Living Dangerously - Nebulizer Cleaning
I marvel at the time consuming, meticulous way many, perhaps the majority, of contributors to this forum clean and sanitize nebulizers. Following the treatment session I soap and hot water “bathe” the mouthpiece then let it air dry until its next use. The tube gets no special attention except being fully disconnected from the compressor. I’ve read of some regimens aimed at sanitizing shower heads; another activity I ignore entirely. I’m closing in on 16 months free of a “flare-up” involving fever, and an antibiotic to defeat.
The lengthening periods of freedom from acute symptoms is something I attribute solely to learning about 7% saline nebulizer solution which I read about on this forum.
My comparatively minimal attention to “sanitation” may catch up with me but so far so good.
I should add that I realize many forum participants are contending with considerably more virulent pathology than I am. Don
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.
I am surprised to think he is not up on the latest literature concerning 7% saline and think of all the other patients who could be helped by it. Will keep trying.
your doc is right - 7% saline CAN cause bronchospasm, especially for folks who may have reactive airways. It can irritate the airways. In fact, 7% saline is sometimes used for specific pulm testing, testing for reactive airways, e.g. asthma. If bronchospasm occurs, taking a bronchodilator (e.g. Albuterol) can help alleviate the constriction and spasming of the airways. As it's being discussed here, the 7% saline is used to loosen/thin secretions -- it can be safe if rx'd properly -- having a discussion with your doc about it and your specific lung conditions would be advised.
I use dish soap and warm water also Having flare up now and rethinking everything I do I also drink tap water but let it run a while before I drink it Sometimes I drink boiled water, which I let cool Any thoughts on this? Helene
How often do you sanitize? And what do you use? I am very new to all of this. THANKS!
The “business end” of the nebulizer is dismantled and gets a white vinegar dunk following each use. Then the parts are rinsed in tap water and air dried. It’s not rocket science. You’ll be doin’ it like a pro in no time. Don
Thanks, Don. Don't you wash the parts in soapy water? It certainly would be easier to just sanitize every time, it seems. I just bought a couple of bottles of 70% alcohol. Do you think I could do as you do and just use that every time (and not wash with soapy water)? Sorry for my dumb questions; I'm looking for any way to save time and still be safe. Pat
@patsoldad...I wash every time I use the nebulizer. I brush my teeth before I use it, too. Good luck.
I am not new but resisted talking and dealing with a lot of this Still do actually Very hard accepting as I have always been very healthy and active. Re sanitizing....I do almost everyday. At times I feel lazy and skip a day
I also was very healthy and active, watching diet and exercising. We moved right after I retired. Had my last day at work, signed on our house that evening and moved that week. I got very tired after that and developed this chronic cough that months later was diagnosed as bronchiectasis. Still hard to wrap my head around it and wonder how that happened...... but have been nebulizing and using my vest ever since.
Thanks for that info....good to know. Hopefully if I tell him I have had no problem since starting he will give me a rx. The 7% saline , along with my vest has helped me alot.