Nebulizer treatments for toddlers are effective for reducing asthma symptoms within a short time, without causing major side effects. Learn the tips for toddler nebulizer treatments, and proceed with this therapeutic session for effective results.
A nebulizer is a popularly used device for treatment of asthma and other respiratory problems. In an asthmatic individual, the bronchial airways are inflamed or irritated, resulting in narrowing of the breathing tubes, which causes chest congestion, coughing, and wheezing symptoms. The best asthma treatment is delivering vapor inhalant with the help of a this device. For adult patients, using this device is not a concern. However, nebulizer treatments for toddlers require a little effort from the parent’s side.
Procedure
Nowadays, albuterol nebulizer is used commonly. The medicine is effective for loosening the mucus in the respiratory tract and also in relaxing the bronchial muscles. After inhalation, the child will have an easy time in coughing out the mucus and breathing freely. It is for this reason that a nebulizer is referred to as a breathing machine.
A liquid medication is fed in a cup, and an air compressor forces production of the mist loaded with the medicine. The liquid mist is to be inhaled by the toddler via a small face mask or mouthpiece. These treatments are recommended several times a day for infants, with each session lasting for approximately 10 minutes. The frequency of treatments depend on the severity of the asthma attack symptoms. For serious flare-ups, 3-4 times a day is often recommended.
Basically the type of inhaled medicine for children is similar to that of adults, except that the dose is given in a lower concentration for young children. Care has to be taken in adding the medication in correct dosage, as prescribed by the doctor. At the time of giving treatment, the machine and face mask may look scary for toddlers. Hence, they tend to fight back at the first sight of the machine. Discussed below are some instructions that need to be followed:
- First of all, gather all the supplies, inhalant medication, and the nebulizer machine. Make sure that your machine set has a mask or mouthpiece, air tubing, and a cup for feeding medicine.
- Make your child relax and calm down before treatment. You can choose a quiet place, and allow him to play a game in a sit up position. Then, place the device on a plain surface, and follow the required steps.
- First, plug the machine in the electric outlet. Take one end of the air tubing, and connect it to the device. In the cup, add the required amount of medication. Connect the remaining end of the tubing to the cup.
- Then, connect the mask to the cup. Ensuring that the connections are made tight, switch on the device. You will notice fine mist production in the mask.
- Put the mask in place, i.e., over your child’s mouth and nose. You can adjust the elastic band of the mask, so it falls in place.
- Encourage your toddler to take deep breaths in a slow manner. By doing so, he/she can breathe in maximum amount of the medication. Turn off the machine when the medicine is finished.
- If, by any chance, your child coughs continuously or throws up in between, stop immediately, and wait for some time until your toddler calms down.
As with any therapeutic intervention for young children, lots of issues revolve around this process. Some people are of the opinion that using this inhalation device increases the risk of contacting vapor-induced viral infection and causing rebound side effects. While other health experts opine that administering inhalant medicine via this device is the best alternative for relieving symptoms. It would be best to consult a trusted physician, and discuss the pros and cons of using a this machine.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
