A nebulizer provides moisture and medication to your child's airway to treat bronchospasms and loosen mucus, making it easier to cough and clear the airway. Children under the age of 18 months need a pediatric aerosol mask, and children over 18 months can use a mouthpiece. Keep in mind, however, that if children are actively experiencing asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, they will be less likely to tolerate a mask on their face. Giving infants or young children a breathing treatment with an aerosol mask while they sleep is considerably easier than giving them a treatment while they are awake.
Step 1
Gather your supplies and have everything ready prior to having your child sit down. Place the generator on a side table, close to a grounded power outlet and plug it in. Connect the tubing to both the aerosol generator and the nebulizer cup. Wash your child's hands with soap and water, and then your own, and dry thoroughly.
Step 2
Check the expiration date on the medication vials and note how many vials are still in the box; always keeping at least one week's supply on hand. Check the medication in the vial and make sure it has not discolored while stored. If it has, discard and choose another vial.
Step 3
Place a child under 18 months in a highchair or crib. Break off the top of the unit dose vial and squeeze the medication into the cup; replace the cap. An older child can hold the mask or mouthpiece while you place the medication into the nebulizer cup and replace the cap.
Step 4
Hand your child a toy for each hand when the nebulizer cup is ready. She will be less likely to pull at the mask if her hands are holding something.
Step 5
Turn the machine on by locating the "on/off" switch. In five to 10 seconds, a fine mist will appear. If you are using a mouthpiece, have your child hold it between his lips and teeth, creating a light seal. If using a mask, place it on your child's face. The mist should only be coming out of the two holes on each side of the mask, and not between the mask and the child's face.
Step 6
Encourage older children to take slow, deep breaths and to keep the mouth piece in their mouth during the entire treatment. It does not have to be removed to exhale. If your child is younger, distract her with the toys.
Step 7
Continue the treatment until the mist stops or the nebulizer cup makes a sputtering sound, usually after five to 10 minutes. An older child can help you rinse out the nebulizer cup. Set it aside to dry and store the aerosol generator in a dust-free bag or box.
Tips and Warnings
- Have your older child help you prepare, clean and store the nebulizer supplies in a dust-free environment such as a bag or box to prevent dust from settling on the equipment. Have an extra nebulizer cup on hand in the event the first one is dropped or malfunctions. Confirm the medication has not expired before each treatment.
- An aerosol generator has a three-prong plug. Always plug the device into a properly grounded three-prong outlet. Store all medication in a cool, dry and childproof location.
Things You'll Need
- Hand-held nebulizer
- Mouthpiece or pediatric mask
- Aerosol generator
- Individual medication vial
- Highchair or sofa
- 2 small toys
