A nebulizer is a small machine that uses compressed air to deliver medication into the lungs in the form of an aerosol mist through a mouthpiece or a face mask. Nebulizer treatment is ideal for children who are unable to effectively use a metered-dose inhaler for asthma or other respiratory ailments.
Purpose
Nebulizers utilize medications that help relax the muscles of the airway to allow greater flow of air into and out of the lungs as well as loosen the mucus in your child's lungs so he can easily cough it out. Children's Hospital Boston reports that breathing the medication straight into the lungs through a nebulizer can be more effective than taking the same medication by mouth.
Use
Remove the top of the nebulizer cup and place the medication in the bottom of the cup. Replace the top of the nebulizer cup and connect it to the mouthpiece or face mask. Connect the plastic tubing between the nebulizer and air compressor. Your child should hold the mouthpiece tightly between his lips to ensure that he receives all of his medication. If using a face mask, ensure that it is secure on his face so no mist escapes. Turn on the compressor and tell your child to breathe slowly and deeply, holding his breath for a count of five before exhaling, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Maintenance
Disconnect the nebulizer cup from the plastic tubing and wash all the pieces in the nebulizer cup with warm tap water and mild dish soap, according to Cleveland Clinic. Do not wash or rinse the plastic tubing. Set the pieces of the nebulizer cup on a clean towel to air dry. Store the dry nebulizer cup and plastic tube in a plastic bag. Soak the nebulizer cup and mouthpiece or face mask for 20 minutes once a week in a disinfecting solution that is one part vinegar and three parts water, according to Cleveland Clinic. Replace the filter on the nebulizer machine once a week or if it appears discolored.
Expert Insight
Stay with your child throughout the nebulizer treatment and stop the treatment if he feels dizzy or nauseated or if he has a severe coughing fit. Allow him to rest before resuming treatment. Nebulizer treatments can take about 10 minutes to complete in order for your child to inhale all of the medication, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Considerations
Your child should continue inhaling until he breathes all of the medication. Your child may need to cough into a tissue after nebulizer treatment to clear the mucus and congestion out of his lungs.
