1. PURPOSE

Aerosol therapy is a method by which a liquid medication is broken down into mist particles tiny enough to be inhaled and deposited into the airways to help clear the lungs.

2. CONTRAINDICATIONS/HAZARDS

Your healthcare practitioner should be notified if you have any problems or discomfort during or after your treatments, such as:

A. Shortness of breath

B. Chest Pain

C. Excessive tiredness

D. Stomach discomfort

E. Hyperventilation: If the treatment is taken too rapidly, you may experience dizziness, lightheadedness and/or tingling of the hands or fingers. NOTE: It is important to breathe SLOWLY.

F. Treatment should be stopped if nausea or vomiting occur.

G. NOTIFY YOUR HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONER IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU MAY HAVE ANY TYPE OF LUNG INFECTION.

3. TAKING YOUR TREATMENT

A. Assemble equipment as directed.

B. Be sure all tubing is adequately fastened and not kinked.

C. Add medication. Be sure to check the expiration date.

D. Relax and sit in an upright position.

E. Time the treatment as prescribed.

F. Keep the nebulizer in an upright position.

G. Turn the compressor ON.

H. Place the delivery device (mask, T-piece, mouthpiece, trach collar, etc.) in the proper position.

I. Breathe normally. Occasionally take a slow deep breath and hold breath for a few seconds before exhaling. About one deep breath for every four normal breaths.

J. Stop several times to cough to clear the airways. Depending on the medication being administered, it may be necessary to turn the compressor off when you are coughing.

4. AFTERCARE/COMMENTS

A. Contact your healthcare practitioner for re-instruction if the equipment has not been used recently.

B. A compressor may have a filtered air inlet. The filter should be cleaned or changed if dirty for the unit to operate properly.

5. CLEANING

A. AFTER EVERY TREATMENT

1. Disconnect the tubing from the nebulizer.
2. Disassemble all parts of the nebulizer.
3. Rinse parts with warm running water.
4. Shake off excess water and allow parts to drain dry on a clean paper towel. Place a second paper towel over the parts.
5. Keep equipment in a dust-free area and allow the parts to dry completely before being stored or used for another treatment.
6. After the last treatment of the day, wash the nebulizer in warm soapy water (liquid dish detergent). Rinse THOROUGHLY and let air dry.

B. WEEKLY CLEANING

1. Disassemble and wash parts in warm soapy water (liquid dish detergent). Rinse THOROUGHLY.
2. Soak equipment for 40 minutes in 1 part WHITE VINEGAR and 3 parts WATER.
3. Thoroughly rinse all parts under warm running water and shake off excess water.
4. Drain dry on a clean paper towel and lightly cover with another paper towel.
5. Allow parts to completely dry before reusing or storing.
6. Store all parts in a dust-free area.

C. MONTHLY MAINTENANCE

1. Check the air inlet filter once a month.
2. If needed, the filter can be washed and dried or replaced with a new one.

6. NOTES

1. All cleaning materials (e.g. Brushes, basins) should be used only for your breathing equipment.
2. Store equipment in a plastic bag if it is not being used regularly.
3. REMEMBER: USING CONTAIMINATED BREATHING EQUIPMENT CAN CAUSE LUNG INFECTIONS.

UNIT DOSE MEDICATIONS are available through our Pharmacy.