Nebulisers and asthma
What is a nebuliser?
A nebuliser is a device that pumps pressurised air through liquid medication to convert it into a fine vapour, which is then breathed in through a mask or mouthpiece.
Asthma medication solution should be 80 per cent vaporised within about 8 minutes; the liquid left in the nebuliser bowl is mostly saline, used to dilute the medication.
Who needs a nebuliser?
Nebulisers are useful for giving high doses of medication, but are generally prescribed only for people with severe, life-threatening asthma. In the case of an asthma attack, most people with asthma — even children — do not need to have a nebuliser, as they can use a metered dose inhaler with a valved spacer to deliver their reliever medication just as effectively. Your doctor will recommend the medication delivery method that is best for you.
Types of nebulisers
If your doctor has recommended that you use a nebuliser, make sure you use the type that best suits your needs.
For example, you can get nebulisers that are plugged in directly to the mains supply, but you can also get battery operated pumps, and pumps that plug into car cigarette lighters.
There are different types of nebuliser pumps, including low-flow pumps, for delivering one type of medication for occasional use, and heavy-duty high-flow pumps, for delivering more than one medication, or for inhaled corticosteroids (preventer medication) or antibiotics, or for use by more than one person.
Cleaning and maintenance
Nebulisers must be well maintained and cleaned after each use to prevent respiratory infection and ensure they operate at their best.
Nebuliser bowls and face masks should be washed in warm water with washing-up liquid, allowed to air dry, and then stored in airtight containers.
The bowl and tubes should be checked regularly for cracks and replaced frequently as they deteriorate with repeated use. The nebuliser pump itself should also be serviced every 6 to 12 months, and its filters changed in the same time frame, to ensure that it delivers enough air to turn the liquid medication into a vapour.
Because they require so much maintenance, nebulisers are not as convenient as a spacer and puffer used together.
Last Reviewed: 28 April 2009
