Nebulisers

1) Advice for patients using a nebuliser

Female patient using a nebuliser
Background

  • Most people with COPD will not need a nebuliser if you have a good inhaler technique which is effectively getting medication in to the lungs. You may use a nebuliser if you are admitted to hospital during an exacerbation. Once you have recovered you may not need a nebuliser at home.
  • Nebulisers are used to deliver medication, in higher doses than is possible by just using a hand held inhaler.
  • The aim of using a nebuliser is to make sure that a drug is delivered in the correct dose to the lung in order to give improved treatment of symptoms.
  • The nebuliser works by turning a liquid medication into a fine mist so that it can be inhaled deep into the lungs.
  • The mist is made by a compressor pumping air or oxygen through the liquid in the medication chamber.