Nebulizer for babies and children

Nebulizers are commonly used as therapy to treat various respiratory diseases in children, such as asthma, croup cough, cystic fibrosis, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) pulmonary infection, pneumonia, and others. Using a nebulizer for babies and children with respiratory diseases is a good home treatment option because of the ease of use.

You may be a little awkward when you first need to attach a nebulizer to your little one. However, with practice and equip yourself with the helpful tips below, you will become more proficient at using them.

Guide to how to use a nebulizer for babies and young children

A nebulizer is a medical device to convert liquid medicine into vapor so that it is easier for the lungs to breathe. This tool will deliver liquid medicine in the form of very small water vapor droplets so that it directly enters the lungs.

The liquid drug delivery process will differ depending on the type of nebulizer used. But generally, this is how to use a nebulizer for babies and young children at home:

You can use the nebulizer whenever needed, or set a special schedule for certain times when the baby is sleepy. For example, after eating, before taking a nap, or before going to bed at night.
Treatment with a nebulizer can take about 15 minutes. So as much as possible, remove everything that can interfere with / stop therapy in the middle of the road. Ask your other children to play in the room for a while, turn off the phone or put it on silent, make sure the stove or oven in the kitchen is not on, and complete other chores before starting to install a nebulizer for your baby.
Wash your hands before starting treatment.
Before pouring the liquid medicine into the nebulizer tube, carefully read the instructions on the label. Some types of drugs may be ready to use in liquid form, while others are still in powder or powder form which must be dissolved first with water or saline.
Make sure the drug delivery tube is securely attached at both ends; one in the medicine tube, and the other at the end of the inhaler. Masks are often used for children because they are more used to breathing through their nose than their mouth. However, a pacifier inhaler can help calm fussy babies during treatment.
Sit the child upright in your lap so that they can take a deeper breath, so that the medicine can be inhaled throughout their lungs.
Hold the mask close to his face. Although most nebulizer masks for babies are equipped with a hook to secure the position of the mask, babies generally do not feel comfortable with the strap. It will be easier for you to hold the mask directly against their face, and make sure it covers their nose and mouth.
Turn on the nebulizer machine.
While the medicine is being delivered through the tube, make sure you keep the mask on the child's face so that no medicinal vapors escape.
Finish the therapy when there is less steam and the liquid medicine in the tube has also run out. Remove the mask from your child's face.
Clean and sterilize the nebulizer after every use. A nebulizer that is not cleaned is prone to becoming a nest of bacteria and fungi that can be inhaled into the baby's lungs when he has to use the nebulizer again later. Remove all parts of the machine and soak for 15 minutes in warm water that has been mixed with soap or disinfectant. Dry well afterwards.
Store the nebulizer in a clean, dry place.

So that children are not fussy when using the nebulizer…

Although how to use a nebulizer is quite easy, breathing therapy like this can make babies fussy and cry. So, you have to be smart about it.

Your little one will probably be more willing obedient when his mind gets distracted. Try putting on some music or playing a cartoon on the tv during nebulizer therapy for babies so that they don't become overwhelmed with their treatment routine. Every time you finish therapy, don't forget to praise your little one for his "success", for example by cheering and clapping his hands.

Consult your pediatrician if you still find it difficult to use a nebulizer for your baby.