About this topic
A nebulizer is a machine that changes a liquid drug into a mist. Your child breathes in the mist and the drug gets into your childs lungs. Young children often use this to take their asthma drugs. This device may also be called a breathing machine or an aerosol machine. ‚
The nebulizer has a few different parts: ‚
- A device that gives the air called an air compressor
- A small cup to hold the drug
- A thin hose that lets the air move from the machine to the drug cup
- Either a mask or mouthpiece to let your child breathe in the drug
- The drug you need to give your child. It may come in a tube that is measured for you. Some drugs you may have to measure with a dropper or syringe.
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What care is needed at home?
How to Use a Nebulizer ‚
- Plug the cord into an electrical outlet. Make sure you put the machine on something solid like a table or desk.
- Wash and dry your hands well before you use the nebulizer.
- Put your childs drug in the small cup.
- If your child's drug is measured for you, put the whole amount into the nebulizer cup.
- Otherwise, carefully measure the drug to get the right dose for your child. Put the drug into the nebulizer cup.
- Put the lid on the nebulizer cup.
- Connect the nebulizer cup to the air compressor with the thin hose.
- Attach the mask or mouthpiece to the nebulizer cup.
- Mask: This is used for younger children. Put the mask over your child's nose and mouth.
- Mouthpiece: This is used for slightly older children. Make sure your child's lips are tightly sealed around the mouthpiece.
- Turn the nebulizer ON. You should see mist coming from the mask or mouthpiece.
- Have your child sit up straight in a chair or on your lap. Have your child take slow, deep breaths in and out through the mouth. This will help get the drug into the lungs. Have your child continue this breathing until all of the mist is gone. The treatment should take about 10 minutes.
- Turn the nebulizer OFF.
- Follow the directions that came with your machine for cleaning and how to store your device.
What problems could happen?
Sometimes, children do not like to wear the mask or sit still. Try singing a song, reading a book, or playing with a special toy during breathing treatments. Talk to your doctor if you have problems with your child. ‚
Call the medical equipment company that provided your nebulizer if: ‚
- Your machine is not working
- You have questions about how your nebulizer works
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum.
- Trouble breathing
- Coughing that will not stop
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Health problem is not better or your child is feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my childs condition.
- I can tell you why my child needs a nebulizer and how to use it.
- I can tell you what I will do if my child has trouble breathing, more coughing, or my child is wheezing.
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Respiratory Care ‚
http://www.yourlunghealth.org/healthy_living/aerosol/Patient_aerosol_guide.pdf ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/asthma_center/living_asthma/cooperate_nebulizer.html#cat20715 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚