NEBULIZATION

By :
Lagasca, Rose Marie B. MAN
 Definition
• Process of dispersing a liquid (medication) into
microscopic particles and delivering into lungs as patient
inhales through the nebulizer. • It is used to liquefy and
remove retained secretions from the respiratory tract.
• Most aerosol medication have broncho dilating effects and
are administered by respiratory therapy personnel.
 PURPOSES :
• To relieve respiratory insufficiency due to broncho spasm.
• To correct the underlying respiratory disorders responsible
for broncho spasm.
• To liquefy and remove retained thick secretions.
• To reduce inflammatory and allergic responses of the
upper respiratory tract.
 TYPES OF NEBULIZER

• Inhaler or metered-dose nebulizer

• Jet nebulizer
• Ultrasonic nebulizer
 FUNCTION
• A nebulizer is a device that uses a small compressor to convert liquid
medication into tiny droplets of mist that can be inhaled directly into the lungs.
• Since the medication goes straight to the lungs, onset of the medication’s
action often takes place rapidly.
• This promotes quick symptom relief in the case of illnesses such as asthma,
where fast relief is desirable.
• Also, it minimizes the risk of side effects of the medication, preventing the
medication from being metabolized into a less effective form by the body.
 PROCEDURE:
• 1.Position the patient appropriately, allowing optimal ventilation.
(semi fowlers position)
• 2.Assess and record breath sounds, respiratory status, pulse
rate and other significant respiratory functions.
• 3.Teach patient the proper way of inhalation.
• 4.Prepare equipment's at hand
• 5.Check doctor’s orders for the medication, prepare thereafter
6.Place the medication in the nebulizer (can add
an amount of saline solution if ordered)
7.Attach the nebulizer to the compressed gas
source
8.Attach the connecting tubes and mouthpiece to
the nebulizer
9. Turn the machine on (notice the mist produced
by the nebulizer)
• 10. Offer the nebulizer to the patient,
offer assistance until he is able to
perform proper inhalation (if unable to
hold the nebulizer
[pediatric/geriatric/special cases],
replace the mouthpiece with mask.
• This will also come with instructions, which anyone using a nebulizer should read closely.

• Wash the hands thoroughly before use.

• Follow manufacturer instructions to assemble the machine, tube, cup, and mouthpiece.
• Place the medicine into the medicine cup. Open any pre-measured capsules and empty the contents into the cup.
• Seal the lips around the mouthpiece, or make sure a facemask fits closely around the nose and mouth. Avoid holding the mouthpiece
away from the face.
• Switch on the machine. A mist should start to form at the base of the tube.
• Breathe normally through the mouth until the medicine cup is empty. This might take around 10 minutes.
• Remove the mouthpiece or mask and power down the machine.
• Rinse the mouth after using corticosteroids.
• Wash the hands, medicine cup, and mouthpiece or mask well after use, but do not wash the tubing. Shake off any remaining moisture,
and air-dry the components on a tissue or paper towel.

• Disinfect the different parts of the nebulizer once a week to sterilize the device. The packaging should provide precise instructions.

• Store the nebulizer in a clean, dry plastic bag, and keep mouthpieces or masks separate if more than one person in the house uses the
machine to treat asthma. Replace any broken or malfunctioning parts as soon as possible.
 AFTER CARE
• Each time it is used, wash the nebulizer chamber in warm water or clean
with a spirit swab and then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Do not use a
brush to clean the nebulizer chamber as it may damage it.
• Reconnect the nebulizer chamber to the tubing and blow air from it.
• This will dry the nebulizer chamber and tubing. Disconnect the nebulizer
chamber from the tubing and allow it to dry completely. Disconnect the
tubing from the compressor unit.
 SIDE EFFECTS
• Dry or irritated throat, temporary or occasional cough
• Sneezing, stuffy or itchy nose, watery eyes.
• Burning or bleeding of your nose
• Nausea, heartburn, stomach pain.
• Urinating more or less than usual.
• Dizziness, drowsiness, headache.
• Unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.
 CONTRAINDICATIONS
• In some cases, nebulization is restricted or avoided due to possible
untoward results or rather decreased effectiveness such as:
• Patients with unstable and increased blood pressure
• Individuals with cardiac irritability (may result to dysrhythmias)
• Persons with increased pulses
• Unconscious patients (inhalation may be done via mask but the
therapeutic effect may be significantly low)
• Reference:
NEBULIZATION Presented By: Ms. Sinsu Rachel Alex MSc. (N) Prev Yr
• https://www.slideshare.net/sinsu12/nebulization-105157952
 Video to watch:
• 1. How to Properly Use a Nebulizer
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEKFKZiLNaA
• 2.How to Properly Clean a Nebulizer
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TevhZlJzfiM
• 3. How to Use and Clean Your Nebulizer
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9UN8r2bd7g