Children often suffer from annoying colds and coughs. Inhaling medicine through the nebulizer can help. Parents usually wonder how to use nebulizer for baby. Let’s learn that today.
Stubborn, tough mucus is a real problem for children suffering from respiratory infections, obstructive bronchitis, asthma or even cystic fibrosis. Nebulization is the best-tried therapy as the medicine is directly inhaled in form mist. Infants are allowed to be nebulized, and the method is used even in premature babies. The significant advantage is that a smaller dose of the drug is sufficient because it acts locally directly in the bronchi.
Before you nebulize your child, you should discuss with the doctor whether the therapy is the right one for the child and also whether it is sufficient as a measure. If a child reacts more than three times to a cramped bronchial infection, you should consult a paediatrician. Permanent damage to the lungs must be avoided at all costs.
Which devices are suitable?
Do not use the vaporizer with children as the risk of burning is too high. In addition, the hot vapours can get into the eyes and irritate the mucous membranes. Babies and toddlers need so-called jet or ultrasonic nebulizers as they produce tiny droplets, even smaller than water vapour.
It is essential for children so that the droplets reach the lungs. If these are larger, most of them get stuck in the mouth and trachea, which can lead to side effects such as a fungal infection in the mouth. Droplets that are too small are exhaled. The inhalation mask must fit perfectly until the age of two. Even a tiny leak reduces the effect to almost zero. Children from the age of three should inhale with the mouthpiece. It is more effective than with a mask.
What to Nebulize With?
Saline solution nourishes, cleans and soothes the mucous membranes. The saline solution available at the pharmacy is adapted to the salinity of the human body and is, therefore, most suitable. It is also essential to know that saline inhalations are only effective with jet or ultrasonic nebulizers since only these devices break up the solution finely enough.
The doctor decides when cortisol or bronchodilators are used. Nobody has to be afraid of cortisol-like drugs, which parents often view critically. The active ingredients are related to the body’s hormone cortisol. The new preparations practically only work in the lungs and are therefore much better tolerated than other remedies. They dampen excessive immune system reactions and have anti-inflammatory effects.
What about essential oils?
Babies and toddlers are not allowed to inhale with essential oils. These irritate the eyes and mucous membranes. Peppermint oil and other substances can lead to allergic reactions and even shortness of breath in children. Though, nothing speaks against age-appropriate cold ointments.
What can go wrong when Nebulizing?
If the nebulization therapy is unsuccessful on a child, the child is not inhaling correctly. Have the doctor or pharmacist explain again what you need to do. Also, the hose, mouthpiece and mask of nebulizer devices must be cleaned with hot water after each use. Then place the pieces on kitchen paper and let them dry thoroughly. Because bacteria can quickly multiply in a moist environment, you should replace the relevant parts of the nebulizer with new ones each year. Always sterilize after completing therapy.
How do I get my child to take part well?
Babies inhale most easily while sleeping. Look for a nebulizer with a quiet compressor, long tube and tiltable mask. Larger children like to sit on their lap when inhaling. Show your child what comes out of the steam engine and distract them.