A nebuliser is a compressor machine that converts liquid medication into a fine mist that you can easily breathe into your lungs. The machine has a mouthpiece or face mask that you use to breathe in the medicine for 3 to 15 minutes.
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Nebulisers for asthma or COPD
- Generally, nebulisers are not preferred for people with asthma or COPD because they deliver a high dose of medication which can increase the chance of side effects.
- With so many improved handheld inhaler devices there is now less need for nebulisers for people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For most people, a handheld inhaler device together with a spacer is just as effective as a nebuliser to get medication to your lungs.
- Even when you're having a flare-up (exacerbation), using a spacer with your reliever medicine is as effective as, or even better than, using a nebuliser.
- However, in some situations where the use of a handheld inhaler device isn't suitable, such as for young children or very sick people, using a nebuliser is an alternative.
Nebulisers for other wheezy lung diseases
- In addition to bronchodilator therapy used in treating wheezy lung diseases, many other treatments can be delivered with a nebuliser to treat conditions such as cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis and pulmonary artery hypertension.
- Treatments include antibiotics, pulmonary vasodilators, airway hydration and mucolytics (eg, hypertonic saline, nebulized surfactant).
Nebulisers need regular maintenance to be kept thoroughly clean to prevent possible contamination. If not cleaned properly, nebulisers can harbour bacteria and fungi, leading to chest infections.
