A nebulizer transforms liquid medication into a fine mist, allowing it to be inhaled directly into the lungs for respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD. This method delivers medication efficiently, bypassing the digestive system and offering targeted relief. The type of liquid used in a nebulizer is important for safety and effectiveness, ensuring proper drug delivery and preventing harm to the respiratory system.
The Only Safe Solution: Sterile Saline
Sterile saline solution is the only safe and recommended liquid for use in a nebulizer, whether alone or to dilute prescribed medications. It is a mixture of 0.9% sodium chloride (salt) dissolved in water, sterilized to remove all microorganisms. This concentration makes it isotonic, meaning its salt concentration is similar to human body fluids, including those in the lungs.
Its isotonic nature prevents irritation or damage to delicate lung tissues, as it does not cause cells to swell or shrink. The solution’s sterility also ensures no harmful bacteria, viruses, or other contaminants are introduced into the respiratory system, reducing infection risk. Sterile saline helps thin mucus, making it easier to cough up, and facilitates the delivery of aerosolized medications deep into the lungs.
Dangers of Using Other Water Types
Using any other type of water in a nebulizer carries health risks and should be avoided. Tap water, for instance, contains microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi, amoebae), along with minerals like calcium and magnesium. When aerosolized and inhaled, these contaminants can lead to severe lung infections, including pneumonia or serious conditions like Legionnaires’ disease caused by Legionella pneumophila. The minerals can also build up in the nebulizer, affecting its performance and potentially causing uneven mist production.
Even distilled water, while free of minerals, is not sterile and can still harbor bacteria. Distilled water is hypotonic, meaning it has a lower salt concentration than body fluids. Inhaling hypotonic water can cause lung cells to absorb too much water and swell, leading to irritation, inflammation, and damage to airway epithelial cells. This osmotic imbalance can aggravate respiratory conditions and may even provoke bronchoconstriction in individuals with asthma. Bottled or filtered waters also lack the necessary sterility for inhalation and may contain impurities or microorganisms that are unsafe for direct lung exposure.
Sourcing and Storing Nebulizer Solutions
Sterile saline solution for nebulization is available in pre-packaged unit-dose vials or larger multi-dose bottles. They can be purchased over-the-counter at pharmacies or with a prescription. It is advised against attempting to create homemade saline solutions for nebulizer use, as achieving proper sterility and the correct salt concentration is difficult outside of a controlled environment. Inaccurate concentrations or contamination can pose health risks when inhaled.
Proper storage of sterile saline is important to maintain its efficacy and sterility. Unopened unit-dose vials should be kept in their foil pouch and stored at room temperature (15°C and 30°C), away from direct light and excessive heat. Once a foil pouch of unit-dose vials is opened, they should be used within a specified timeframe (e.g., one week to 30 days), depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines, to prevent contamination. Any opened unit-dose vial should be used immediately, and any unused solution discarded. Always check the expiration date on the packaging and discard any solution that has expired or appears discolored.