Nebulizers are used to treat various respiratory problems that require medication to get directly to the lungs. Asthma is generally treated using a nebulizer. The nebulizer turns liquid medicine into a fine mist that can be inhaled through the mask. At first, the procedure may seem daunting to infants and young children but there are things that can be done to make the nebulizer more child-friendly.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Using a Nebulizer
Step 1. Apply the nebulizer to the baby
The baby will inhale the medicine in the form of a mist through the mask. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions and any additional recommendations given by your pediatrician. Study the pictures or watch the exercise videos to find out how best to use the nebulizer. Nebulizers are generally easy to install. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the nebulizer.
- Plug the air compressor into an electrical outlet.
- Put the right dose of medicine into the medicine cup.
- Connect the rest of the parts by attaching the air hose to the nebulizer and the engine. Then, connect the mask to the nebulizer cup.
- Wear a mask so that it covers the baby's nose and mouth. The mask may be connected by an elastic band that can be used to hold it in place so that it does not wobble.
Step 2. Supervise the baby as he inhales all the medication through the nebulizer
The process usually takes about five to ten minutes. Babies generally have returned to breathing normally.
- Hold the baby's body in an upright sitting position on your lap and make sure the mask fits on his face properly. A fine mist will leak out and the baby will not get the full dose if there is space between the mask and his face.
- When the mist slows down, flick the medicine cup with your finger to make sure all the medicine has evaporated and is inhaled.
Step 3. Clean the nebulizer as directed by your doctor or on the package
It is important to keep the nebulizer clean so that the child does not inhale germs that can cause infection.
- Clean the nebulizer immediately after use. This includes removing the nebulizer parts and rinsing all, except the air hose portion, using warm water. Masks should be washed with warm water and soap. Shake with water and allow the nebulizer to dry naturally. If the nebulizer tubing feels damp, blow air into it using a compressor for a few minutes until it dries.
- Clean the nebulizer thoroughly three times a week if you use it regularly. Soak the nebulizer parts in warm soapy water for 20 minutes. Rinse the nebulizer and then soak it in a solution of water and vinegar, in a ratio of 1:4, for 20 minutes. Rinse the nebulizer and let it dry naturally.
- Some nebulizers can be sterilized by boiling. Check the manufacturer's instructions to make sure your nebulizer is heat-resistant. If so, you can boil it for 10 minutes.
- Wipe dust from the nebulizer once a week with a damp cloth and check the air filter once a month. The nebulizer should be replaced every three to six months, but not the air compressor.
Part 2 of 2: Making Nebulizers More Child Friendly
Step 1. Accompany your baby when the nebulizer is in the on position
Make this a relaxing part of your daily routine at the same time. In addition, you can do this as conveniently as possible by:
- Read fairy tales to babies
- Sing
- Play with special toys
- Play children's favorite videos
- Praise the child for successfully inhaling the drug with the nebulizer
Step 2. Let the child use the nebulizer on his own when he is old enough
This gives him a sense of belonging to the nebulizer and makes the device less intimidating.
- Some children put a sticker on the nebulizer compressor.
- Children can choose the mask they like. The available mask characters include elephant, turtle, or fish masks. You can also think of the mask as a pilot mask or space mask and ask your child to pretend to be a pilot or astronaut while he inhales the drugs.
- Additional tools in the form of a pacifier are available for babies. Pacifiers help relieve baby when he wears a mask.
Step 3. Do not apply a nebulizer to a crying baby
This can be a bad experience for the baby and make its use even more difficult later on. In addition, a crying baby will not be able to successfully inhale the drugs.
- Babies will inhale very quickly and exhale long when crying. This indicates that almost no drug can be inhaled deep enough to reach the lungs.
- If you can't calm your baby by holding or singing him, you should wait first and try using a nebulizer when your baby isn't fussing anymore.
- However, if the baby is short of breath and not calming down, you can use a nebulizer for rescue if necessary to help him breathe, even if the baby is crying.
- If your baby falls asleep easily, you can put a nebulizer on while he sleeps.
