Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
Hand-Held Nebulizer Treatments
A
nebulizer is a type of inhaler that sprays a fine, liquid mist of
medication. This is done through a mask, using oxygen or air under
pressure, or an ultrasonic machine (often used by persons who cannot
use a metered-dose inhaler, such as infants and young children, and
persons with severe asthma). A mouthpiece is connected to a machine via
plastic tubing to deliver the medication.
The
medications used in nebulizers help your child by loosening the mucus
in the lungs so it can be coughed out more easily, and by relaxing the
airway muscles so that more air can move in and out of the lungs.
Breathing the medication straight into the lungs works better and
faster than taking the medication by mouth. Nebulizer treatments take
about 15 to 20 minutes to give the medication.
The
following steps are recommended when giving a treatment to your child.
However, always consult your child's physician for specific
instructions.
- Gather supplies needed, including:
- medication to be nebulized
- nebulizer set (nebulizer cup, mouthpiece or mask, tubing to connect to nebulizer machine)
- Find a quiet activity to do while your child sits up for the treatment (i.e., reading a book or playing a quiet game).
- Place the nebulizer on a flat surface (i.e., table or the floor).
- Plug the unit into a wall outlet.
- Connect the air tubing to the nebulizer machine.
- Put the medication into the nebulizer cup and screw the cap on securely.
- Connect the other end of the air tubing to the nebulizer cup.
- Connect the mouthpiece or face mask to the nebulizer cup.
- Turn the machine on.
- Check to make sure a fine mist of medication is coming through the face mask or mouthpiece.
Mouthpiece:
- Place the mouthpiece in the child's mouth with the lips sealed around the mouthpiece.
- Encourage your child to take slow deep breaths in and out of their mouth. The mist should "disappear" with each breath.
Face mask:
- Place the mask over your child's mouth and nose. The adjustable elastic band may be used to hold the mask in place.
- Encourage your child to take deep breaths in and out for the duration of the treatment.
- Encourage
your child to continue slow, deep breaths until all the medication in
the nebulizer cup is gone. You may need to tap the sides of the
nebulizer cup to ensure all medication is given.
- Turn the nebulizer off.
- If
the child's treatment plan orders peak flow measurements, obtain these
before the treatment starts and after the treatment is completed.
- Disconnect the nebulizer cup from the tubing.
- Open the cup and wash all pieces in a mild dish soap and water. (Do not wash or rinse the tubing.)
- Rinse all pieces.
- Air dry on a clean towel.
- Store the dried nebulizer cup and tubing in a plastic bag.
- Once a week rinse the nebulizer cup in a vinegar/water solution, as directed by you physician, after washing.
- Stay with your child throughout the nebulizer treatment.
- If your child should vomit or have a severe coughing spell during the treatment, stop the treatment, let the child rest for a few minutes, then resume the treatment.
- Check the filter on the nebulizer machine once a week. When it becomes discolored, replace with a new filter.
- Always keep a spare nebulizer kit at home. When you are down to your last two kits, contact your medical equipment company to deliver more.
Click here to view the
Online Resources of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
Disclaimer:
This information is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided on this page is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.
Last reviewed on 10/4/2006