How to Use the Right Nebulizer to Treat COPD

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Nebulizer is a tool used to treat lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD. This machine converts drugs, which are usually liquid to steam so you can breathe into the lungs. That way the drug will be more effectively absorbed by the body. The Nebulizer delivers the same type of drug as an inhaler, but the nebulizer is easier to use, especially for children. Although it has been commonly found, sometimes there are still many who are confused about how to use a nebulizer. For that, let's look at the steps to use the following nebulizer.

What is the difference between a nebulizer and an inhaler?

As explained earlier, a nebulizer is one tool that converts liquid drug preparations into steam to treat lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD. That way the drug will enter more effectively to treat troubled lungs. This tool has various types and sizes. However, in general, nebulizers have two sizes. One is large and can be placed on a table, while the other one is small so you can easily carry it anywhere.

So what about the inhaler? Although it has a similar way of working, inhalers and nebulizers have differences. The difference that can be seen clearly is its size. Inhalers are usually smaller and lighter so they are more compact to carry around.

Regardless of the size difference, these two COPD treatments have the same parts, namely an air compressor, a small container for liquid medicine, a hose that connects the air compressor to the medicine container, and mouthpiece for you to breathe medicine.

Some people choose to use an inhaler rather than a nebulizer because the inhalers are easier to carry anywhere. Even so, these two devices are actually equally effective in delivering drugs to the lungs. It's just that, if you use a nebulizer you don't really need a complicated breathing technique. You can breathe it while breathing normally.Want to choose which, all depends on your preferences and also the type of drug you use.

How the nebulizer works

Steam inhaler nebulizer for medicine for respiratory problems — Source: Shutterstock

This tool works by converting liquid medicine into steam. The air containing medicinal vapors will then be pressed up through the hose to mouthpiece. From there, you will breathe your medicine. The medication delivered by the nebulizer will be absorbed slowly, and you may have to sit still for 10 to 15 minutes.

Nebulizer is more often used in COPD attacks because this tool does not require complicated breathing techniques. Because, when using an inhaler, you are required to take deep breaths first when spraying medication. Of course this will make it difficult for people who are experiencing COPD attacks. For this reason, nebulizers are a more effective choice for delivering drugs than inhalers in situations where the symptoms of COPD are worsening.

How to use the nebulizer correctly

In order to be able to operate and get the benefits, you certainly need to know how to use the nebulizer and its types. Most nebulizers use air compressors, and some use sound vibrations - this is called an ultrasonic nebulizer or ultrasound. This type of nebulizer is less noisy even though the price is more expensive.

Treatment with a nebulizer can treat it optimally if you understand how to use a nebulizer. For that, try following the following methods to use a nebulizer correctly, starting from preparing it to using it.

Step 1: Place the compressor on a flat surface that can securely connect electricity
Step 2: Check to make sure all parts are clean
Step 3: Wash your hands before preparing the medicine
Step 4: Pour your recipe into a medicine cup. To avoid spilling the medicine, close the medicine cup tightly and always hold it mouthpiece in a straight position
Step 5: If your medication is of the type premixed, immediately pour into the medicine container. However, if you have to mix it first, measure the right amount and pour it into the medicine container.
Step 6: Connect the hose to the air compressor
Step 7: Connect the other end of the hose to mouthpiece and cup of medicine
Step 8: Turn on the button on and check if the nebulizer produces steam
Step 9: Position mouthpiece in the mouth and valve your mouth or use a mask tightly to cover your nose and mouth so there are no gaps. Valve your lips tightly into the mouthpiece so that all drugs can enter your lungs
Step 10: Pull and exhale slowly until all the drugs run out. This stage can take 10 to 15 minutes
Step 11: Keep the liquid medicine container upright during use
Step 12: Turn off this machine after using it

Caring for a nebulizer to last and last longer

In addition to understanding how to use a nebulizer, you also need to understand how to treat it to stay durable. You certainly don't want to keep spending money just because you don't take care of this tool right?

After using it, you should always clean the nebulizer to avoid infections and bacteria growing in it. Because you breathe air from a nebulizer, bacteria can easily cause infection if they live there. Don't wash the hose. The hose must be replaced regularly because it is impossible to clean the inside of the hose completely. Caring for the cleanliness of the nebulizer and keeping it functioning well can take time. Be sure to pull out the machine from the mains before cleaning it.

Do the following every time you run out of using a Nebulizer:

Let go mouthpiece and also medicine containers. Wash the medication cup and mouthpiece with warm running water.
Let them dry in the air or use a clean cloth until it is completely clean. You can dry it with a tissue, but you should be sure that the tissue you are using is really clean.
After that, you can turn on the nebulizer for about 20 seconds. The air produced by the engine will help dry all the components of this tool.
Remove the nebulizer parts and store the machine in a closed area until it is used later.

Knowing how to use the nebulizer and its treatment properly will help you get the most out of COPD treatment.To sterilize the other parts, you can ask for a special solution to the doctor and soak it. You can also make the disinfectant with ¼ white vinegar and ¾ hot water. Do not forget tochange the filter. The instructions you can get along with the nebulizer will tell you when to replace them.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

How to Use the Right Nebulizer to Treat COPD

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