Your physician has order home aerosol therapy for you due to an acute or chronic condition resulting in less than optimal performance of your lungs.  Home aerosol therapy is very common and has been used for many years to treat conditions similar to yours.

OPERATION

Aerosol Therapy consists of two basic pieces of equipment, the compressor which provides compressed air and the nebulizer which produces the medication to the lungs via a very fine vapor.

NEBULIZER

The nebulizer is the hand held unit which creates the vapor.  Medication is placed into the cap as instructed by your therapist or technician.  Your physician will prescribe your medication and frequency of treatment.  Upon initiation of the treatment, you should take slow deep breaths as deep as possible.  If your condition allows, a one or two second holding of the breath after inspiration would aid in the effectiveness of your treatment.  Please feel free to take rest periods during your treatment should you become tired or dizzy.  The treatment should last around 8 – 10 minutes depending upon the equipment and the prescription.

CLEANING

The nebulizer should be disassembled and rinsed after each treatment and allowed to dry in a clean area.  Nightly, wash the nebulizer with a mild detergent and warm water.  Soaking the nebulizer in a 1:3 ratio of vinegar and water will aid in the disinfecting of the device.  Keep in the solution for one hour and rinse well before laying out to dry.  It is very important to maintain a clean nebulizer to prevent re-infection of your lungs.  This device is for single patient use only.  The compressor may be dusted or wiped with a very lightly moistened cloth.  Please insure that the unit is unplugged prior to doing this.

COMPRESSOR

The compressor is very basic to operate.  Plug the unit into a grounded outlet. Connect the nebulizer tubing to the compressor at the air outlet as instructed.  Turn the power switch on to power the nebulizer.  There are filters at the intake which should be changed when soiled.

AS ALWAYS, IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE DO NOT HESTIATE TO CALL.  WE ARE ALWAYS HAPPY TO HEAR FROM YOU.