Nebulizers are a quick and effective way to relieve you from respiratory illnesses. Despite the popularity of an inhaler, many still do not know how to use it, making situations difficult during critical times.

A nebuliser makes it easy for children to intake medications and allows quicker medicine absorption into the lungs. This article will detail what is a nebuliser and how it works. Read on to know more about a nebuliser machine.

A nebulizer is a small electrical device that turns liquid medicine into a mist. This helps your lungs in absorbing the medicine quickly and easily. The mist travels through a tube and comes out from a mask. Apart from being an electrical device, you can find portable battery-run nebulizers. To treat asthma in children who cannot use inhalers, 'nebulized therapy' or 'breathing treatment' is convenient.

Nebulisers deliver medication directly to the lungs in the form of a mist. There are several types of nebulisers, each with different mechanisms and applications.Here are the four types of machines available:

1. Ultrasonic Nebuliser

These devices make an aerosol through high-frequency vibrations and are commonly used in hospitals. They are generally quieter than most other types and can be used for medication delivery and humidification.

2. Jet Nebulisers

People commonly use jet nebulisers. They make an aerosol from medicines by using compressed air. They might seem cheap, but they are often noisy and frequently require servicing because they have mechanical parts prone to wear out.

3. Mesh Nebulisers

This helps dispense the medication effectively, as the mesh cap has tiny holes. They are the newer versions and more effective than the jet nebulisers. Mesh nebulisers are more efficient in providing medications with less waste, accounting for increased effectiveness.

4. Portable Nebulisers

These nebulisers are powered by batteries and are smaller in size. It can be an option for you to receive medication in case you are away from your home or are travelling. They are designed for on-the-go use so you can be covered wherever your schedule takes you.

A nebuliser is used to treat respiratory disorders, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other diseases that require medicine to be directly administered into the lungs. It is specifically used for patients who are unable to use inhalers efficiently.

It converts liquid medication into a mist that one can inhale, allowing it to sleep easily and directly into the lungs and airways. Before using a nebuliser, consult your healthcare professional; they will tell you if you need one for your problem.

The electrical and battery versions of a nebulizer machine come with a base that helps hold the air compressor. It also comes with a small vessel to hold liquid medicine and a tube that links the air compressor with the medication vessel. After this container, you will find a mask or a mouthpiece required to inhale the mist.

So, how does a nebulizer work?

Well, a nebulizer helps deliver the liquid medicine through pressurised air. It automises the liquid medicine into a gas you can inhale easily wearing the mask. While patients suffering from asthma use both the inhaler and a nebulizer, the latter is much easier to use, especially for young children. Your child might not have the right training to use an inhaler. So, using a nebulizer will be easier.

The nebuliser machine has the purpose of getting medication directly into the lungs. Here is how it works:

• Step 1: Medication Preparation: Medication lids are placed into a small cup inside the nebuliser.
• Step 2: Atomisation: The machine changes the liquid medication into a fine mist or aerosol using compressed air or ultrasonic vibrations.
• Step 3: Inhalation: The mist is inhaled with a mouthpiece or face mask, delivering the medication directly to the lungs.
• Step 4: Medication Delivery: By inhaling, the medication is delivered straight into the airways and lungs and, therefore, may be able to effectively impact the breathing disease.

You can use a nebulizer for ten to fifteen minutes. When using this, keep breathing normally. A nebulizer device contains the following:

• A mask
• Medicine cup
• Mouthpiece
• Plastic tubing
• Compressor

Following are the simplest steps to use a nebulizer:

Step 1: The primary thing you must ensure before using a nebulizer is that all the pieces are clean.

Step 2: Then, ensure that it is on a flat area to support its weight.

Step 3: Wash your hands properly before using the device to ensure no bacteria or dirt can cause infection to your lungs.

Step 4: Now, remove the top of the device and carefully pour the liquid medicine inside the medicine cup.

Step 5: Now, connect the plastic tube to the liquid container and the compressor.

Step 6: Attach the mask or mouthpiece properly.

Step 7: Turn the nebulizer on to ensure the medication is flowing properly and misting.

Step 8: Sit straight and hold your mask to the nose and mouth to receive the mist. Properly secure your mask to ensure there are no gaps. You can allow someone to help you to hold the mask in place as the nebulizer flows. You can also insert the mouthpiece inside your mouth.

Step 9: Breathe in and out normally until all the medicine is gone.

Step 10: Remove the mouthpiece/mask and turn off the device.

As you are breathing the mist from the device, it is mandatory to sanitise the device. Avoid using the machine if it is not cleaned as this may cause bacteria, dirt and germs to grow inside the device, causing serious diseases and infections.

Here are the ways to clean the machine:

• After each use, wash the cup and the mask/mouthpiece of the nebulizer machine with lukewarm and soapy water.
• Before re-using them, air dry the components of the machine.

Additionally, it would be best to disinfect the nebulizer machine every three days a week. Here are the steps to do the same:

Step 1: You will find a disinfectant solution that comes with your nebulizer. You can use it or prepare a solution too. 

Step 2: To prepare a solution, mix one-part vinegar with three parts of water.

Step 3: Soak the device by taking off the detachable parts, such as a mouthpiece and a medication container, in the solution for about 30 minutes. You do not require cleaning the tube that connects with the air compressor.

Step 4: Properly wash all the soaked components with warm and soapy water.

Step 5: Completely air-dry the components before re-using them.

There are certain tips that you should keep in mind while using a nebulizer machine. They are as follows:

• Ensure your device is free of dirt since carelessness can cause health hazards.
• Keep your device in a cool and dry area and away from the reach of little children.
• After cleaning the machine and drying it up, store it in an airtight plastic container.
• Always consult your doctor before using the nebulizer.
• Use correct proportions of the medications as prescribed by your doctor.
• Carefully follow the instructions and your doctor’s guidelines for use.
• Ensure all parts of the nebuliser are correctly assembled before use.
• Clean the nebuliser components to prevent infections and ensure effective medication delivery.
• Replace nebuliser parts like masks or mouthpieces, as needed.
• Ensure you are well-hydrated, as this helps with the effectiveness of the nebuliser.
• Do not share your nebuliser with others to prevent cross-contamination.
• Adhere to the prescribed treatment schedule and dosage to achieve the best results.

So, now you know what is a nebulizer and how you can take care of your device. In this regard, the type of nebulizer you require depends on your health condition and your physician's prescription. However, before using the device, you must read the guidelines and use it accordingly.