Nebulizer Treatments

A nebulizer changes medication from a liquid to a mist so you can inhale it into your lungs.

Nebulizers come in home (tabletop) and portable models. Home nebulizers are larger, and you have to plug them into an electrical outlet. Portable nebulizers run on batteries, or you can plug them into a car outlet. Some are only a bit bigger than a deck of cards, so you can carry them in a bag or briefcase.

You may need a doctor’s prescription for a nebulizer, or you can get one at your pediatrician’s office. Many people also get breathing treatments at their doctor’s office.

Home nebulizers cost about $50 and up, plus the cost of accessories. Portable nebulizers usually cost a little more.

Health insurance policies usually cover nebulizers under their durable medical equipment portion. But most insurance companies want you to work with a certain supplier. Check with your insurance provider before buying or renting a nebulizer. Your health care team should be able to help you.

Types of Nebulizers

There are three main types of nebulizers:

• Jet. This uses compressed gas to make an aerosol (tiny particles of medication in the air).
• Ultrasonic. This makes an aerosol through high-frequency vibrations. The particles are larger than with a jet nebulizer.
• Mesh. Liquid passes through a very fine mesh to form the aerosol. This kind of nebulizer puts out the smallest particles. It’s also the most expensive.

Talk to your doctor about whether a mouthpiece or a mask is right for you or your child. Face masks, which fit over the nose and mouth, are often better for children under 5 because they breathe through their nose more than older children and adults do.

Why Might You Use A Nebulizer?

Nebulizers are especially good for infants’ or small children’s asthma medications. They’re are also helpful when you have trouble using an asthma inhaler or need a large dose of an inhaled medication.

Nebulized therapy is often called a breathing treatment. You can use nebulizers with a variety of medications, both for controlling asthma symptoms and for relief right away. These include:

• Corticosteroids to fight inflammation (such as budesonide, flunisolide, fluticasone, and triamcinolone)
• Bronchodilators to open your airways (such as albuterol, formoterol, levalbuterol, and salmeterol)

How Do I Use A Nebulizer?

Before starting, gather your supplies:

• Air compressor
• Nebulizer cup
• Mask or mouthpiece
• Medication (either unit dose vials or bottles with measuring devices)
• Compressor tubing

Then, follow these steps:

• Put the air compressor on a flat, sturdy surface. Plug it into a grounded (three-prong) electrical outlet.
• Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them completely.
• Put medication into the nebulizer cup. Most comes already measured in unit dose vials. If you have to measure it yourself, use a separate clean measuring device for each medication.
• Assemble the nebulizer cup and mask or mouthpiece.
• Connect the tubing to both the aerosol compressor and the nebulizer cup.
• Turn on the compressor to make sure it’s working the way it should. You should see a light mist coming from the back of the tube.
• Sit up straight on a comfortable chair. If the treatment is for your child, they can sit on your lap. If you’re using a mask, put it on. Be sure it’s comfortable and secure. If you’re using a mouthpiece, put it between your or your child’s teeth and seal the lips around it.
• Take slow, deep breaths. If possible, hold each breath for 2 or 3 seconds before breathing out. This lets the medication settle into your airways.
• Continue until the medication is gone. The nebulizer will make a sputtering noise, and the cup will have just a little liquid left in it.
• If you get dizzy or jittery, stop the treatment and rest for about 5 minutes. Continue the treatment, and try to breathe more slowly. If you keep having problems during treatments, tell your doctor.