Are you doing the right thing when you use atomization at home? These precautions are worth paying attention to

Are you doing the right thing when you use atomization at home? These precautions are worth paying attention to

In recent years, home nebulizers have become more and more popular. Many families will be equipped with a nebulizer. Due to the long course of nebulization, the inconvenience of the elderly, and the need to avoid cross-infection in hospitals, more and more people choose to do nebulization at home. There are many benefits to home nebulization.

advantage:

1. Save time and no longer need to go to the hospital to queue for treatment

2. Avoid the possibility of cross infection in the hospital;

3. No time limit, treatment can be provided anytime and anywhere.

4. Less money spent

The principle of atomization:

Nebulizer therapy is to nebulize the drug into tiny particles suspended in the gas through a nebulizer. The drug is inhaled into the respiratory tract and lungs with the natural breathing of the person, and acts directly on the affected part, thus achieving the purpose of painless, rapid and effective treatment. Since the drug directly enters the respiratory tract, the dosage is very small, which can reduce the toxic side effects of the drug.

Although home nebulization has many advantages, are you doing it right? Pay attention to these precautions

Things to note when nebulizing at home:

Preparation before atomization:

Strict aseptic operation: seven-step hand washing method, wash hands thoroughly before nebulization and preparation of drugs or taking drugs; clean secretions: keep the respiratory tract unobstructed before nebulization, clean the secretions in the patient's mouth and nose. Use the mouthwash method to clean the food residue in the mouth.

Nebulization time: Nebulization should be performed 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals to avoid irritation of the airway by the mist during inhalation, which may cause vomiting. The time for each nebulization and the number of nebulizations per day should be determined under the guidance of a doctor according to the condition and the type of nebulized medicine. Do not let the liquid medicine enter the eyes during nebulization to avoid eye discomfort. It is best to close your eyes during the nebulization process. The time for nebulization inhalation depends on the volume of the liquid medicine, which is about 10 to 15 minutes each time.

Nebulization supine position: Nebulization can be performed in comfortable positions such as sitting or lying on your side, but do not lie on your back as this is not conducive to drug absorption.

Things to note when atomizing:

Strictly follow the doctor's instructions: The premise of home nebulization is to use nebulized drugs under the guidance of a professional doctor and follow the doctor's instructions, and ask the doctor to adjust the nebulization treatment in time according to the condition. Do not increase or decrease the dose of nebulization at will, and go to the hospital for regular check-ups.

Correct use of mask and mouthpiece:

When using a mask for nebulization, you need to cover your nose and mouth tightly and try to do the nebulization while you are awake.

When using a mouthpiece to atomize, place the mouthpiece atomizer between the upper and lower teeth, and wrap your lips around the mouthpiece tightly.

For uncooperative patients or infants, use a mask to administer medication. The mask should cover the mouth and nose. For patients over 5 years old, it is better to use a mouthpiece.

Keep breathing calm: Try to inhale through your mouth and exhale through your nose during nebulization. It is best to perform nebulization on infants or children when they are awake, and try not to nebulize when the child is crying. If the child coughs frequently, the inhalation should be stopped and nebulization should be started again after the breathing is stable;

Post-nebulization care:

Patting the back to expel phlegm: After nebulization, family members can help the patient pat the back to better expel phlegm.

Technique: Make your palm arched and put your five fingers together to form a hollow state, then pat the patient's back rhythmically from bottom to top and from outside to inside. Do this 3-4 times a day, 3-5 minutes each time, and be careful not to use too much force.

Gargle: After each atomization, you can gargle with saline or warm water to remove residual medicine in the mouth, and wash your face with clean water to prevent side effects caused by residual medicine.

Cleaning: After the atomization is completed, the atomizer tank and accessories should be cleaned in time. You can use running water to clean them, that is, rinse them with clean water under the tap, and then soak them in a chlorine solution with a content of 500MG/L for at least 30 minutes before taking them out. After taking them out, clean them and air dry them for storage. If the atomizer has not been used for a long time, it should also be cleaned, disinfected, and maintained before use to avoid inhaling a large number of bacteria and causing the disease to worsen. To avoid cross infection, do not share a atomizer mask or pipe port with multiple people, and pay attention to regular replacement of masks, pipe ports and pipes.

Finally, a special reminder: During the nebulization process, if you feel any discomfort, stop immediately and seek medical attention in time.

The pictures are taken from the Internet. If there is any infringement, please let us know and they will be deleted.

Author: Guan Juan, Emergency Department, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine