Korean J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol.  2007 Mar;27(1):50-56.

A Survey of Home Nebulizer Use and Its Contamination in Asthmatic Children

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Home nebulizers have been widely used among patients with asthma. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the patients could use home nebulizers properly as a treatment tool for asthma at home. Also, we determined the microbial colonization of home nebulizers and investigated their parents' cleaning and maintenance routines. METHOD: Two hundred forty-five asthmatic children using home nebulizers were enrolled in this study. We collected their nebulizers and accessory instruments. Swabs were taken from the inner surface of the mask, chamber, and line. Throat cultures were obtained by swabbing the tonsils and posterior pharyngeal wall. All samples were plated on agar plates. RESULT: The survey showed that 218 cases (89%) purchasednebulizers by the doctor's recommendation. One hundred forty-six cases (59.6%) purchased through large-scale suppliers. One hundred twenty-two masks (50.2%), 66 chambers (26.9%), 49 lines (20%) were found to be contaminated. The predominant microorganisms were Gram negative rods. The contamination rates were significantly lower during the cleaning procedure with boiled and sterilization water. However, no significant differences were found during the drying procedure.
CONCLUSION
Many problems in the use and cleaning of home nebulizer in asthmatic children were revealed by this study. As recommended, nebulizers should be washed after use and air-blown dry.

MeSH Terms

Agar
Asthma
Child*
Colon
Humans
Masks
Nebulizers and Vaporizers*
Palatine Tonsil
Pharynx
Sterilization
Water
Agar
Water