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Pediatric Nebulizer Treatment

There are different ways to deliver inhaled medicines. However, according to the Asthma & Allergy Network: Mothers of Asthmatics, a nebulizer treatment is often the most efficient and effective.

  1. Nebulizer Machine

    • A nebulizer is a machine that takes a liquid medicine and turns it into a fine mist that can be more easily absorbed in the lungs.

    Reason for Using

    • Some medications are more effective when used in a nebulizer instead of using another form of the medicine. In addition, for some medications, a pediatric nebulizer treatment is easier to administer than another form of the same medicine. For example, a small child does not have the coordination to use an asthma inhaler.

    Equipment Needed

    • There are four pieces of equipment required for a pediatric nebulizer treatment. The compressor is the motor. The nebulizer is a cup that holds the medicine and turns it into mist. The tubing connects the nebulizer to the compressor. The mask, which is usually required for pediatric nebulizer treatments instead of a mouthpiece, attaches to the nebulizer and delivers the medicine.

    Nebulizer Medicines

    • Nebulizer medicines are liquid. For convenience and safety, most nebulizer medicines are delivered in single-dose vials. However, some medicines may need to be refrigerated. Also, some medicines are available in multi-dose bottles and may need to be mixed with sterile saline.

    Length of Treatment

    • The length of a nebulizer treatment varies depending on the amount of medicine and the efficiency of the nebulizer setup. According to the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, an average treatment takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes. In addition, according to Asthma Allergy Associates, a better quality nebulizer setup not only delivers the medicine in less time, but it also delivers more of the medicine, which makes the treatment more effective.

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