Nebulizer Side Effects

While nebulizer treatments are intended to help persons breathe better, as with most medical treatments, there can be side effects. For the most part, the side effects are not from the nebulizer itself, but the medication. The only side effects from the nebulizer itself come from improper cleaning or not replacing parts as needed. After each treatment, the nebulizer should be rinsed and at least once a day, it should be disinfected. Refer to your owner's manual for disinfecting recommendations.

The most common side effect of nebulizer treatment is dizziness. If this occurs, stop the treatment and wait at least 5 minutes before restarting. If this continues, contact your healthcare provider because you may need a different dosage or medication. Other possible side effects could be: mouth infections/thrush, nervousness, or worsening asthma/allergy symptoms. If you are experiencing worsening breathing symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Be sure to report any side effects to your health care provider to ensure the benefits of nebulized medication outweigh the risks for you.