Nebulizers for Babies

Doctors prescribe nebulizers – where a patient breathes in medication in the form of a mist, typically from a machine-fueled mask – for chronic conditions in infants. The diagnosis can be as simple as asthma, or include croup, cystic fibrosis, epiglottitis, pneumonia or a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to an article from healthline.

Nebulizers can be a useful alternative to inhalers, which deliver short bursts of medication when a person inhales. Nebulizers, instead, deliver medication over a course of time, usually 10 to 15 minutes – and they do not require cooperation from the baby in order to take in the medicine.

Nebulizer manufacturers have worked to make nebulizers more child-friendly, creating delivery methods like face masks or pacifier attachments. Some doctors and clinicians prefer a mask for young infants because those younger patients often breathe through the nose instead of the mouth.
Doctors can prescribe different medications that a nebulizer can deliver. Examples of these medications include inhaled antibiotics, inhaled beta-agonists, inhaled corticosteroids and more.

When using a nebulizer with a baby, try it at times when they are more likely to be sleepy and tolerate treatments better. This includes after meals, before a nap, or at bedtime. If noises seem to bother the baby, place the nebulizer on a towel or rug to reduce noise from the vibrations. Using longer tubing can also help, because the noisiest part isn’t close to the baby.

For more information, and for tips on cleaning your nebulizer, go to https://www.healthline.com/health/nebulizer-for-baby#takeaway.

*Disclaimer: Any health and wellness content presented is for general informational purposes only. Such content is not intended to replace or serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.