Nebulisers are devices that help people inhale medicine in mist form, through a face mask or mouthpiece. It converts the medicine into a liquid that can then be inhaled into the lungs. They typically come with compressors, however, you can generally find battery-operated, handheld devices that are available in different stores.
If you’re looking to buy nebuliser Australia, we thought we would share some important information ensuring you use them properly at home:
What are they used for?
These important devices are used for treating people suffering from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other illnesses that obstruct the airway. Home treatment is typically more effective in providing treatment for small children, infants and senior patients as well as other people who cannot use inhalers with spaces.
When someone experiences a lung attack, inhaling the medicine through this imperative device is far more comfortable than using a pocket inhaler for COPD or asthmatic people. What’s more, infants who are unable to use inhalers may be asked to use the device as a method for easily inhaling the medicine without the need for breath coordination.
Therefore, nebulisers are incredibly handy when it comes to providing asthma medication, working as efficiently as an inhaler as well as being more comfortable than a pocket inhaler.
They can be used to deliver both long-acting (controller) or short-acting (rescue) medications. Your doctor will prescribe the right medication depending on your particular medical condition.
Using the device at home
It is vital to always read the provided safety instructions found in the user manual. Asthma/COPD patients should take specialised doctoral guidance on using the device, including how to properly use it, when to use it and in what situations. Keeping the device clean is also essential as it can become infected.
Be sure to follow these simple-yet-essential tips when using the device:
- You should begin by thoroughly washing your hands for 20 seconds using an alcohol-based hand sinister with greater than 70% isopropanol or 60% ethanol or utilise an anti-microbial soap;
- Ensure the device and its accessories are clean and dry;
- Conduct the nebulisation in a well-ventilated room or open balcony space to allow the aerosol to disperse as opposed to settle;
- Close the door so that the mist/aerosol does not permeate into other rooms in a way that could expose other family members to the medication;
- Caregivers should be outside the room when the device is in use, but if the caregiver has to be present they should stay a minimum of six feet away during the process as well as wearing a mask;
- You should not share the device with other family members;
- Turn the air conditioner off when using the device;
- Connect the tube to the medication cup and the compressor;
- Measure the right amount of medication to be used before transferring it from the proper cup to the device;
- You should not fill the cup above 2ml;
- You should only dose as per the prescribed amount;
- Attach face mask or mouthpiece to the medication cup;
- Turn the switch on and ensure it is misting;
- Do not leave any mouth space when using a face mask as well as ensure the mouthpiece is closed when performing nebulisation;
- The patient should slowly breathe in until no more mist is generated – this can take a few minutes so it’s important to be patient;
- Keep the medication cup situated upright when conducting the treatment;
- Wash and disinfect the equipment hospital-grade disinfectants like hydrogen peroxide (3%) and isopropanol (70%);
- Vacate the room and leave the door closed upon completing nebulisation;
- You should always check with the doctor to ensure you are using the device properly.