Nebulisers turn liquid medicine into a fine mist that you breathe in, helping drugs reach the lungs more directly. They’re useful for some people with asthma, COPD or acute breathing issues, but they must be used correctly.
Always follow the prescription for which medicine to use, how much, and how often. Don’t pour random liquids or home mixtures into the nebuliser chamber. Use only sterile saline or the specific medications provided, as advised.
Sit upright during use, breathing slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece or mask. Sessions usually last several minutes until the liquid is gone. After finishing, rinse your mouth if steroid medicines were used, to reduce side effects like oral thrush.
Cleaning is crucial. Disassemble the parts as per instructions, wash with mild soap and water, rinse well and let them air-dry. A dirty nebuliser can become a source of infection.
Nebulisers are tools, not magic devices. If breathing worsens despite regular use, or you need them much more frequently than usual, it’s time to contact a doctor or visit emergency care rather than just increasing doses on your own.