Explaining the Usefulness of Nebulization

Turning Liquid Medicines into a Mist

Nebulization involves the process of transforming liquid medications into faster-acting inhaled mists. This aerosolizing is accomplished by a nebulizer machine equipped with a compressor and a mouthpiece or face mask. Nebulization is used to treat respiratory conditions, such as asthma or cystic fibrosis.
Nebulizers effectively deliver medicine directly into an individual's respiratory tract so that it can reach the lungs quickly. Since the device's mouthpiece or mask are easy to use and require little coordination, nebulizers are well suited for the treatment of children.
Many health insurers will help pay for the costs of at-home nebulization treatments prescribed by a physician.

Different Types

There are different types of nebulizers, which have been nicknamed breathing machines. Jet nebulizers are the most common. They use compressed air to turn liquid medicine into an aerosol that passes through tubing to the face mask or mouthpiece. Ultrasonic nebulizers produce sound waves to create aerosolized droplets.
Bronchodilators and corticosteroids are among the medications selected more frequently for nebulization. Delivering these agents into the respiratory tract can lead to speedy relief of breathing difficulties associated with asthma.

Advice for Parents

Parents of asthmatic children who require nebulizer treatments can try the following tips to make the process easier.
• To overcome a child's apprehension, use a "brave" stuffed animal to demonstrate how the nebulizer mouthpiece of mask works.
• Do treatments at the same time each day so they become part of the child's normal routine.
• Provide a book, video, crayons, stickers or toys to entertain the child during treatments.

Resources

• Asthma Treatment with Nebulizers