Description

A Nebulization Facility is a setup in a hospital, clinic, or community health center that provides inhaled medications via a nebulizer to patients—primarily those with respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchiolitis, or chronic lung disease. Here's a quick guide to what it includes and how it should function: ✅ Key Components of a Nebulization Facility 🏥 Infrastructure: Designated well-ventilated room or corner (preferably with exhaust fan or HEPA filter) Clean, comfortable seating for pediatric and adult patients Power supply with backup for nebulizer machines Clean water source and hand hygiene station Disinfection protocols for equipment 💨 Essential Equipment: Electric or battery-operated nebulizer machines Nebulizer kits (chambers, masks, tubing, mouthpieces) — pediatric and adult sizes Oxygen source (if required for oxygen-driven nebulization) Pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen saturation Suction machine (optional, for emergencies or very young infants) Timers or clocks to monitor nebulization time 💊 Medications Commonly Used: Salbutamol (Albuterol) – bronchodilator Ipratropium bromide – anticholinergic Hypertonic saline – for mucus clearance (e.g., bronchiolitis) Budesonide – inhaled corticosteroid Normal saline – diluent Medications should be prescribed and dosed by a qualified healthcare provider. 👩‍⚕️ Staffing and Training: Nurse or respiratory therapist trained in: Nebulizer setup and operation Dosage calculation Recognizing side effects (e.g., tachycardia, jitteriness) Infection prevention and control (IPC) Emergency response readiness (basic resuscitation skills, access to crash cart) 🧼 Infection Control Measures: Single-use or properly sterilized masks/mouthpieces Disinfect nebulizer parts after each use (following manufacturer guidelines) Avoid nebulization in crowded rooms (risk of aerosol transmission of infections like COVID-19, TB) Mask use by staff during administration Use metered-dose inhalers (MDI) with spacers when appropriate, especially during outbreaks 📋 Documentation & Monitoring: Patient details and indications Medication used and dosage Response to treatment (clinical improvement, oxygen levels) Adverse events or complications