Aerosol Therapy                                               What is Aerosol Therapy? Aerosol therapy is administered to deliver breathing medication directly to the surface of the breathing tubes and lungs.  This is accomplished by breaking down the medication into a very fine mist so that it can be easily and effectively inhaled. How does the Aerosol Mist enter your Lungs? As you inhale, the aerosol passes from your mouth through the windpipe (trachea) into a system of airways (bronchi) that divide into smaller and smaller airways (bronchioles).  The smallest airways end in tiny air sacs (alveoli).  The most common type of medication used in aerosol therapy is called a bronchodilator (e.g. Albuterol).  This type of medication relaxes the breathing tubes so that they become larger which makes breathing easier and coughing up secretions more effective.  Most aerosol treatments are taken 3 to 4 times a day for approximately 10 minutes. How do I take an Aerosol Treatment? Follow these 11 easy steps to take an effective aerosol therapy treatment: Step 1:  Select an area in your home that is comfortable, has good lighting and is near an electrical outlet. Step 2:  Plug your nebulizer compressor unit into a 3-pronged outlet, or use a plug adapter if these are not available. Step 3:  Wash your hands before assembling your hand-held nebulizer or handling your medication. Step 4:  Pour your medication into your nebulizer cup. ***If your medication is not packaged in a unit dose form, you must carefully measure the proper amount(s) with saline or water. ***Your respiratory therapist or pharmacist will give you specific instructions on mixing your medication. Step 5:  Reattach the nebulizer cap/T assembly to the nebulizer cup. Step 6:  Attach one end of the supply tube to the port on the bottome of the nebulizer, and the other end to the outlet on the nebulizer compressor unit. Step 7:  Position yourself comfortably in a sitting position and turn your nebulizer compressor unit on.  You should immediately see a fine mist coming from the mouthpiece on your nebulizer.  If not, check all connections and insure your compressor motor is running and you have adequate medication in your nebulizer cup. Step 8:  Place the mouthpiece in between your teeth, seal your lips around it, and breathe normally through your mouth.  DO NOT BREATHE THROUGH YOUR NOSE!  You should see the mist disappear and appear out of the reservoir tube as you inhale and exhale. Step 9:  Breathe at a normal rate and depth.  DO NOT BREATHE FAST!  Approximately once every minute, or every 10-15 breaths, take a deep breath and hold it in for several seconds.  This allows the medication to be effectively and evenly distributed throughout your lungs. Step 10:  Continue your treatment for the specified time period or until the medication is completely gone.  If you become lightheaded or dizzy, pause between breaths for a few seconds.  If you need to stop for more than a few seconds, turn your nebulizer compressor off so you won't waste your medication. Step 11:  When your treatment is over, turn off your nebulizer compressor.