Nebulized therapy is often called a “breathing treatment”, applied with a small machine called a nebulizer. A variety of medications — both for immediate relief and maintenance of symptoms — are available for use with a nebulizer. Nebulizers come in home (tabletop) and portable models. Home nebulizers are larger and must be plugged into an electrical outlet. Portable nebulizers run on batteries — either disposable or rechargeable — or can be plugged into a car’s cigarette lighter. Smaller, portable units are slightly larger than a deck of cards, so they can be carried in a purse, briefcase, or backpack to be used whenever and wherever you need them.
A nebulizer changes medication from a liquid to a mist so that it can be more easily inhaled into the lungs. Nebulizers are particularly effective in delivering medications to anyone who has difficulty using an inhaler. It is also convenient when a large dose of an inhaled medication is needed. Certain medications that are usually supplied via IV or injection may also be nebulized. It is also very useful for medications that are not commercially available in inhalers.
Nebulized therapy helps you breathe better by treating wheezing, shortness of breath, and other respiratory problems. Your doctor may recommend breathing treatments to treat asthma, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, severe allergic reactions, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other lung related health issues.
Certain other medications or nutrients may be delivered via a nebulizer. Items such as such as antibiotics, glutathione, vitamin B12, and magnesium may be prescribed for nebulized treatment. These may treat an issue in the lungs, or may have an effect systemically.
DO NOT USE these items in a nebulizer unless your doctor has prescribed the proper dose and usage. Certain substances may damage your nebulizer. Other medications may not be well absorbed via the lungs or may cause side effects taken that way.
The frequency of treatment depends on the symptoms being treated, how well the patient is tolerating treatments and how well treatments are working. This will be discussed with you by your practitioner.
Treatments take about 15-20 minutes depending on the amount of medication.
You will not need to purchase anything for your treatment in the office. If you are using the Nebulized Therapy at home, you may be required to purchase your medications and a nebulizing machine
Yes, treatments are generally safe. As mentioned earlier, we do the first dose in the office to be sure that the inhaled substance doesn’t irritate your lungs.
Some patients may experience chest tightness or wheezing. If this does happen, stop the treatment AND CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR.
If the symptoms are dizziness or lightheadedness, stop the treatment and rest for about 5 minutes THEN continue the treatment, and try to breathe more slowly. If dizziness or jitteriness continues to be a problem with future treatments, inform your health care provider.
Yes, you would need to meet with one of Gordon Medical’s practitioners and discuss Nebulized Therapy before you can schedule an appointment for the treatment. If you wish to do nebulized therapy at home, you will need a prescription for the nebulizer unit and for the medication to be used in the nebulizer.
The one exception is for established patients who have had smoke exposure in a wildfire. These patients may schedule appointments for Nebulized Glutathione in the office without having seen their practitioner about the issue first.
Your first treatment is always done in the office to ensure that your airways are not irritated by the medication.
Appointments can be made Monday through Friday with a Technician.
Use one of the following options to make an appointment:
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