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NEBULISERS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS |
©Priory Lodge Education Limited, 1997
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NEBULISERS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS |
Q. Can bronchodilators,anti-inflammatories and inhaled steroids all be used in the same system?
A. Yes, although you should use the appropriate sidestream or
ventstream nebuliser chambers.
Q. What's the difference between a sidestream and a
ventstream chamber?
A. The difference is in the design of the nebuhsation chamber
Sidestream chambers can nebulise all commonly prescribed bronchodilators.
Ventstream has been designed for the delivery of inhaled steroids
or antibiotics, in addition to a reliever.
Q. How often should nebulisers be serviced and by
whom?
A. All nebulisers should be servic'ed by an authorised dealer
or servicer, such as a hospital or company from which the machine
was bought. It is suggested that machines be serviced once a
year.
Q. Are travel nebulisers available?
A. Yes, through any of the nebuliser manufacturers.
Q. What's the difference between an inlet and an outlet
filter?
A. An inlet filter filters the outside air from any dust
particles that may be present, before it enters the nebuliser
unit. The outlet filter filters the pressurised air flow before
it enters the nebuliser chamber via the tubing.
Q. How often should the inlet filter be changed?
A. At least every three months.
Q. How often should the outlet filter be changed and
by whom?
A. The outlet filter needs to be changed less often than the
inlet filter, perhaps every 9-12 months. This is often done at
the nebutiser service, either at a hospital or a recognised
distributor.
Q. Where is the best place to keep a nebuliser?
A. Keep your nebuliser on a firm surface. Cold dusty air can
be drawn into the machine if it is kept on the carpet or floor.
Q. How often should the nebuliser tubing and mouthpiece/mask be changed?
A. Every three months.
Q. How should the nebuliser and mouthpiece/mask be
cared for?
A. Both should be washed in warm soapy water and left to dry
thoroughly, about once a week.
Q. When is it more appropriate to use a mouthpiece rather than a mask?
A. Usually this is a matter of patient preference, but a mouthpiece
can be used to deliver nebulised steroids and to deliver nebulised
anticholinergics in patients with glaucoma. In patients with glaucoma,
protection of the eyes is advised during
administration of antichohnergics.
In the UK Questions about Boehringer Ingelheim loaned nebulisers and replacement filters, tubingand mouthpieces/masks should be addressed to:
Boehringer Ingelheim Limited,
Ellesfield Avenue,
Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8YS.
