Short Term Nebuliser Loan

Patient Information Leaflet

Introduction

Dudley long term conditions (LTC) team will loan you a nebuliser to use as directed by your doctor or nurse. This should help to relieve breathlessness. This treatment is for the short term and will only need to be used until your condition improves.

What is a nebuliser?

It is a machine to deliver medication to the lungs by turning it into a mist which can be inhaled through a face mask or mouthpiece.

What are the benefits?
It should relieve breathlessness.

What does the home nebuliser system include?
It includes the following:

A nebuliser
The chamber where the medication is poured.

A  compressor
The machine used for nebulisation. This has as a power lead.

Tubing
This attaches the nebuliser chamber to the compressor machine.

A mask or mouthpiece
This attaches to the top of the nebuliser chamber. This is worn or held by you.

How do I use the nebuliser system?

• Connect the power lead into the compressor machine and plug it into the mains supply.
• Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
• Connect the nebuliser to the compressor with the tubing provided.
• The medication that has been prescribed for you is supplied in small plastic bottles called nebules. These are opened by twisting off the top.
• Squeeze the entire contents of one nebule into the nebuliser.
• Connect the mouthpiece or mask to the top of the nebuliser chamber.
• Switch on the compressor. A fine mist will be produced for you to breathe in.
• Start breathing in the medication. Make sure you breathe normally.
• Delivery usually takes between seven to 15 minutes, depending on the type of machine and medication.

How do I clean it?

In order to benefit fully from the nebuliser system, you will need to clean the nebuliser and the mask or mouthpiece after each time you use it.

Before handling the nebuliser and mask or mouthpiece, always wash your hands thoroughly.

• Unplug the machine from the power supply.
• Throw away any medication left in nebuliser chamber.
• Remove the tubing and mask or mouthpiece. Unscrew the nebuliser. Take care not to lose the centre ‘baffle’.
• Wash the nebuliser and mask or mouthpiece in warm water with a little detergent (washing up liquid).
• Rinse in clean warm water and allow to dry thoroughly until you next need to use them.
• Store in a clean, dry place.
• Before you next use the system, run the machine empty for a few moments before you put the medication into the chamber. This clears the jet nozzles.

Safety precautions

• Always disconnect the system from the electricity supply before cleaning.
• Never use the system where it may come into contact with water.
• Never block the air grills on the side of the device.
• Always keep the electrical leads away from heated surfaces.
• Put the compressor on a clean surface. Do not put it on carpet where fibres may be drawn into the unit when it is being used.
• Avoid using the system in a room where people smoke.

What are the risks?

The possible risks of the medication you will use in the nebuliser are as follows:

Salbutamol (Ventolin) and terbutaline (Bricanyl)

Side effects that may occur include fine tremors (shakes), nervous tension, headaches, heart palpitations and a raised heartbeat. Only very occasionally, muscle cramps and low potassium levels can occur. A low level of potassium can cause an irregular heartbeat.

Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent)

Side effects may include a dry mouth, constipation and, rarely, urine retention.

Combivent

Please note that Combivent is a combined treatment of ipratropium bromide and salbutamol.

What if I am using oxygen therapy?

If you are using oxygen therapy through a tube positioned under your nose (a nasal cannula), you can leave your oxygen on whilst using your nebuliser.

What if I have any problems?

Long term conditions contact details: 01384 321234 option 1 (9am – 5pm, Monday to Sunday)
Out of hours/ Bank Holidays/ weekends: 01384 456111

If you have any queries using the nebuliser system, or think you may be experiencing troublesome side effects, please call the long term conditions (LTC) team.
If your condition appears to be getting worse, please contact the long term condition nurses, your GP or in an emergency, go to your nearest Emergency Department.

You should not need to use your nebuliser more than six times within a 24 hour period.
If you need to use it more than this, please seek urgent medical advice.

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand, please contact the Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number on (01384) 456111 and ask for the relevant department who issued this leaflet.
This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.

Document No: DGH/PIL/01187 –   Version No: 05
Date Reviewed: November 2026 – Expiry Date November 2029