Nebulizer Machine - What Is It and How Does It Work?

Nebulizers are a quick and effective way to relieve you from respiratory illnesses. Despite the popularity of an inhaler, many still do not know how to use it, making situations difficult during critical times.

This article will detail what is a nebulizer and how it works. Read on to know more about a nebulizer machine.

A nebulizer is a small electrical device that turns liquid medicine into a mist. This helps your lungs in absorbing the medicine quickly and easily. The mist travels through a tube and comes out from a mask. Apart from being an electrical device, you can find portable battery-run nebulizers. To treat asthma in children who cannot use inhalers, 'nebulized therapy' or 'breathing treatment' is convenient.

The electrical and battery versions of a nebulizer machine come with a base that helps hold the air compressor. It also comes with a small vessel to hold liquid medicine and a tube that links the air compressor with the medication vessel. After this container, you will find a mask or a mouthpiece required to inhale the mist.

So, how does a nebulizer work?

Well, a nebulizer helps deliver the liquid medicine through pressurised air. It automises the liquid medicine into a gas you can inhale easily wearing the mask. While patients suffering from asthma use both the inhaler and a nebulizer, the latter is much easier to use, especially for young children. Your child might not have the right training to use an inhaler. So, using a nebulizer will be easier.

Now that you know what is a nebulizer and how you can use it, here is a list of some medications used in a nebulizer:

• Bronchodilators or Beta-2 agonists- These medications ease your breathing by relaxing muscles in your lungs and helping widen your air passage or bronchi.
• Antibiotics- Inhaled antibiotics, such as tobramycin, colistin and nebulized aztreonam, better treat airway infections.
• Corticosteroids- Corticosteroids are medications that prevent asthma symptoms by reducing inflammation.
• Medical-grade Saline Solutions- These medications help break the mucus in your lungs and ease breathing.

However, your doctor will decide which medication will suit you best depending on your body condition. Also, your doctor will intimate you of the correct proportion of the medication.

You can use a nebulizer for ten to fifteen minutes. When using this, keep breathing normally. A nebulizer device contains the following:

• A mask
• Medicine cup
• Mouthpiece
• Plastic tubing
• Compressor

Following are the simplest steps to use a nebulizer:

Step 1: The primary thing you must ensure before using a nebulizer is that all the pieces are clean.

Step 2: Then, ensure that it is on a flat area to support its weight.

Step 3: Wash your hands properly before using the device to ensure no bacteria or dirt can cause infection to your lungs.

Step 4: Now, remove the top of the device and carefully pour the liquid medicine inside the medicine cup.

Step 5: Now, connect the plastic tube to the liquid container and the compressor.

Step 6: Attach the mask or mouthpiece properly.

Step 7: Turn the nebulizer on to ensure the medication is flowing properly and misting.

Step 8: Sit straight and hold your mask to the nose and mouth to receive the mist. Properly secure your mask to ensure there are no gaps. You can allow someone to help you to hold the mask in place as the nebulizer flows. You can also insert the mouthpiece inside your mouth.

Step 9: Breathe in and out normally until all the medicine is gone.

Step 10: Remove the mouthpiece/mask and turn off the device.

Now that you know the use of nebulizer machines, here are the four types of machines available:

• Ultrasonic Nebulizers- These devices make an aerosol through high-frequency vibrations and are commonly used in hospitals.
• Jet Nebulizers- People commonly use jet nebulizers. They make an aerosol through medicines by using compressed air.
• Mesh Nebulizers- This help dispense the medication effectively as the mesh cap comes with tiny holes. They are the newer versions and more effective than the jet nebulizers.
• Portable Nebulizers- These nebulizers are powered by batteries and are smaller in size. It can be an option for you to receive medication in case you are away from your home or are travelling.

As you are breathing the mist from the device, it is mandatory to sanitise the device. Avoid using the machine if it is not cleaned as this may cause bacteria, dirt and germs to grow inside the device, causing serious diseases and infections.

Here are the ways to clean the machine:

• After each use, wash the cup and the mask/mouthpiece of the nebulizer machine with lukewarm and soapy water.
• Before re-using them, air dry the components of the machine.

Additionally, it would be best to disinfect the nebulizer machine every three days a week. Here are the steps to do the same:

Step 1: You will find a disinfectant solution that comes with your nebulizer. You can use it or prepare a solution too. 

Step 2: To prepare a solution, mix one-part vinegar with three parts of water.

Step 3: Soak the device by taking off the detachable parts, such as a mouthpiece and a medication container, in the solution for about 30 minutes. You do not require cleaning the tube that connects with the air compressor.

Step 4: Properly wash all the soaked components with warm and soapy water.

Step 5: Completely air-dry the components before re-using them.

There are certain tips that you should keep in mind while using a nebulizer machine. They are as follows:

• Ensure your device is free of dirt since carelessness can cause health hazards.
• Keep your device in a cool and dry area and away from the reach of little children.
• After cleaning the machine and drying it up, store it in an airtight plastic container.
• Always consult your doctor before using the nebulizer.
• Use correct proportions of the medications as prescribed by your doctor.

So, now you know what is a nebulizer and how you can take care of your device. In this regard, the type of nebulizer you require depends on your health condition and your physician's prescription. However, before using the device, you must read the guidelines and use it accordingly.