Respiratory Treatments

💡TL;DR: Yes, a nebulizer can help loosen lung mucus by delivering a fine saline mist that hydrates and thins secretions so you can cough them out. Normal saline is gentle, while hypertonic saline (3%–7%) can help with very thick phlegm but may trigger more coughing. Sessions typically take

💡TL;DR: A nebulizer turns liquid medication into a mist you breathe in; most treatments take 5–15 minutes and you’re done when the mist slows and the cup is nearly empty. Use only medications your clinician prescribed, breathe through your mouth with relaxed breaths, and make sure the

💡TL;DR: Nebulizers deliver medicated or sterile saline mist to the lungs; steam inhalers provide warm moisture for short-term comfort in the nose and throat. Home nebulizers typically cost about $40–$100+ while steam inhalers are about $30–$70; nebulizers may be covered by Medicare Part B when medically necessary,

💡TL;DR: Most mild acute bronchitis gets better in 2–3 weeks without inhaled medicines, but a nebulizer can quickly ease symptoms if you are wheezing or short of breath. For many people, an inhaler with a spacer works as well as a nebulizer when used correctly; typical treatments take

💡TL;DR: Clean your spacer weekly with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap, then air-dry completely without wiping to reduce static and germs. A detergent wash can improve medication delivery by up to 50% compared with an unwashed plastic spacer (PubMed). Plan for 5–15 minutes

For best delivery, use one puff at a time, inhale slowly right after pressing, and hold your breath ~10 seconds, waiting 30–60 seconds between puffs. Spacers work with MDIs, not dry powder inhalers; clean and air-dry weekly and rinse and spit after steroid inhalers.

💡TL;DR: Never put Vicks VapoRub or any oils in a medical nebulizer. Use only sterile saline or prescribed, water‑based inhalation solutions because oils can reach the lungs and cause exogenous lipoid pneumonia, and thick ointments can clog or damage the device. For mentholated vapors, use devices made for

💡TL;DR: Most reusable nebulizer parts (mask or mouthpiece, medication cup, tubing) should be replaced about every 6 months; disposables last 5–14 uses (roughly 1–2 weeks of daily therapy). Replace compressor air filters about every 6 months or sooner if discolored, and plan to replace the machine around

💡TL;DR: In a flare: albuterol + ipratropium via nebulizer is a go-to combo for rapid, broader airway opening. For maintenance: a LABA or once-daily LAMA by nebulizer helps keep symptoms controlled (about 12-hour vs about 24-hour effect). Nebulizers can be easier than inhalers if technique is hard, but each treatment