It is very important to look after any medical equipment that you or your family may need to use, either on a regular basis or as and when required, such as in an emergency situation. Things such as an adult probe clip oximeter sensor, an adult mask for portable nebuliser or a Respironics adult face mask all need to be carefully maintained.

An adult probe oximeter sensor is a sensitive piece of equipment but it is even more important to properly maintain an adult nebuliser mask since this is concerned with breathing. In the case of something being amiss it is easy to obtain a replacement adult mask for your nebuliser.

Cleaning

Cleaning and disinfecting your asthma nebuliser equipment is simple and very important. Proper care prevents infection and cleaning should be done in a dust and smoke free area away from open windows.

What Causes Asthma Symptoms to Occur?

Many things can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms. Your doctor will help you find out which things (called triggers) may cause your asthma to flare up if you come in contact with them. Triggers can include:

  • Allergens from dust, animal fur, cockroaches, mold, and pollens from trees, grasses, and flowers
  • Irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, chemicals or dust in the workplace, compounds in home décor products, and sprays (such as hairspray)
  • Medicines such as aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and non selective beta-blockers
  • Sulphites in foods and drinks
  • Viral upper respiratory infections, such as colds
  • Physical activity, including exercise

Other health conditions can make asthma harder to manage. Examples of these conditions include a runny nose, sinus infections, reflux disease, psychological stress, and sleep apnoea. These conditions should be treated as part of an overall asthma care plan. Asthma is different for each person. Some of the triggers listed above may not affect you. Other triggers that do affect you might not be on the list. Talk with your doctor about the things that seem to make your asthma worse.

The symptoms of asthma can have a range of triggers:

  • Infections of the airways and chest
  • Allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, animal fur or feathers
  • Airborne irritants, such as cigarette smoke, chemical fumes and pollution
  • Some painkillers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen
  • Emotional factors, such as stress or laughing
  • Foods containing sulphites, such as concentrated fruit juice, jam, prawns and many processed or pre-cooked meals
  • Weather conditions, such as sudden change in temperature, cold air, windy days, poor air quality and hot, humid days
  • Indoor conditions, such as mould or damp, house dust mites and chemicals in carpets and flooring materials
  • Exercise

Although the actual cause of asthma is not known, many studies have shown that several factors can lead to the development of asthma. These factors include a person's genetics, development and growth of the lungs and immune system, various infections and exposures in the environment. The good news is that asthma can be managed in most cases with a little care, medication and maintenance of things such as the adult nebuliser mask.