A nebulizer is a device in which breathing treatments and respiratory medication can be given. The nebulizer creates an aerosol medication which is inhaled to relieve various types of breathing problems, including shortness of breath, wheezing and upper airway inflammation. A nebulizer can be used on people of ages, including babies. Common illnesses babies may need breathing treatments for include, RSV and croup. It is available for home use and it is easy to use.
Instructions
1. Obtain an air compressor. After a doctor prescribes breathing treatments, an air compressor for home use, such as a Pulmo-Aide, will be needed. The compressor is a small device specifically for giving a nebulizer. Your doctor will inform you where you can get an air compressor. The compressor will come with a packaged nebulizer, or your doctor can also give you a nebulizer.
2. Connect the oxygen tubing to the air compressor. Everything you need to use with the nebulizer comes packaged together, but you will have to assemble it. The oxygen tubing connects the air compressor and the nebulizer. One end of the oxygen tubing will fit onto the air compressor. The other end of the tubing fits onto the bottom of the nebulizer cup.
3. Put the prescribed medication into the nebulizer cup. Respiratory medication will need to be prescribed by your doctor. Most respiratory medication comes in pre-measured unit doses. However, dosages for a baby may be different and you may only give half of the unit dose.
4. Place the t-piece onto the nebulizer cup. Take the six inch piece of tubing, which came with the nebulizer, and put it on one end of the t-piece. Put a piece of tape over the other end of the t-piece to block it off. As the medication mists out of the nebulizer, the tape will prevent it from coming out both ends.
5. Position the baby on his or her back. Hold the tubing as close as possible to the baby's nose and mouth. Tune the air compressor on. This will turn the liquid medication into an aerosol for the baby to breath in. You may have to hold the babies head in place to prevent too much movement.
Tags: breathing treatments, oxygen tubing, medication into, with nebulizer, your doctor