Nebulization for Kids: Safe & Effective Cold and Cough Relief

A sneeze here, a cough there and your whole world turns upside down!

As common as the common cold might be, it is never easy to watch your child suffer its consequences. Seeing their energetic selves restricted to their bedrooms can crease your forehead with worry. Especially when you know what you have to do next. Feed them medicines.

For most parents, administering medicines to their kids is a dreaded task. We feel you. Kids can be fussy. And you cannot really blame them. After all, it truly is a bitter pill to swallow.

So what do you do?

Well, you can always try a nebulizer machine.

Now before you raise that doubtful eyebrow, we know you have got questions. And it’s only natural. Your little one’s life is precious. And nothing should ever get in the way of preserving it. Never ever.

So if you have got questions such as whether nebulisation is safe, how it works and more, let us help you.

What is nebulisation?

Wondering what nebulisation is? Simply put, nebulisation is the method of administering medication in the form of a fine mist, which a child can breathe in to get immediate relief. Generally, liquid medication is used for this purpose. A mask or mouthpiece is used over the mouth and nose so the medicine can be inhaled easily.

Is nebulisation safe for kids?

Now for the million dollar question. A nebulizer machine is a safe and effective way to administer cold and cough medication to your child. In fact, it is a very commonly used method in hospitals and healthcare centres, particularly for infants as feeding them medicines can be no less than a challenge. So safety should not be an issue. That is as long as you use it properly and clean it regularly.

Can a nebuliser be used on kids with cough and cold?

The short answer is yes. A nebuliser pretty much works the same way as oral medications do. What we mean to say is that pills made to manage the symptoms of cold and cough will be just as effective when administered as a fine mist via a nebuliser. In fact, they might provide quicker relief by easing congestion in the lung since such medicines are inhaled. So there are benefits.

Are there any side effects of a nebuliser?

Though rare, there can be side effects of a nebuliser. These include:

Increased heartbeat
Anxiety
Jitters
Nausea
Irritation in the throat
Cough

If you notice any of these side effects, or anything out of the ordinary for that matter, immediately discontinue use and consult with your doctor.

How to use a nebulizer?

It may seem complicated at face value, but using a nebuliser is rather simple. Here’s a brief guide:

Gather prescribed medicine and read the instructions carefully concerning its use. If you’re confused or have questions, call your doctor for help.
Attach one end of the tube given to the nebuliser and the other end to the medication cup.
Attach the mask or the mouthpiece given to the medication cup.
Place the mask or mouthpiece over your child’s face, ensuring their nose and mouth are covered.
Turn on the nebuliser and keep the mask on your child’s face till you see the formation of mist inside the mask.
Lift the mask when the mist inside it reduces to a bare minimum. That is a sign that the treatment is over.
Once done, clean the nebuliser and the mask or mouthpiece.

If you’re still confused about how to use a nebuliser, you can always consult with your paediatrician. Most of them recommend using it when your child is asleep so as not to upset them either because of the noise or the mask.

How to clean a nebuliser?

Cleaning the nebuliser is of utmost importance if you want it to do its job without any complications. It is crucial you never share a nebuliser between two kids either. Both irregular cleaning and sharing can lead to the build-up of germs within a nebuliser, which can be counterproductive to the treatment. The best way to clean a nebuliser is to soak it in a mix of mild soap and warm water for about 15 minutes. After the soak, you must rinse it thoroughly and let it air dry before you store it in a clean and dry place.

We hope we could clear up some of the questions you had concerning a nebulizer machine. If you have got more queries, your doctor might be able to help. Though treatment of cough and cold is a necessary step to take, prevention of common ailments is just as important. We at EuroKids strive to create a safe and healthy atmosphere for your kids so they can learn and play worry-free. To know more, get in touch with us.