Definition

• A nebuliser is a breathing machine that contains a compressor, tubing and a medicine cup or breathing mask. When you put the medicine into the cup, then turn the compressor on, the liquid medicine turns into a mist which your child breathes into his lungs.
  
  If your child has a problem using a metered dose inhaler (MDI), a nebuliser is a good alternative to deliver needed medication to his lungs. As your child learns how to correctly inhale the medication deep into his lungs, it has a better chance of getting deeper into his lungs where it will be more effective.
  
  

Treatment Process

• Establish an area in your home where your child will receive her treatment every time she needs it. Make sure this area is comfortable, because she will be spending between 15 and 25 minutes in this spot every time she receives a treatment and you want her to be willing to sit down long enough to receive the necessary medication.
  
  Put the compressor on a strong table where it is out of the way and won't fall down. After washing your hands, mix the medications in the proper proportions or open the ampules and pour the medication into the cup. Close the lid of the medicine cup securely and attach the cup to the mask (if used) and the tubing. Put the mask on your child's face or have her put the mouthpiece into her mouth, so she can breathe the medicated mist into her lungs. Try to make your child's treatment time fun. Make it a time you can spend with her and read to her. Give her the responsibility of turning the compressor on and off.
  
  

Medication's Route

• When you give your child a nebuliser treatment, you should know it will go straight to his lungs, where it is needed. For this reason, make sure your physician or a respiratory therapist can show you exactly how to use the machine, so your child receives the fullest benefit possible.
  
  

Nebuliser Care

• You have to clean your child's nebuliser and its parts for it to work properly. After every use, wash the removable parts (cup, baffle, lid and/or mask) and wash them in hot, soapy water. Rinse them well and put them on a clean paper towel to air dry. Check with the manufacturer of your nebuliser and find out if the parts are machine washable. If they are, place them in a dishwasher-safe basket and run them through a wash cycle.