5 Best Practices for the Safe Use of Inhalers and Nebulizers
Take a slow, deep breath as you start to breathe in. To release the medication, press the inhaler's button
Before using metered-dose inhaler (MDI) shake it for 10 times. Empty your lungs by blowing out air. Take a slow, deep breath as you start to breathe in. To release the medication, press the inhaler’s button. Keep inhaling until your lungs are full. Wait ten seconds before you speak. After then, take the inhaler out and exhale softly. After inhaling inhalational steroids gargle your mouth with tap water to prevent oropharyngeal deposition of steroid particles. Dr. Sarat Behera, Director Critical Care & Senior Consultant Pulmonology, Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneshwar shares all you need to know
1. Cleaning your hands is the first step in preventing infection.
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2. Fill the nebulizer cup with your recommended asthma medication.
3. Connect the mouthpiece or mask and cup to the compressor.
4. To maximize lung capacity, sit up straight. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth (or the mask over your face) and activate the compressor.
5 Inhale and exhale slowly via your mouth for five to fifteen minutes, or until the drug is gone, without pushing your breath.
6. To ensure the nebuliser functions correctly the next time, clean it after use according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Clean after each use
Wash the mouthpiece and medicine cup with warm water and let them air dry. You can also disinfect the parts with a mild detergent and warm water.
Clean weekly
Soak the mouthpiece, mask, and medicine cup in a solution of white vinegar and water for 30 minutes. You can also clean the compressor and tubing with a soapy cloth or disinfectant wipe.
Store properly
Store the nebulizer in a covered area in a dry, clean place. If multiple people use the nebulizer, keep each person’s parts in a separate, labeled bag.
Replace parts
Replace the medicine cup, mouthpiece, mask, tubing, filter, and other components when they show signs of wear or damage.
Replace air filter
As advised by the manufacturer, change the air filter every six months.
Store medicine properly
Store medicine in a cool, dry place and check it often. Throw away any medicine that has changed color or formed crystals.
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