Using and Taking Care of Your Nebuliser

A nebuliser is a medical device that converts liquid into droplets of aerosol so that they may be inhaled. The devices use one of oxygen, compressed air or ultrasonic power to turn drugs into aerosols by breaking the medical solutions up into therapeutic aerosols for inhalation.

In fact, nebuliser use is in decline due to their relative inefficiency compared with other methods of medication delivery and doubts of their efficacy compared with other devices. Nevertheless, they are still the preferred form of drug delivery for many patients and are still used in some situations.

The variety of nebulisers which are available for use both in medical establishments in emergencies and in the patient’s home in the case of on-going treatment is massive. However, the medical industry tends to favour ultrasonic nebuliser since the average jet nebuliser wastes a relatively large amount of the drug.

A nebuliser is used to treat such long term pulmonary and respiratory disorders as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and Cystic Fibrosis.

Cleaning and maintenance of your nebuliser will ensure that it remains in the best possible working order and is therefore as efficient as it can be. When nebulisers are used regularly they should be thoroughly cleaned every day and those that are used only intermittently should be properly cleaned after each use. Pieces such as the mask, mouthpiece and nebuliser chamber should all be disconnected and washed in warm water mixed with deterrgent. They should then be left to dry completely. Once reattached it is advisable to allow the nebuliser to run for a ferw seconds before inserting the drug.

Parts of the machine which are disposable should be regularly changed. Masks, mouthpieces, tubing and the nebuliser chamber should be replaced three or four times a year and an annual service form the manufacturer is a must.