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Asthma... How to use a nebulizer for your infant or toddler's asthma.

There are now many great medications that help to keep children’s asthma under control.

If your child is under three years old, your pediatrician may prescribe a nebulizer. Unlike an inhaler, the nebulizer breaks liquid medication into very small particles so they can be inhaled easily.

A nebulizer can be used with a mouthpiece or with a mask. A mask is recommended for very young children. The medication for the nebulizer comes in two dosage forms. In the first, the exact doses of medication come pre-packaged from the pharmacy and can be simply added to the “cup” of the nebulizer. The second option is to use larger bottles of medication that come with a calibrated dropper, so you can place the correct amount of liquid in the nebulizer. Your doctor will provide you with the right dosage amounts and frequency of use. Both methods work very well.

Once you have the medication, the nebulizer is easy to use. Start by adding the right dosage of medicine to the nebulizer cup. Then connect the tubing to the machine and turn it on. Place the mask over your child’s nose and mouth, making sure it fits comfortably. It may take them a little time to get used to the mask. Once the mask is on, your child just breathes normally until all the medication is removed from the nebulizer cup, about 5 to10 minutes.

Your pediatrician or USA Drug Pharmacist can further instruct you on small but important details, including care and cleaning of your nebulizer and what medications can and cannot be mixed together prior to administration to your child.

I hope this gives you a better understanding of how to use a nebulizer to treat your child’s asthma. If you have any questions, talk to your USA Drug Pharmacist. We’re here to help.