What It Is:
A nebulizer is a small, handheld compressed air machine, often called a "breathing machine" that transforms liquid asthma medicine into a fine mist that is then inhaled into the lungs through either a mouthpiece or a mask. A pediatric nebulizer is often used for infants and young children who are unable to use a metered dose inhaler correctly. There are 3 types of nebulizers used for asthma medicine:- Jet
- Mesh
- Ultrasonic
The kind of asthma medicine prescribed for the child may determine which type of nebulizer can be used. The jet nebulizer is probably the one most commonly used.
Advantages of Nebulizers:
Metered dose inhalers (MDI for short) require a level of skill in their use that babies and little kids are unable to manage. And if an MDI is not used correctly, then there is no guarantee that the correct dose of the medicine has been received. In contrast, kids can use a nebulizer – and get the correct dose – just by breathing naturally. Not only are nebulizers easy to use, they tend to deliver medicine effectively, deep into the lungs, where it is most needed.Disadvantages of Nebulizers:
A breathing machine is bulky and often dependent on electricity to work, which may not be convenient if you are traveling. However, there are now travel nebulizers and portable nebulizers quite widely available. You may even be able to find a battery-operated nebulizer. A nebulizer treatment can take a little more time and effort for the parent than using an inhaler, but it's worth it when asthma symptoms are kept at bay.How to Use It:
It's important to read the instructions that came with your breathing machine, as the process may not be exactly the same for every type of nebulizer. But, in general, the following steps must be taken:- Open the vial of premixed medicine and empty it into the nebulizer cup.
- Put the pieces of the nebulizer equipment together.
- Give your child the mouthpiece to insert into his / her mouth or place the mask over your infant's face.
- Turn on the machine.
- Stay with your child as he / she breathes in normally, making sure the mask or mouthpiece stays in place, until the medicine cup is empty, usually about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Turn the machine off.
- Clean and store the nebulizer after each treatment.
Importance of Caring for Your Machine:
Nebulizers can cause respiratory infections if they are not kept spotlessly clean. So, after each use, be sure to take all of the pieces apart and wash them in warm, soapy water, or the dishwasher, if they are dishwasher-safe. Dry them on paper towels, and then reassemble when everything is dry. Store in a covered container out of reach of pets and children.How It Is Prescribed:
Nebulizer treatments are most often inhaled steroids for infants, age 12 months and older, and young children. Different drugs may be used. Pulmicort respules is currently the only inhaled steroid approved for infants, from 12 months on. Other medicines, such as Flovent, Advair and Cromolyn sodium, have been approved for older children. Most prescriptions will probably be for one to three times a day. The dose and frequency may depend on your child's age, size, and level of asthma severity.Special Tips for Kids:
Pediatric nebulizers help your child's asthma stay in control, when used properly. But an active, or uncooperative, child can make that a challenge at times. Here are some tips to help the nebulizer treatment go smoothly:- Make it fun. Give your child something to look forward to with the treatment. Use this time to read to your child, play games on the computer together, or watch a video. Or pull out the coloring book and crayons.
- Make it business as usual. Work the nebulizer treatments into your regular routine. When your child knows what to expect, he / she is less likely to resist.
- Incorporate the mask into fantasy play. Kids don't always like the idea of having a mask placed over their face. You may be able to find a mask in the shape of an animal or other fun shape. But if not, pretend the mask is that of a firefighter, superhero, or some other fantasy your child will enjoy.
Those are just a few creative ideas. You may find others at the EverydayKidz.com website from AstraZeneca, the makers of Pulmicort Respules. You'll find videos, crafts, and interactive games that will help your child understand asthma and learn to get the most out of the nebulizer treatments.
Sources:
"Expert Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma." NHLBI Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Asthma. 28 Aug 2007. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. 18 Dec. 2007 <http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.pdf>
"Tips to remember: Use of inhaled asthma medications." 2007. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. 30 June 2008
