make sure they are breathing through their mouth during the treatment.
5. It should take 6 to 8 minutes for the medicine to be finished. If you still have
medicine in the cup after 8 minutes, it is probably time to get a new cup.
6. The nebulizer cup and mask or mouthpiece should be rinsed out after each
treatment.
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7. Wash the nebulizer cup in warm, soapy water daily. Clean the cup more thoroughly
weekly. To clean the cup you can:
• Soak it in 70% isopropyl alcohol for 5 minutes then rinse it well with sterile water
Sterile water is water that has been boiled for 5 minutes then allowed to cool before
using.
• Soak it in 3% hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes then rinse it well with sterile water
Sterile water is water that has been boiled for 5 minutes then allowed to cool before
using.
8. DO NOT WASH THE TUBING! If you see water or moisture in the tubing it should
be replaced.
9. After cleaning, place the parts on a dry, clean paper towel. Cover the parts with
another clean paper towel. Once the parts are dry, story them in a dry, clean bag.
10. Wash the cup and mask or mouthpiece more often if your child is ill.
11. Do not share cups, masks or mouthpieces between children. Make sure each one
has their own unit.
When giving your child a nebulizer treatment, use a mouthpiece or a mask to give the
medicine. Do not just hold the cup in front of your child’s face. This does not deliver
any medication to your child.