Getting Started
Practice assembling the machine before you need it, that way, you will be familiar with setting up the different components. Your infant or young child will feel much more comfortable about asthma treatment if you seem at ease and confident about what you are doing.
Be sure to gather all of the materials you will need:
Put the air compressor unit on a steady surface and plug it in. You and your child should both wash your hands thoroughly before using the nebulizer.
Be sure to gather all of the materials you will need:
- medication
- mask or mouthpiece
- nebulizer cup
- compressor tubing
- air compressor
Put the air compressor unit on a steady surface and plug it in. You and your child should both wash your hands thoroughly before using the nebulizer.
Assembling the Machine
- Measure the medications; your doctor or pharmacist can instruct you on how this should be done
- Place the measured medications in the nebulizer cup
- Attach the mask mouthpiece to the now full nebulizer cup
- Using the tubing, connect the air compressor to the nebulizer cup
- Switch the compressor on
- Look to see that mist is coming through the mouthpiece
- Have your child sit in a comfortable position
- Place the mask over the child’s face
During the Treatment
- Encourage your child to breathe slowly & deeply
- Instruct the child to try to hold each breath in for two seconds before exhaling
- Make sure the mist disappears with each breath
- Continue to this breathing technique until all the medication has been delivered
- The machine will sputter when all the medication has been deliverered
To provide support, hold your breath with your child or count out loud while they breathe. It’s important for you to stay with your child throughout the entire treatment. It may be easier for the child to sit still if they have something else to focus on, for instance, you could read them a book. If your child becomes dizzy, vomits or has a coughing spell while using the nebulizer, take a five minute break to relax, then finish the treatment.