Inhalations at home: A guide to using a nebulizer 

For people with respiratory diseases, a nebulizer is a valuable tool/helper that makes breathing easier, soothes inflammation and delivers medicine effectively and directly where it is needed. 

Nebulizers are extremely useful for patients with chronic diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic pneumonia, cystic fibrosis and others. Nebulizers can also provide relief from a cough or a common runny nose, even for small children. This is why you will find that more and more home medicine cabinets are being stocked with them amongst other essentials. Many users, both adults and children, prefer to use a nebulizer to help deal with viral infections that affect the respiratory tract.  

Considering the rise of respiratory problems and lung diseases in recent years (1), nebulizers are a very important and simple tool we can all use. Using a nebulizer is effective, relatively easy, and virtually free of side effects when done correctly, following the device’s instructions and your doctor’s guidance. Read more to find out what the different types are, how to use them, and the overall maintenance.  

What are the different types of nebulizers and inhalers? 

• Metered-dose inhalers (MID), as the name suggests, are suitable for a pre-fixed dose of medication and are what most people think of when they hear the word ‘inhaler’. The medication is ingested as a spray.  
• Powder inhalers deliver medicine in powder form. 
• A compressor nebulizer is an electric machine that sprays a fine, liquid mist of medicine through a mouthpiece or mask.  

How to use and do different types of inhalations at home? 

Preparation:  

• If you have a metered dose inhaler, you must first remove the cap and shake the inhaler well.  
• With a dry powder inhaler, you must remove the medicine from its blister and place it in the capsule. Do not shake or tip over the inhaler as this may cause the medicine to fall out. Stand up or sit straight and hold the inhaler away from your mouth. Breathe OUT completely to empty your lungs.  
• The nebulizer’s mask must be connected to the compressor. According to your doctor’s prescription, put your medicine or just saline into the inhaler reservoir. Then place the mask on your face. 

Inhalation:

• If using a metered dose inhaler, after shaking, place the inhaler to your lips and inhale as many times as indicated by your doctor. Bite the tip slightly and close your lips around it. Press the drug dose release button and inhale slowly and deeply, trying to hold your breath for about 10 seconds after inhaling. 
• The powder inhaler also has a tip that you need to bite down on and close your lips tightly around. Take a fast, deep, forceful breath IN through your mouth until you hear a click. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds if possible, then exhale slowly. Depending on your medication plan and how many doses of medicine you need to take, wait 1 minute between doses. 
• With the compressor nebulizer, turn on/plug in the machine, place the mask tightly on your face and inhale slowly and deeply. 

Cleaning the device:

• After use, rinse the tip of the metered dose inhaler with warm water and soap and dry with a clean cloth.  
• Wipe the tip of the powdered inhaler with a clean cloth.   
• The compressor inhaler is first disassembled, then you need to wash the individual parts with warm water and soap and dry them.  

What medications and solutions can we use with nebulizers?

Nebulizers can be used to dose different types of medicines prescribed by your GP or your child’s GP.

Commonly used medications are:  

Corticosteroids – their purpose is to reduce inflammation and swelling in the respiratory tract 
• Bronchodilators – another type of drugs that also facilitate breathing by expanding the airways 

• Antibiotics – used topically to treat bacterial infections. Like the other types of medication we have mentioned so far, antibiotics are only used with a doctor’s prescription. Regardless of whether you have previous experience with them, do not be tempted to self-prescribe subsequent antibiotic courses.  
• Physiological solution – used to moisten and soothe the respiratory tract, as well as to dilute the drugs used. 

In what conditions can we use a nebulizer?

Nebulizers can be used for any condition that affects the airways and lungs. For patients who suffer from asthma, a nebulizer is an indispensable part of controlling and treating their disease. They are also recommended for people with bronchitis, bronchiolitis, the genetic disease cystic fibrosis, pneumonia and other respiratory system diseases. In the presence of a bacterial infection, they can be used very effectively to deliver an antibiotic directly into the lungs. They are also used in acute respiratory viral infections. Nebulizers are also a very good aid for laryngitis, as it moistens and soothes the airways. 

When choosing an inhaler, your doctor’s recommendation is most important. Compressor inhalers (nebulizers) are the most affordable in the long term. However their main disadvantage can be the noise that comes with using them. It can scare many of the younger children who can benefit from using them, making treatment difficult. Fortunately, you can choose a nebulizer like the Zano Inspire – apart from its compact size, it’s also extremely quiet, making it an excellent solution not only for its youngest patients, but also for all ages in need. 

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9448269