Do’s for Nebulization

Before nebulization

– Follow the directions exactly as recommended

Your doctor is the best judge to recommend the type of treatment best suited for you. Hence, its important to understand and follow the instructions given by the physician and the device manual. If you have any doubts, clear them up with the doctor beforehand. Do not make any alterations in the recommended medication dose, frequency or duration of nebulization.

– Ensure that your hands and the device accessories are clean

Wash your hands with soap and ensure that al the device accessories are clean before using them.

During nebulization

– Ensure you are in the right position during nebulization

The right position can simplify and ease the process of nebulization. Always sit upright while nebulizing. Even the nebulizer should be kept upright during the process.

– Stop the nebulization during a cough or during expectoration

If you want to cough out sputum or expectorate, switch off the nebulizer.
Then resume when you have settled down. This prevents wastage of medicine.

– Take deep breaths and hold the breath whenever possible

Take steady normal breaths with occasional deep breaths, and hold the breath whenever possible.
This will help better reach and distribution of the medicine into the lungs.

Use a mouthpiece instead of a face mask

Using a mouthpiece helps in more effective treatment than when using a face mask. If a face mask is used, ensure that it fits tightly and does not allow the medicine mist to escape through any gaps.

After nebulization

– Ensure that nebulization is complete

Keep checking the volume in the medication cup. When you are using a jet nebulizer, some medicine remains in the cup at the end of nebulization, which cannot be nebulized further. Typically, when you hear a sputtering sound, stop the nebulization.

– Take steps to avoid side effects

After every nebulization cycle, rinse the mouth with warm water, gargle and spit out. Ifa face mask is used, clean the mouth and nose area with water to prevent side effects such as skin rash.

Medicine storage

• Store the medications in a cool, dry place as per the instructions on the pack.
• If you see any color change or turbidity or crystal formation, throw them away and replace them with new ones.
• Always have a backup supply of medications at hand.

Cleaning and disinfecting the nebulizer kit
Cleaning and disinfecting the nebulizer kit is essential to prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, all of which can cause infections.

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and maintenance of the nebulizer kit.
• Wash all the accessories (except the tubing) with warm water/mild detergent after each use.
• All the accessories (except the tubing) should be disinfected regularly (at least once a day
• Rinse the accessories.
• Air-dry the accessories completely If there is condensation present in the tubing, reconnect the tubing to the compressor and allow air to blow through it.
• Compressor functioning should be checked regularly and should be maintained,

Don’ts for Nebulization

• Never carry out nebulization without taking your doctor’s advice.
• Do not exceed the medicine dose and follow the frequency or the duration of nebulization as recommended by your doctor.
• Do not use a cracked, faulty nebulizer or medication that is beyond its expiry date.

Do not nebulize in a lying down position

• In the lying down position, the mouth is generally closed, and the breathing is shallow. This does not let the medicine reach the deeper areas of the lungs, and this may render the whole nebulization process ineffective.

Do not sterilize the respules using heat

• The medication inside the respules is sterile. Pour the contents directly into the medication cup and nebulize.
• Do not tak or discontinue inhalation during nebulization.
• Do not block the air openings when the nebulizer is in use.
• Do not replace or substitute the filter with cotton or any other material
• Do not towel-dry the nebulizer parts after cleaning,
• Do not place the nebulizer compressor system near any other liquid.
• Do not use the medicine leftover in the respules, or mix and use the medicines left over in old respules for nebulization.