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How to use a Nebuliser

Patient information A-Z

Nebuliser
Nebuliser

What is a nebuliser?

A nebuliser is an electrical machine that is used to give a larger dose of a drug in a simple and effective way into the lungs. It turns a liquid drug into a mist that can then be inhaled.

This can relieve the symptoms of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), asthma and bronchiectasis. Using a nebuliser may be useful for a short period of time whilst you have a flare up of your chest, but it is not generally recommended for long term daily use.

Note: If you are loaned a nebuliser, it is for a short period of time only.

To use a nebuliser:

  1. Place the nebuliser on a flat surface.
  2. Connect the lead to the nebuliser and plug it in at the wall.
3.	Connect one end of the tubing to the nebuliser.
3. Connect one end of the tubing to the nebuliser.
4.	Connect the other end of the tubing to the nebuliser pot.
4. Connect the other end of the tubing to the nebuliser pot.
5.	Open the foil wrapping by cutting along the side.
5. Open the foil wrapping by cutting along the side.
6.	Take the ampoule strip out of the wrapping and remove the last ampoule by twisting downwards and away from you.
6. Take the ampoule strip out of the wrapping and remove the last ampoule by twisting downwards and away from you.
7.	To open the ampoule, hold the body and top of the ampoule securely and then twist the body.
7. To open the ampoule, hold the body and top of the ampoule securely and then twist the body.
9.	Place the open end of the ampoule into the nebuliser pot and empty the contents by squeezing slowly.
8. Open the nebuliser pot by unscrewing the two parts.
9.	Place the open end of the ampoule into the nebuliser pot and empty the contents by squeezing slowly.
9. Place the open end of the ampoule into the nebuliser pot and empty the contents by squeezing slowly.
10.	Screw the nebuliser part back together.
10. Screw the nebuliser part back together.
11.	Connect the mask to the nebuliser pot and put the mask on.
11. Connect the mask to the nebuliser pot and put the mask on.
12.	Press the green button to start the machine.
12. Press the green button to start the machine.

13. When there is no mist and the noise changes (approximately 10 minutes) then turn the machine off and remove the mask.

14. The nebuliser pot should be wiped clean after use. It should be washed daily with some water and left to drip dry. Do not immerse in water.

We are smoke-free

Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the hospital campus. For advice and support in quitting, contact your GP or the free NHS stop smoking helpline on 0800 169 0 169.

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