Small Volume Nebulizer

What is a Small Volume Nebulizer

A small volume nebulizer (neb-U-lie-zer) is a device that holds liquid medicine. The medicine is turned into a fine mist by a small air compressor. The mist medicine is deeply inhaled into the airways and lungs. A nebulizer treatment of one dose of medicine will take about 10 to 20 minutes to finish.

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Why Is This Medicine Delivered as a Mist?

Taking slow deep breaths of mist will take the medicine directly to the lungs where it helps the lungs more quickly and has fewer side effects compared with medicines taken by mouth.

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What Equipment Is Needed to Use the Small Volume Nebulizer?

If a doctor has prescribed the used of a small volume nebulizer, they will provide you with the following equipment:

• Air compressor.
• Small volume nebulizer kit containing a medicine cup, lid, "T" connector, extension tubing, a mouthpiece, smooth tubing to connect the nebulizer to the compressor, and possibly a mask.
• Medicine and possibly 3 mL packets of normal saline (sterile salt water) to dilute medicine if ordered.

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How is the Nebulizer Prepared for Use?

1. Wash your hands well with soap and warm water.
2. Plus the air compressor into an electrical outlet. Make sure the compressor is on a hard surface, such as a table. Please the long, smooth tubing on the compressor outlet. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions to either clean or change the compressor filter occasionally.
3. Add the medicine into the cup. Medicines comes in many forms. Carefully follow the directions you were given for this nebulizer treatment. Here are instructions for adding different forms of medicine into the cup:
4. 1. Unit dose plastic vials: Twist off the end of the vial and squeeze the liquid into the cup. Unit dose vials contain a pre-measured amount of medicine mixed with sterile normal saline solution.
5. 1. Eye dropper: An eye dropper bottle of medicine is concentrated medicine. Draw up the prescribed amount of liquid and add it to the nebulizer cup. Be careful not to contaminate the dropper. Do not let the dropper have contact with your hands of the tabletop. Keep the bottle closed tightly between uses. Dilute the medicine in the cup with normal saline solution, as directed.
6. Place the mouthpiece and extension tubbing on the T-piece. Connect the T-piece onto the nebulizer. Turn the compressor on and attach the smooth tubing from the compressor to the nebulizer.
7. A fine mist should be visible. If not, make sure the compressor is working by disconnecting the smooth tubing. Feel for air coming from the compressor. If the compressor is working properly, check all connections. If the nebulizer is still not misting, use a different nebulizer kit.

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How Do I Do the Nebulizer Treatment?

1. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth. Some small children use a mask over the mouth and nose rather than a mouthpiece.
2. Take slow deep even breaths through the mouth. Hold breath briefly on each inspiration. Exhale slowly.
3. Make sure the medicine cup is kept upright.
4. Stop the treatment if you notice any side effects or reactions to the medicine.
5. Be aware of any coughing that occurs. Note the color and amount of secretions.
6. Continue the treatment until medicine is finished (no mist comes out). If the medicine sticks to the sides of the cup, gently tap the sides of the cup.
7. After the treatment is over, take the medicine cup apart, rinse it with hot tap water, and allow it to air dry on a clean towel.

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Cleaning and Disinfecting the Small Volume Nebulizer

All of your nebulizer parts can be cleaned and disinfected in your dishwasher twice a week except for the blue reservoir tubing. The blue tubing cannot be placed in the dishwasher. This piece needs to be cleaned according to the "non-dishwasher" instructions below.

1. Take the nebulizer apart.
2. Place the pieces in a dishwasher basket on the top rack of the dishwasher.
3. After the dishwasher cycle is done, remove the pieces and shack out excess water.
4. Air-dry the nebulizer pieces on a dry paper towel.

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Can I clean and Disinfect my Nebulizer without the Dishwasher?

If you would prefer not to clean and disinfect your nebulizer using the dishwasher, follow the steps below.

1. Take the nebulizer apart and wash the pieces in warm soapy water.
2. Rinse with hot tap water.
3. Place the nebulizer pieces in a bowl and add enough rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) to completely cover the equipment.
4. Soak the nebulizer for 5 minutes.
5. Rinse all of the parts of the nebulizer with sterile water. DO NOT USE WATER FROM THE FAUCET, BOTTLED, OR DISTILLED WATER. You can make water sterile by boiling it for 5 minutes. Use this water once, and then throw it out.
6. Place the pieces on a paper towel to dry.

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(Reference: University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. http://www.uwhealth.com)