Using a Nebulizer
What’s a nebulizer?
Often simply called breathing machines, nebulizers are devices that turn liquid
medicines into a mist that can be easily inhaled.
There are three different types of nebulizers used for children with asthma or
asthma-like breathing problems—jet, ultrasonic, and mesh. Standard jet
nebulizers are the most common type of nebulizer used.
Easy to use
With a nebulizer, kids are able to inhale medicine through a mask or mouthpiece
just by breathing naturally.
Other devices, like inhalers/puffers, may be more difficult to use for infants
and young children because they require coordination.
If you are still unsure about how to use the nebulizer, ask your child’s health
care professional for a demonstration.
Goes straight to little lungs
Nebulizers are effective devices for delivering asthma medicine right to your child’s airways where it’s needed. They’re especially useful for very young children. Try using these simple tips to make nebulization time fun and exciting.
Get into the routine
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Use the nebulizer at the same time(s) each day, so your child knows what to
expect
Make it special for your little one
-
Let your toddler sit in a highchair or on your lap and make it your special
time together
Make it fun for your child
-
Pull out special toys or read to your child while he or she is nebulizing
Make the most of the mask
-
Pretend it’s a pilot, astronaut, or a firefighter mask. "Start your engines" as
you turn the nebulizer on
Put your child “in charge”
-
Let your child mark the calendar after nebulizing
-
Get fun stickers and let your child decorate the nebulizer
Finding a jet nebulizer for your child
Jet nebulizers can be obtained at durable medical equipment providers and some
pharmacies. They can also be found online. Listed below are just a few online
resources.
Note: These Web sites are external to AstraZeneca. AstraZeneca
does not possess editorial control of their content and no endorsement,
expressed or implied, is intended.
How to care for your child’s jet nebulizer
Regular care of the nebulizer system is very important. To maintain the proper
operation of your nebulizer system, it is recommended that you clean and store
it according to the manufacturer's instructions. It is important to note that
different nebulizer systems may require different cleaning procedures.
If the manufacturer specifies that certain nebulizer parts (nebulizer cup, face
mask, or mouthpiece) are dishwasher safe, place them in a dishwasher-safe
basket (such as a baby bottle washing basket) and put the basket on the top
rack of the dishwasher. You may also wash them by hand.
If you are hand washing, wash the nebulizer parts (nebulizer cup, face mask, or
mouthpiece) with warm water and dishwashing soap. Rinse the parts using warm
water, and then shake the extra water out. After hand washing, place the parts
on a clean cloth or paper towel to air dry, or hand dry with a lint-free cloth.
Note: Not all nebulizer parts are dishwasher safe.
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