Use of Nebulizers
Nebulizer machines are essential in treating children who are afflicted with chronic or acute breathing conditions. The nebulizer can replace cumbersome pump inhalers and provide immediate breathing therapy to infants and young children whenever necessary. A nebulizer is especially helpful for providing children with larger doses of medication.
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What is a Nebulizer?
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Everyday Health explains that there are two nebulizer styles---tabletop and portables. Each type requires a doctor's prescription and is capable of changing liquid medications into an aerosol mist that can be easily and comfortably inhaled. Tabletop models are powered by electricity and portables run on traditional or rechargeable battery life. Some portable nebulizers can even be plugged into the cigarette lighter (charger) of a car, for emergency use. Nebulizers also come in ultrasonic and compressor forms.
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Bronchodilator Medications
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The Cleveland Clinic explains that a nebulizer can easily replace bronchodilator inhalers that require the pump and inhale method that is impossible for an infant to perform. In fact, the same bronchodilator medications that are used in a traditional asthma pump can be added to the nebulizer and inhaled. A small mask is then placed over the child's nose and mouth to aid him in breathing in the medication.
Corticosteroids
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It is also possible to administer corticosteroids through a nebulizer. The Doctor's Guide reports that the ability to use a nebulizer to administer inhaled corticosteroids makes it possible to more efficiently treat infants and young children who have been diagnosed with asthma. The use of an inhaled corticosteroid can greatly reduce the symptoms of asthma that a child experiences during the day or evening hours.
Quick Use
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Children that require quick doses of medication may be better suited for the ultrasonic type of nebulizer, according to KidzMed.com. The ultrasonic nebulizer is capable of providing a dose of medication in less time than the compressor-type versions. Ultrasonic nebulizers are not only quicker, but they have also been proven to be more efficient and create less medication waste than the compressor types.
Prolonged Use
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Compression nebulizers serve an important purpose for children who cannot be efficiently treated with the ultrasonic-style nebulizer. Aetna explains that the larger volume, compression nebulizers are sometimes necessary when administering larger and prolonged doses of medication. This is especially true in cases where the child experiences extremely thick mucous secretions.
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