For people living with lung disease such as asthma or COPD, inhaled therapy is a mainstay in treatment regimens.
Nebulized medications are one of the options we can provide to our patients. While it can take time to teach a patient to use a new device, it's important so that they can feel comfortable and ensure efficacy.
Early conversations can address concerns of complexity to help our patients understand that this is an effective alternative to an inhaler and can deliver medications deep into the lungs.
You can begin the conversation by saying, “Hey, I'd like to talk with you about another way to get your medications deep into your lungs,” or “Have you ever used a nebulizer before? And if so, how did you feel about it?”
When starting the conversation with your patient, outline why a nebulizer may be recommended as part of their care plan.
For acute care physicians, we also know that this is the cornerstone of medication delivery in the hospital.
Explain how a nebulizer works. Laid out simply, it's a small machine that converts the medication into a mist that they will then inhale. It's important for patients to know that a nebulizer requires power and that they are available in stationary or portable form.
If your patient is worried about the power source, have them consider a portable nebulizer, which can be battery-run.
Next, talk about how to get and use a nebulizer. While they're available online to purchase, the quality is not assured. Write a prescription that they can fill at the pharmacy or a medical supply store. Once they receive the nebulizer, they will then need to learn how to use and clean the machine.
Leave time for your patients to ask questions. You can learn more about how to discuss with your patients at lung.org/hcp-nebulizer.
When you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.
