How long should you take breathing treatments?
New types of machines are being designed that may shorten nebulizer treatments, but for now, plan on at least 15 minutes for every treatment. Note: If your child's breathing treatment takes longer than 15 or 20 minutes, there may be something wrong with the air compressor or the nebulizer.
How long should you do a nebulizer treatment?
Connect the nebulizer to the face mask or mouthpiece. Use the face mask or mouthpiece to breathe in the medicine. Use the nebulizer for about 5 to 15 minutes, or until the medicine in the nebulizer cup is gone.
How many times should you take a breathing treatment?
The nebulizer solution is usually used three or four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use albuterol exactly as directed.
How long do you have to wait between nebulizer treatments?
Doses are usually repeated every 4 to 6 hours as needed. It is important to wait at least 60 seconds between puffs for the best results. Nebulizer machines allow you to breathe in your medicine through a face mask or a handheld tube.
How long does albuterol treatment take?
Using a mouthpiece or face mask with the nebulizer, inhale the prescribed dose of medication into your lungs as directed by your doctor, usually 3 or 4 times daily as needed. Each treatment usually takes about 5 to 15 minutes. Use this medication only through a nebulizer.
Can you give a breathing treatment while sleeping?
For a squirmy baby, try using the nebulizer when your child is sleeping. If your child is afraid of the mask, you can talk about how it's a "pilot mask" or a "space mask." You might even show a movie about pilots or astronauts and use some of the lingo like "start your engines" before you turn the nebulizer on.
What does a breathing treatment do?
Breathing treatments make it possible for people dealing with respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma to breathe freely. During these treatments, medications are pumped into the lungs via a nebulizer or an inhaler.
What do you do after a nebulizer treatment?
After each treatment, rinse the nebulizer cup thoroughly with warm water, shake off excess water, and let it air-dry. At the end of each day, wash the cup and mask or mouthpiece in warm water with a mild detergent. Rinse it thoroughly and let it air-dry. You don't need to clean the compressor tubing.
Why Do I Need Breathing Treatments?
Breathing treatments are used to treat the swelling of your airway, shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. These can be caused by any of the...
What Are The Advantages and Disadvantages of A Nebulizer?
1. Nebulizers can be used by anyone of any age. You can mix more than 1 medicine, and they can all be given at the same time. High doses of medicin...
How Do I Use A Nebulizer?
1. Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing the nebulizer for use. This may prevent germs from getting into your lungs. . 2. Prepare th...
How Do I Take Care of My Nebulizer?
1. Clean after each use. Wash the container and mouthpiece or mask with dish soap and hot water. Shake off the excess water and let the parts air d...
When Should I Contact My Healthcare Provider?
1. You develop a rash or hives after a treatment. 2. Your hands, arms, or legs shake after the treatment. 3. You have a fast heartbeat and feel diz...
What Is Breathing Treatment?
Other Types of Common Respiratory Treatments
- Avoid triggers such as physical exertion or allergens in the air
- Lifestyle adjustments- Stop smoking, weight control
- Deep breathing exercise
- Fever
- Lightheadedness
See a doctor immediately if you notice:
- An individual experiencing it for the first time
- Bluish/grayish tint to the skin, lips, nails or gums is seen
- Chest pain
- The rapid breathing becomes worse
- The chest caves in while breathing
Use in Treating A Respiratory Disease
Use by Individuals Without A Respiratory Disease
Risks
A Word from Verywell
- If you have asthma, a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as emphysema, or another type of respiratory problem, you may routinely take medicine to improve your breathing at home. While in the hospital, you will likely be prescribed breathing treatments to treat your illness and prevent a “flare up” after surgery.