Nebulizer therapy is useful in treating upper respiratory tract infections, especially in the case of a toddler and young children. This technique is particularly effective in the treatment of asthma but can be recommended in a few cases of serious illness that are manifested by coughing, difficulty breathing or nasal discharge. Do keep in mind that you must not use a nebulizer unless you have a pediatrician or ENT expert’s recommendations. Medicines used in nebulization should always be given at the doctor’s advice because a little overdose can lead to severe side effects. In this article, I will talk about how to use a nebulizer and how to keep your baby calm during treatment.
How to use the nebulizer correctly
The problem with these types of treatments is that they are a scary experience for the children because the nebulizer machine makes a lot of noise and the mask of the nebulizer is very annoying. In addition, as this treatment takes at least 10-15 minutes, and to keep a baby calm for this long duration is a challenge.
Hope you know that for the best results, the child should be quiet and breathing deep.
Be it any case, you are not supposed to place the mask at a distance from baby’s nose and mouth because that way half of the medicine would be lost. For example, if the mask is kept about 1 centimeter away from the baby’s nose and mouth, half of the medicine will not reach the lungs. If the distance increases to about 2.5 cm, nearly 80% of the drug is lost.
You need to calm your baby, while treatment. A few people say that crying cause no damage because when a child cries, he inhales more air. But, the fact is, crying involves long exhalations, as well. So, if the baby is crying during treatment i.e. inhaling and exhaling (air in huge amount) at the same time, the medicine will not reach the baby’s lungs.
Tips to keep your baby calm, while nebulizing
1Make A Routine of Nebulization
If your baby needs regular treatment for a said number of days, then you should fix the place and time. Every time you visit that place, your child knows what’s next.
2Indulge Him in A Play
This is the best way to keep him busy, while treatment. Ask him to play as if he is an astronaut or a fighter pilot. If possible, you can recreate the whole scene at home. Before taking him to nebulization, you need to make his mind up.
If possible converts a cardboard box into some sort of fighter plane or ship. Then, give him some sunglasses, put the mask on and ask him to start the engines. And when its time for the clinic, all you need to ask him is, “buddy, the second phase of this fight will happen at the clinic. So, let’s go.”
3Give Him Books or His Favorite Cartoon
Cartoons are awesome and kids love them. Nowadays, there are innumerable cartoon characters.
Try to figure out your baby’s favorite character and buy him the same (toy). Keep him busy and distracted.
4Tell Him More About The Treatment
Babies get scared, every time they experience something new. So, a little explanation about the treatment is really going to help him. Instead of saying, nothing is going to happen, you must tell him, what is going to happen. After all, no one loves unpleasant surprises.
Most importantly, pay close attention to hygiene measures. It is important that you wash your hands thoroughly before starting treatment. You need to make sure that dosing instruments are sterilized. The drug delivery cup and the mask should be washed with warm water and detergent after each use, then left to dry.
Have a happy and safe Nebulization.