Nebs
Formal Definition
Short for nebulizer treatments; aerosolized bronchodilators (most commonly albuterol and/or ipratropium) delivered via nebulizer mask or mouthpiece for the treatment of bronchospasm in asthma, COPD exacerbation, or reactive airway disease; the term is also used loosely to refer to the act of giving any inhaled medication via nebulizer.
How It's Used on the Ward
"Give them some nebs" or "patient needs a neb" — ubiquitous shorthand on any medical floor for bronchodilator therapy.
Example
""Patient wheezing with O2 sat in the low 90s on room air: start back-to-back albuterol nebs and ipratropium, get them on a non-rebreather, and call me back with vitals after the first treatment.""
Clinical Context
Standard bronchodilator nebulization: albuterol 2.5 mg in 3 mL NS (short-acting beta-agonist), ipratropium 0.5 mg in 2.5 mL NS (SAMA). Combination albuterol/ipratropium (DuoNeb) is common. "Back-to-back" or "continuous" nebs = more aggressive bronchodilation for moderate-severe exacerbations. Side effects: tachycardia and tremor (albuterol), urinary retention/dry mouth (ipratropium). MDI (metered-dose inhaler) with spacer is as effective as nebulization in cooperative patients but nebulizer preferred in respiratory distress.
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