Breathing Treatment

In urgent care, a breathing treatment commonly involves using a nebulizer to deliver medication directly to the lungs.

What is it?

  • A breathing treatment is a non-invasive method used to deliver medication directly into the lungs’ airways.
  • It’s frequently used to manage respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia.

What happens during the procedure:

  1. Assessment: A healthcare professional first evaluates your symptoms and medical history to determine if a breathing treatment is suitable.
  2. Medication: Next, they select the appropriate medication for your condition. This could be a bronchodilator to open airways, a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation, or a mucolytic to loosen mucus.
  3. Nebulizer: The medication is put into a nebulizer, a device that converts the liquid medication into a fine mist.
  4. Mask or Mouthpiece: You are given a mask or mouthpiece to cover your nose and mouth.
  5. Inhalation: You are directed to breathe normally and slowly inhale the mist from the nebulizer.
  6. Treatment Duration: The procedure usually lasts about 10-15 minutes.

Benefits:

  • The treatment delivers medication directly to the lungs, allowing it to work quickly and effectively.
  • It can be less invasive than receiving medication through an injection or orally.

Things to keep in mind:

  • Breathing treatments are not a cure for respiratory conditions, but they can help manage symptoms and enhance your breathing.
  • It’s crucial to follow the healthcare professional’s instructions when using a nebulizer.

Alternatives:

In some situations, a healthcare professional may use a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) to administer medication to the lungs. An MDI is a compact, handheld device that dispenses a puff of medication when triggered.