Nebulisation Therapy Explained: Easy Notes for Nursing & Paramedic Students

🌬️ Nebulisation Therapy 

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📌 Definition

Nebulisation therapy is a method of administering medication directly into the lungs in the form of a mist (aerosol), using a nebuliser. It is commonly used for patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, and bronchitis.

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🎯 Purpose / Indications

• Deliver medications directly to the lungs

• Treat bronchospasm

• Loosen and remove mucus

• Provide moisture to dry airways

• Manage:

  • Asthma

  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

  • Cystic fibrosis

  • Bronchitis

  • Pneumonia (selected cases)

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💊 Common Drugs Used

Drug Name	Category	Purpose
Salbutamol	Bronchodilator (β2-agonist)	Relieves bronchospasm
Ipratropium bromide	Anticholinergic	Relieves bronchospasm
Budesonide	Corticosteroid	Reduces inflammation
Hypertonic saline	Mucolytic	Loosens thick mucus
Normal saline (0.9%)	Diluent	Used to dilute medication

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🧰 Nebuliser Components

1. Compressor – Generates airflow

2. Nebuliser chamber/cup – Holds the medication

3. Mouthpiece / Face mask – For patient to inhale the mist

4. Tubing – Connects compressor and chamber

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🔄 Working Mechanism

1. Air from the compressor passes through the medication chamber.

2. Medication is converted into a fine mist (aerosol).

3. Patient inhales the mist through a mask or mouthpiece.

4. Medication travels deep into the lungs, offering quick relief.

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📋 Procedure Steps

🛠️ Preparation:

• Wash hands and wear gloves.

• Explain the procedure to the patient.

• Gather all equipment.

💉 Medication Preparation:

• Check the doctor's order.

• Add the prescribed medication and diluent into the nebuliser chamber.

🧑‍⚕️ During Procedure:

• Connect the nebuliser to the air compressor.

• Place the mask or mouthpiece on the patient.

• Turn on the machine and encourage deep, slow breathing.

• Continue for about 10–15 minutes or until mist stops.

🧽 Aftercare:

• Turn off the nebuliser.

• Wash and dry the nebuliser parts.

• Document the procedure and patient’s response.

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⚠️ Nursing Considerations

• Monitor respiratory rate, breath sounds, and oxygen saturation before and after therapy.

• Ensure proper mask fit to prevent medication loss.

• Educate the patient not to talk during therapy.

• Clean equipment after each use to prevent infection.

• Be aware of side effects (e.g., tachycardia from salbutamol).

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🚨 Complications / Side Effects

Possible Effect	Cause
Tremors, palpitations	Bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol)
Dry mouth or throat	Inhaled drugs
Headache, dizziness	Overmedication
Infection	Poor equipment hygiene

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🧠 Quick Tips for Exams

• Always mention "direct delivery to lungs" as an advantage.

• Highlight "fast-acting relief" especially in asthma or COPD.

• Know common nebulised drugs.

• Emphasise cleaning and infection control.

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📚 Mnemonic: NEBULISER

N – Nebuliser setup
E – Explain to patient
B – Breathe deeply and slowly
U – Use prescribed meds
L – Look for improvement
I – Infection control (cleaning)
S – Side effects monitor
E – Evaluate response
R – Record and report