LIVING WELL WITH COPD
Using a Nebulizer
Nebulizers change liquid medicines
into a mist. You can inhale that mist
into your lungs. There are three basic
parts
• The nebulizer cup that holds the
medicine
• A compressor machine that
converts the medicine to a mist
• A mask or mouthpiece for
breathing in the mist
Small, quiet, handheld nebulizers
are also available now. Nebulizer
treatments usually take from 8 to
10 minutes to deliver a full dose of
medicine. Some of the new nebulizers
may deliver the medication in less
time.
To use a nebulizer:
1
5
WASH HANDS
STEP 1: Always wash your hands before
handling the medication and equipment.
This keeps your nebulizer – and your
lungs – free of germs.
STEP 5: Place the mouthpiece in your
mouth, or put the mask firmly over
mouth and nose.
6
2
PLUG IN, ATTACH ALL
STEP 2: Check the machine to make
sure the air filter is clean. Plug it in.
Attach the tubing, mouthpiece, or mask.
3
BREATH IN AND OUT
STEP 6: Turn on the machine. Breathe
in and out slowly through your mouth
until all the medicine is gone or there
is no more mist coming out. Keep the
machine upright at all times.
7
CHECK MEDICATION
STEP 3: Check your medication. Is
the vial crushed or damaged? Is the
medication discolored? Has it expired?
If you answer “yes” to any of these,
contact your pharmacist for a new
supply.
4
POUR INTO CUP
STEP 4: Snap open the vial. Pour the
premixed medicine into the nebulizer.
16
MOUTHPIECE IN MOUTH
TURN OFF, REMOVE CUP
STEP 7: Turn off the machine. Remove
the cup.
STEP 8: It is VERY IMPORTANT to follow
the manufacturer’s instructions to KEEP
your nebulizer cup, mouthpiece, and
tubing clean. When everything is clean
and dry, store the equipment where it
will stay clean and dust-free.
Nebulizer cup/mouthpiece units and
tubing don’t last forever. The plastic will
break down over time. Replace them as
recommended, along with the air filter.