HEALTH INSIGHTS

Your Child's Asthma: Nebulizer Treatments

March 21, 2017

Your Child's Asthma: Nebulizer Treatments

A nebulizer is a device that sprays a fine, liquid mist of medicine. They are commonly used in younger children who can't use inhalers. The device consists of an air compressor, a cup for medicine, and tubing connected to a mouthpiece or mask through which the medicine is inhaled. Each treatment takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete.

There are several different types of nebulizers used for asthma medicine including:

  • Jet nebulizers

  • Ultrasonic nebulizers

  • Mesh nebulizers

The instructions can be slightly different for each, so make sure you know how to operate your individual nebulizer.

Giving a treatment

The following steps are recommended when giving a treatment to your child. However, always talk with your child's healthcare provider for specific instructions. Instructions will also vary by specific nebulizer, so make sure you know how to operate yours.

  1. Gather supplies needed, including:

    • Medicine to be nebulized and additional nebulizing solution (such as sterile saline) if needed.

    • Nebulizer set (nebulizer cup, mouthpiece or mask, tubing to connect to nebulizer machine)

  2. Find a quiet activity for your child to do while he or she sits up for the treatment. Some examples are reading a book, drawing, or playing a quiet game.

  3. Place the nebulizer on a flat surface (for example, table or the floor).

  4. Plug the unit into a wall outlet.

  5. Connect the tubing to the nebulizer machine.

  6. Put the medicine into the nebulizer cup and screw the cap on securely. Some medicine may be premixed and other may require you to measure.

  7. Connect the other end of the air tubing to the nebulizer cup.

  8. Connect the mouthpiece or face mask to the nebulizer cup.

  9. Turn the machine on.

  10. Check to make sure a fine mist of medicine is coming through the face mask or mouthpiece. Most nebulizer cups need to be held upright to work correctly.

    Mouthpiece:

    • Place the mouthpiece in the child's mouth with his or her lips sealed around the mouthpiece.

    • Encourage your child to take slow deep breaths in and out of his or her 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 entire treatment.

  11. Encourage your child to continue slow, deep breaths until all the medicine in the nebulizer cup is gone. You may need to tap the sides of the nebulizer cup to ensure all medicine is given.

  12. Turn the nebulizer off.

  13. If you check your child's peak flow, make sure you measure it before and after the treatment.

After each treatment

  1. Disconnect the nebulizer cup from the tubing.

  2. Open the cup and wash all pieces according to the instructions that came with the nebulizer. Also clean the mouthpiece or mask.

  3. Air dry on a clean towel.

  4. Store the dried nebulizer cup and tubing in a plastic bag.

  5. Once a week, rinse the nebulizer cup in a vinegar/water solution, as directed by your child's provider, after washing. Follow specific instructions for periodically disinfecting the nebulizer, mouthpiece and mask.

Notes for parents

  • Stay with your child throughout the nebulizer treatment.

  • If your child vomits or has 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 spare nebulizer supplies at home. Before you run out, call your medical supply company.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Reviewed By:  

Adler, Liora, C., MD,Bass, Pat F., III, MD, MPH