A nebulizer treatment, also known as a “breathing treatment” is a medical treatment using liquid medication and turning it into an aerosol so it can be breathed in by a patient. The most common liquid medications used are in a class called bronchodilators.
Try our newly added iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Kit
Bronchodilators are drugs that dilate or “open” the airways to make breathing easier. They can be ordered to use on a daily basis, prn (as needed) or in case of an emergency. There are many bronchodilators on the market and basically, they all perform in the same way, by causing the smooth muscle that lines the airway to dilate to ease the work of breathing. They are designed to work within minutes.
Some patients will be ordered to use steroids via the nebulizer. This is quite common, especially for patients who suffer from chronic lung diseases like COPD or asthma. Aerosolized steroids reduce inflammation. This keeps the airway from being so reactive and minimizing the number of times the patient has a bad breathing event or shortness of breath. Rarely, a patient will be ordered to use an antibiotic via the nebulizer.
A nebulizer setup consists of the following parts (in most cases):
The nebulizer kit usually consists of a medication cup, connecting tubing, mouthpiece or mask.
Breathing treatments are ordered for neonates up to the elderly. The medications used today, have minimal side effects and are tolerated by most.
If you have been ordered to be on nebulizer treatments, follow your doctor’s orders. Never discontinue, without consulting your physician, even if you are feeling better. If you have any questions about your prescription, speak to your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.
