Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPurposeParts and InstructionsPrescriptionMaintenance
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Purpose
Parts and Instructions
Prescription
Maintenance
There are many ways to take medication, but inhaled treatments are the most direct way to get to the lungs. If you have a chronic (long-term) respiratory condition likeasthmaorchronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)—or even an acute (short-term) illness like bronchitis—you may be prescribed a nebulizer. These devices provide aerosolized treatments, which turn liquid medication into an inhaled mist, delivering high concentrations of medication directly to the lungs.
This article will explore what conditions you would use a nebulizer for, what medications you may use, and how to perform these treatments at home.
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Purpose of Nebulizer Treatment
A nebulizer is a machine that transforms medication into a fine mist, delivering it into your bronchial and lung tissues through inhalation through a handheld device or mask.When inhaled, the mist from the nebulizer can provide high concentrations of medication directly to your airway.
Healthcare providers prescribe nebulizers to treat various chronic and acute respiratory conditions, including:
Nebulizers are often the go-to respiratory treatment option for infants, youngchildren, or anyone else who may have difficulty using aninhalerbecause they don’t require you to breathe as deeply as inhalers do to benefit from treatment.
Nebulized treatments are valuable because they:
Nebulizer Machine Parts and Instructions
Nebulizers come in different models but generally include the following parts:
Typically, you need an electrical source to plug the nebulizer into; however, some use batteries. To use the nebulizer, first ensure your hands and the machine components are clean, then follow the steps below.
When to Consider an Inhaler Over a NebulizerYou can use some medications, like albuterol, with aninhaleror nebulizer. Inhalers are usually easier to transport and might be the quickest and simplest to use in emergencies. Someone who is weak or unable to participate in the process of using an inhaler would still benefit most from using a nebulizer. If you don’t have immediate access to your inhaler or nebulizer and are experiencing arespiratory emergency, seek immediate medical attention.
When to Consider an Inhaler Over a Nebulizer
You can use some medications, like albuterol, with aninhaleror nebulizer. Inhalers are usually easier to transport and might be the quickest and simplest to use in emergencies. Someone who is weak or unable to participate in the process of using an inhaler would still benefit most from using a nebulizer. If you don’t have immediate access to your inhaler or nebulizer and are experiencing arespiratory emergency, seek immediate medical attention.
How to Get a Nebulizer Prescribed
Although you can buy a nebulizer on your own, Medicare and private health insurance plans require you to have a prescription explaining why you need a nebulizer.
Even if you purchase a nebulizer on your own, you will need a prescription from your healthcare provider for the medications used in the machine.
Medications commonly used in nebulizers include:
If you see a pulmonologist or another respiratory specialist for asthma, cystic fibrosis, or another chronic respiratory condition, they can prescribe and help you manage your nebulizer and medications.
A healthcare provider may prescribe a nebulizer to treat acute conditions involving inflammation or wheezing—not necessarily a cough.
Cost of Parts
There may be some stipulation on the style and model of the nebulizer that Medicare and Medicaid cover. Basic models are often covered, but models with extras for convenience may not be fully covered. If you have private health insurance, your health plan usually covers at least a portion of the cost of a prescribed nebulizer. It’s a good idea to call your insurer for a list of covered models or any restrictions before ordering your device.
With Medicare and Medicaid, you may have some co-payment or deductible to meet—usually around 20% once you have met your deductible—and out-of-pocket costs will vary between private insurers.
Chemicals and devices used to clean nebulizers aren’t usually covered, but your prescription drug plan will cover the medication you use in your nebulizer.
Nebulizer Machine Maintenance
After each use, clean nebulizer attachments like masks, mouthpieces, tubing, and medicine cups in warm, soapy water or on the top rack of your dishwasher. Do not submerge the tubing in water; instead, wipe it down.
After washing or deep cleaning your nebulizer attachments, let them air-dry thoroughly before the next use. Like the tubing, you should also wipe down the air compressor; never submerge it in water. You may also need to replace an air filter in your compressor based on manufacturer recommendations.
Summary
Nebulizers are valuable tools for people with acute and chronic respiratory conditions. They turn liquid medications into fine mists that can quickly and effectively relieve lung symptoms.
Most public and private healthcare plans cover at least a portion of a nebulizer, but you will need a prescription from your healthcare provider to take advantage of this benefit. Some plans may reimburse you if you purchase a device on your own, but coverage may still depend on the limits of your prescription and insurance plan.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.How to use a nebulizer.Geddes D.The history of respiratory disease management.Medicine (Abingdon). 2020;48(4):239-243. doi:10.1016/j.mpmed.2020.01.007McCarthy SD, González HE, Higgins BD.Future trends in nebulized therapies for pulmonary disease.J Pers Med. 2020;10(2):37. doi:10.3390/jpm10020037American Lung Association.How to use a nebulizer.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Inhaled asthma medications.American Lung Association.Medicaid coverage of durable medical equipment: basics for people with asthma.Medicare.gov.Nebulizers & nebulizer medications.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.Nebulizers: policy article.American Lung Association.How to clean a nebulizer.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.How to use a nebulizer.Geddes D.The history of respiratory disease management.Medicine (Abingdon). 2020;48(4):239-243. doi:10.1016/j.mpmed.2020.01.007McCarthy SD, González HE, Higgins BD.Future trends in nebulized therapies for pulmonary disease.J Pers Med. 2020;10(2):37. doi:10.3390/jpm10020037American Lung Association.How to use a nebulizer.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Inhaled asthma medications.American Lung Association.Medicaid coverage of durable medical equipment: basics for people with asthma.Medicare.gov.Nebulizers & nebulizer medications.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.Nebulizers: policy article.American Lung Association.How to clean a nebulizer.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.How to use a nebulizer.Geddes D.The history of respiratory disease management.Medicine (Abingdon). 2020;48(4):239-243. doi:10.1016/j.mpmed.2020.01.007McCarthy SD, González HE, Higgins BD.Future trends in nebulized therapies for pulmonary disease.J Pers Med. 2020;10(2):37. doi:10.3390/jpm10020037American Lung Association.How to use a nebulizer.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Inhaled asthma medications.American Lung Association.Medicaid coverage of durable medical equipment: basics for people with asthma.Medicare.gov.Nebulizers & nebulizer medications.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.Nebulizers: policy article.American Lung Association.How to clean a nebulizer.
MedlinePlus.How to use a nebulizer.
Geddes D.The history of respiratory disease management.Medicine (Abingdon). 2020;48(4):239-243. doi:10.1016/j.mpmed.2020.01.007
McCarthy SD, González HE, Higgins BD.Future trends in nebulized therapies for pulmonary disease.J Pers Med. 2020;10(2):37. doi:10.3390/jpm10020037
American Lung Association.How to use a nebulizer.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Inhaled asthma medications.
American Lung Association.Medicaid coverage of durable medical equipment: basics for people with asthma.
Medicare.gov.Nebulizers & nebulizer medications.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.Nebulizers: policy article.
American Lung Association.How to clean a nebulizer.
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