A nebulizer is an electric- or battery-powered machine that turns liquid asthma medicine into a fine mist that's inhaled into the lungs. Nebulizers are often used with young kids because they require little effort on the child's part. But the child does need to stay in one place and cooperate. And if you have a young child, you know how challenging that can be.
Most nebulizers come equipped with a face mask (they're also available with a mouthpiece). A child wears the mask and breathes normally for 5 to 10 minutes until the medicine is gone. A child who doesn't stay still and cooperate may not get a proper dose of the medicine. For instance, if the mask is held half an inch (1.27 centimeters) away from the face, half of the medicine won't reach the lungs. Increase that distance to an inch (2.54 centimeters) and 80% of the medicine is lost.
It might seem as though a crying child takes deeper breaths, which can lead a parent to think that the child will inhale the medication more deeply when crying. In fact, the opposite is true. Crying is a long exhalation followed by a very rapid inhalation to catch one's breath. Almost none of the medication will make it to the lungs if given while the child is crying.
For an infant, you may be able to use the nebulizer while your child is sleeping or your child might be cooperative while being held. But what about older babies and toddlers? They might be frightened by the face mask and are sure to resist sitting still.
Here are some suggestions for making nebulizer use easier and more enjoyable:
- Make it part of your daily routine. Use the nebulizer at the same time (or times) each day, so your child knows what to expect.
- If your child is afraid of the mask, you can talk about how it's a "pilot mask" or a "space mask." You might even buy a video about pilots or astronauts and use some of the lingo like "start your engines" before you turn the nebulizer on. You also can buy masks shaped like dragons and other animals.
- Allow your child to decorate the nebulizer machine with stickers.
- Try having your child sit in a highchair. If that doesn't work, your little one might prefer sitting in your lap.
- Make the time your child has to sit still as fun as possible. Read stories, sing songs, or pull out some special toys only available during nebulizer time.
- Watch a short DVD or video together.
- If your child is old enough, encourage him or her to help you put the mask on, hold the tubing, and turn the machine on.
- Praise your child for a job well done!
Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: January 2014
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|Definition: Nebulizer A nebulizer is an electrically powered machine that turns liquid medication into a mist so that it can be breathed directly into the lungs through a face mask or mouthpiece.|
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|Asthma Center Asthma keeps more kids home from school than any other chronic illness. Learn how to help your child manage the condition, stay healthy, and stay in school.|
|Asthma Basics With the right asthma management plan, families can learn to control symptoms and asthma flare-ups more independently, allowing kids to do just about anything they want.|
|Inhaler or Nebulizer: Which One Should My Child Use? Nebulizers and inhalers deliver asthma medicine to the lungs, and they work equally well when the correct technique is used.|
|What's the Difference Between a Nebulizer and an Inhaler? Inhalers and nebulizers are two different devices used to get rescue or controller asthma medications directly into the lungs. Find out how they work.|
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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