Nebulizer Fluid for Shortness of Breath, Here's How to Use It

Illustration. (Photo: UNSPLASH)

YOGYAKARTA - A nebulizer is a device used to convert a liquid medicine into a vapor that can be inhaled. Treatment using this device is generally given to people with respiratory disorders, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This tool is used when the sufferer experiences shortness of breath.

One of the treatments for respiratory disorders or lung diseases is to use inhaled drugs. This inhaled drug administration can use an inhaler or nebulizer.

The difference between a nebulizer and an inhaler can be seen from the way the device works. The nebulizer does not spray the medicine, but converts it from a liquid to a vapor so that the medicine will be easier to enter the lungs.

This device is generally used if a higher dose of inhaled medication is needed or if people with respiratory disorders have difficulty using an inhaler, for example, children who experience shortness of breath due to asthma.

What Are the Diseases That Can Be Treated with a Nebulizer?

Quoted from Healthy Line, a nebulizer is generally used to relieve asthma symptoms. However, this tool can also be used to treat several other diseases, for example:

Epiglotitis

Epiglotitis is an inflammation of the epiglottis, which is the cartilage at the base of the tongue that serves as a valve to close the airway when a person eats or drinks.

Epiglotitis is usually caused by bacterial or viral infections and injuries to the throat. Symptoms of this condition are generally high fever, hoarseness, sore throat, difficulty and pain when swallowing, to shortness of breath.

Croup

Croup is a disease that attacks the vocal cords and throat due to a viral infection. This disease is often suffered by children aged 6 months to 3 years. Symptoms that children with this condition can experience include a hoarse voice, fever, wheezing, and a loud and harsh cough.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is a condition when there is long-term inflammation in the lung organs. This inflammation makes the flow of air in the respiratory tract obstructed so that symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing occur.

COPD can be caused by exposure to pollution and cigarette smoke on a sustained basis over a long period of time.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs that makes the organ inflamed. The cause can be bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms of pneumonia include coughing with phlegm, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, fever, and sometimes followed by symptoms of nausea, vomiting, or confusion.

A person will be at a higher risk of pneumonia if they are hospitalized, have a weak immune system, smoke, or suffer from certain diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and COPD.

How to Use a Nebulizer Properly

A set of nebulizer equipment consists of a compressor machine, a mask or mouth funnel, a connecting hose, and a nebulizer cup or medicine container. The drugs commonly used are anti-inflammatory drugs, asthma drugs, and sputum thinners.

Below is the correct sequence of how to use a nebulizer:

Make sure the equipment you use has been cleaned. Wash your hands before the medicine is prepared. Put the medicine into the nebulizer cup and make sure the dose given is according to the doctor's advice or prescription. Connect the mouthpiece or mask to the nebulizer cup. Connect the hose between the compressor machine and the nebulizer cup. If the device is ready, turn on the compressor machine. If it works normally, the device will emit steam containing the medicine. Put the mouthpiece or mask to your mouth and make sure there is no gap. Sit comfortably in an upright position. This procedure usually takes about 15-20 minutes. When using the device, you must breathe slowly until the medicine is gone. During use, keep the nebulizer cup upright.

If you feel dizzy, your chest is pounding, or you are restless while using the medicine, stop the treatment for a while. After 5 minutes, use the nebulizer again, but try to breathe more slowly. If the complaint still appears, stop using the nebulizer and immediately consult a doctor.

Tips for Caring for and Cleaning a Nebulizer

The nebulizer must of course always be cleaned after use. Nebulizer that is not properly maintained and cleaned has the risk of being exposed to germs and viruses that cause infection.

The following are some tips for properly cleaning a nebulizer:

Remove the nebulizer cup and mouth piece, then clean with warm water that has been mixed with detergent or soap. The compressor connecting hose with the nebulizer does not need to be washed. The doctor will recommend replacing the hose regularly. Dry the cleaned device and place it in a clean place. Before storing, you must ensure that the nebulizer is completely dry.

In addition, the nebulizer must also be sterilized once a week. How to sterilize the nebulizer, among others:

Remove the nebulizer cup and mouth piece. Soak the device in 70% alcohol. You can also use water mixed with vinegar. Let the device soak in alcohol for 5 minutes or in a mixture of water with vinegar for 30 minutes. Next, rinse the device with clean running water, put it in a clean and dust-free place, then let it dry. If the doctor recommends boiling some parts of the device as a disinfection step, run it according to the instructions on the device packaging. As with daily cleaning, do not store the nebulizer before the device is completely dry. When you store it, cover the nebulizer with a dry and clean cloth. Do not put the device on the floor, either when it will be used or not. As for the medicine, store the medicine used on the nebulizer in a cool and dry place.

That's the discussion about the nebulizer used for shortness of breath. Hopefully useful. Visit VOI.id for other interesting information.