Nebulizer, Get to know the function and How to use it

Nebulizer is a tool to convert drugs in liquid form to inhaled vapors. Treatment that uses a nebulizer is usually given to people with respiratory disorders, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) when symptoms of shortness of breath are appearing. One treatment for respiratory disorders or lung disease is to use an inhaled medicine. There are drugs that work to overcome shortness of breath, reduce inflammation, and prevent recurrence of symptoms. Giving this inhalation drug can be through inhalers and nebulizers. The difference between the nebulizer and the inhaler is in the working of the tool. Nebulizer does not spray the drug, but convert it from liquid into steam, so that the drug more easily enters the lungs. This tool is usually used when a higher dose of inhaled medicine is needed or if a person with respiratory disorders has difficulty using an inhaler, for example children who experience shortness of breath due to asthma.

Diseases Treated by Nebulizer

Nebulizer is generally used to relieve asthma symptoms. But this tool is also often used to treat other diseases, such as:

1. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is a condition in which the lungs experience chronic (long-term) inflammation. This inflammation can block the respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as coughing up phlegm, shortness of breath, and wheezing. COPD is caused by prolonged exposure to pollution and cigarette smoke.

2. Croup

Croup is a disease in which the larynx (voice box) and throat become infected, usually due to a viral infection. This disease often affects children aged 6 months to 3 years. Symptoms that can be experienced by children when experiencing croup are fever, hoarseness, breath sounds, and coughs with a loud and loud voice.

3. Epiglotitis

Epiglotitis is swelling of the epiglottis, which is cartilage at the base of the tongue that functions as a valve closing the respiratory tract when you eat or drink. The reason could be due to bacterial and viral infections or injuries. High fever, hoarseness, sore throat, difficulty and pain when swallowing, to shortness of breath are signs and symptoms of epiglotitis.

4. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs which makes the organ inflamed. The cause can be viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Symptoms of pneumonia are cough with phlegm, shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness, and fever. Sometimes it can also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or daze. A person is more at risk of suffering from this condition if he is being treated in a hospital, has a weak immune system, often smokes, or suffers from certain diseases, such as stroke, heart disease, and COPD.

How to Use the Right Nebulizer

A set of nebulizer devices covers an air compressor, a mask or mouthpiece, a compressor tube, and a nebulizer cup or medicine container. Drugs commonly used are asthma medications (bronchodilators), anti-inflammatory drugs, and sputum thinners. The following is a sequence of appropriate ways to use a nebulizer:

• Place the compressor in a level place that is easily accessible.
• Make sure the equipment used is clean.
• Wash hands before preparing medicine.
• Put the medicine in the cup When entering the medicine, make sure the dosage is given according to doctor's recommendation or prescription.
• Connect the mouthpiece or mask to the nebulizer cup.
• Attach the connecting hose to the compressor and the nebulizer cup.
• When the tool is ready, start the compressor engine. If it functions normally, the device will emit mist or vapor containing the drug.
• Put the mouthpiece or mask into the mouth. Make sure there are no breaks.
• Sit comfortably in position. This procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
• When using the appliance, breathe slowly until the medicine runs out.
• Keep the nebulizer cup upright during use.

If you experience dizziness, chest palpitations, or anxiety when using drugs, stop treatment for a moment. After 5 minutes, use the nebulizer again, but try to breathe more slowly. But if complaints still arise, stop using the nebulizer and consult a doctor immediately.

Caring for and Cleaning Nebulizer

Nebulizer must always be cleaned after every use. Nebulizers that are not treated and cleaned properly are at risk of exposure to germs and viruses that cause infections. Here are tips for cleaning the nebulizer properly:

• Take off the nebulizer cup and mask / mouthpiece, then clean with warm water that has been mixed with detergent or soap.
• The compressor hose with the nebulizer does not need to be washed. Usually, the doctor will recommend replacing the hose regularly.
• Wipe the washed tool, place it in a clean place, and let it dry.
• Before storing, make sure the nebulizer is completely dry.

In addition, the nebulizer also needs to be sterilized every 3 days. Here's how to sterilize the nebulizer:

• Remove all removable parts.
• Soak each tool with cleaning liquid or antibacterial soap. You can also use water that has been mixed with vinegar.
• Let the appliance soak for about an hour.
• After one hour, rinse the appliance with clean running water, place it in a clean and dust-free place, then let it dry.
• If the doctor recommends boiling some parts of the device to disinfect it, do it according to the instructions listed on the device packaging.
• Just like when doing daily cleaning, don't store the nebulizer before the tool dries completely.

When storing it, cover the nebulizer with a dry, clean cloth. Avoid putting the tool on the floor, both when it will be used or not. As for medicine, keep the medication used in the nebulizer in a cool, dry place. If you are still confused about using a nebulizer, don't hesitate to ask your doctor about how to use and care for the correct nebulizer.