A child nebuliser mask needs to be properly cared for
September 30, 2014I was in the pharmacy a few days ago and overheard a woman asking the chemist how to care for the child nebuliser mask she was purchasing. I was a few things before a camping trip which we had planned a while ago. I needed to buy some Compeed Overnight Cracked Heel Cream, an Eco Temp Digital Thermometer, some Duoderm Extra Thin Hydrocolloid Dressing and not to forget the Braun Silk Epil Wet and Dry Epilator Pink!
Whilst waiting in the queue it was interesting to hear about the ways to care for nebulisers and their accessories such as the child nebuliser mask the woman was holding in her hand. Upon reaching home I looked up a few things on the internet about nebulisers ( not just being nosy but I have a niece who suffers from asthma) and learned a lot.
How should you care for your nebuliser?
Nebuliser
- Keep the nebuliser covered in a dust-free place when not in use
- Wipe over with a damp cloth when necessary
- If a filter is fitted, it will need replacing or cleaning, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.
Tubing
- This does not require washing. If you do notice some condensation in the tubing, take off the nebuliser bowl, turn on the nebuliser and remove the condensation by shaking the tubing
- Replace the tubing if any dirt is seen in it, or cracks appear
- Do not keep tubing and bowl in direct sunlight.
Nebuliser bowl
- Needs to be rinsed in warm water after every use. This is because the medicine comes in a salt solution and some may get left in the bowl. This can crystallise and block up the outlets.
- After rinsing the bowl, drip dry or connect up tubing to it, switch on nebuliser, blow air through for a few seconds. Don't wipe the bowl dry.
- Once a week, wash the bowl with dishwashing liquid and water.
Disposable nebuliser bowls need replacing every one to two months if used regularly. Durable bowls are more expensive to buy but last 12 months. As the bowl gets worn the medication is less effective, since larger particles of medicine are produced that cannot enter the small breathing tubes.
Facemask or mouthpiece
These need to be washed daily with dishwashing liquid and water. They need replacing if they crack, or the facemask doesn't fit snugly. The elastic on the face mask is easy to replace yourself.
Not caring for your child nebuliser mask and other pieces of equipment can lead to problems over time. Poor asthma management can lead to airway remodelling. Airway remodelling is a serious condition that happens when asthma is untreated or poorly managed. The lungs become scarred, asthma medicines do not work as well, and less air is able to move through the airways. Airway remodelling does not have to happen if you stick to an asthma action plan. Always follow the advice of the doctor and the pharmacist when it comes to dealing with things such as asthma management and treatment plans, including the equipment used.
Posted by Health Care 4 All.
