If you have a disease that affects the respiratory system, such as pneumonia, asthma, a respiratory infection, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, you may need to use an aerosol therapy device. It is a device that runs on batteries or that can be plugged into an electrical outlet. It is able to transform a liquid drug into a fine "mist" which is inhaled from the lungs through a mouthpiece or mask; this medicinal mist helps the patient to breathe.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Preparation for Use
Step 1. Wash your hands
Start by washing them for 20 seconds using running water and soap. Rinse and dry them with a paper towel; always turn off the tap using the sheet of paper.
Step 2. Put the drug into the device
Unscrew the ampoule of the device and pour the prescribed medicine into it. Many types of aerosol therapy drugs are sold in pre-dosed bottles; if not, measure the exact amount of product you need to use for a treatment. Close the cap carefully to avoid spilling the medicine. Do not forget to connect the electric compressor to the power outlet, in case the device is not battery powered.
- Drugs that are administered in this way are selective beta-2 agonists, anticholinergics, inhaled glucocorticoids, and antibiotics. There are other inhalation medicines that are not used to treat respiratory diseases, but not all drugs can be nebulized.
- Pneumatic appliances are the most common. Most modern devices are built to release all the medicine during inhalation; the performance of these devices depends on the method with which the product is nebulized, on the mechanism of aerosol formation and on the composition of the drug. If you need instructions on how to use your device, talk to your doctor or respiratory failure rehabilitator.
Step 3. Connect the mouthpiece
Attach it to the ampoule of the device. Although the various manufacturers offer slightly different pneumatic models, in most cases the mouthpiece must be fixed above the ampoule; Generally, the appliances are equipped with this accessory, as the masks can leave deposits of medicine on the face.
Step 4. Join the tube
Connect one end to the ampoule. On almost all devices, the tube is fixed to the base of the ampoule while the other end is inserted into the compressor that supplies the air to nebulize the drug.
Method 2 of 2: Using the Appliance
Step 1. Turn on the compressor and use the device
Put the mouthpiece in your mouth, over your tongue, and keep your lips close to it; inhale slowly and deeply through the mouth to bring all the active substance into the lungs and exhale through the mouth or nose. Adults can keep their noses stuffy to make sure all the drug is inhaled from the mouth.
Consider using an aerosol mask as an alternative for treating young children or people who are too sick to use the mouthpiece. The masks are attached to the top of the ampoule and are available in both pediatric and adult sizes
Step 2. Continue to inhale the medicine
Sit with your back straight and inhale the medication until the mist no longer forms; this typically takes 10-15 minutes. Once all the liquid has been used up, the nebulization process stops and the ampoule should now be empty; in the meantime, distract yourself by watching TV or listening to music.
Plan an activity that keeps young children busy during therapy. The puzzles, books and coloring books help the child to stay still for the duration of the treatment; theoretically you should hold it in your arms, as it should remain with your back straight to receive the optimal dose of medication
Step 3. Turn off and clean the appliance
Be sure to unplug from the socket and remove the ampoule and mouthpiece from the tube. Wash the two accessories with hot soapy water and rinse them carefully; place the instrumentation on a clean cloth to air dry. Remember to do this cleansing after each treatment and on a daily basis.
Do not wash the tube. If it gets wet, replace it; also avoid putting the parts of the appliance in the dishwasher, because the heat can deform the plastic parts
Step 4. Disinfect the tool once a week
To do this, follow the manufacturer's instructions; soak all parts (except the tube) for an hour in a solution consisting of 1 part of distilled vinegar and 3 parts of very hot water. Discard the solution, rinse the items (except the hose) with cold water and let them air dry on a clean cloth. Once all the components are dry, place them in a clean part of the container.
For reasons of hygiene, do not share the items despite being washed, if more than one person uses the appliance; each individual should have their own device
Advice
- Children under 6 years of age should use a tight-fitting mask; There are also models with characters such as dinosaurs to make the instrument look less creepy.
- If necessary, the compressor can be replaced with an oxygen cylinder; set the flow rate between 6 and 8 liters per minute to start therapy. While this is another option, it's not always the best, as you may run out of oxygen.
