Monday, August 9, 2010

Caring and Maintenance Tips for Your Nebulizer

To start with, first you need to know what a nebulizer is. A nebulizer is a breathing device that facilitates better inhalation of medicines that are meant for treating a wide variety of respiratory diseases such as asthma and other lung diseases such as bronchiectasis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), chronic obstructive pulmonary dysplasia (COPD), and cystic fibrosis. This device aids in converting a liquid medicines into fine mist.

Nebulizer Supplies:

Generally, there are four different parts of nebulizer. They are

Air compressor
Nebulizer cup
Mouthpiece or Mask
Clean eye droppers or other measuring devices that enable you to dispense the medication

Caring and Maintenance Tips:

When you are completely dependent on a nebulizer for breathing treatments, you must ensure that it functions properly and last for longer period of time. For enhanced durability, you need to take proper care and maintain your nebulizer. Continue reading to know some useful caring and maintenance tips for a nebulizer.

First of all, you must clean your nebulizer after each use. Use warm water to rinse the nebulizer supplies such as cup, elbow, mouthpiece and mask after every use. After rinsing, allow them to dry. Continue doing this for each and every treatment. Once you complete all your treatments, probably by end of the day, wash all the parts of the nebulizer with warm, soapy water and let them dry. After it is completely dry, store your nebulizer equipment in a plastic, zipper storage bag.

It is always recommended to disinfect all the parts of the nebulizer in order to cease the growth of bacteria. You can prepare a soaking solution by using one part of vinegar with two parts of water. Allow the mask, mouthpiece and elbow to sit in the solution for 30 minutes. Then, take them and rinse thoroughly under running water. Care should be taken while washing the nebulizer parts under running water.

When the flexible tubing of your nebulizer looks cloudy, replace it immediately. Or you can replace as instructed by the manufacturer’s care guide. Moreover, if you are using your nebulizer regularly, then you have to replace the filter and nebulizer cup once in three months. This ensures effective and efficient delivery of medicated mist.

After every use, use damp cloth or disinfectant wipes to clean the surface of the compressor. When it is not used, use a clean cloth to cover the compressor. Never use dishwasher to clean your nebulizer parts.

Always remember to store your nebulizer equipment and medicines in cool and dry place. The place should be free from dirt and dust. Check your equipment and medicines very often. If you find that your medicines have changed color or formed crystals, throw them away and buy new medicines.

It is always advisable to have an extra nebulizer cup and mask or mouthpiece in case of emergencies.

Check whether the batteries of your portable nebulizer are fully charged. It would be better if you have some extra batteries on hand.

These are few generic tips to take care of your nebulizer; this would help you to keep your instrument in perfect condition and would last longer.

No comments:

Post a Comment