Most kids over 5 or 6 years old are able to use a dry powder inhaler, although they must be able to inhale quickly and strongly. However, some people may feel like they get a better treatment from a nebulizer because they can see and feel the mist coming from the machine.
Full Answer
Can a baby use a nebulizer instead of an inhaler?
They don’t require a baby to cooperate to take the medicine in. While inhalers can be fitted with masks and used even with young infants, nebulizers are preferred, depending on the medication and why it’s being used. How does a nebulizer work?
How long should a child sit still with a nebulizer?
Kids need to sit still for 15 to 20 minutes while they breathe in the medicine. Anyone with a young child knows just how hard that can be! These tips can help make treatment time go smoothly: Make it part of your daily routine. Use the nebulizer at the same time (or times) each day, so your child knows to expect it.
What is a nebulizer treatment for children?
As your child breathes, the mist of medicine gets into his lungs. When a nebulizer is used it is called a breathing treatment or nebulizer treatment. Why does my child need breathing treatments? Breathing treatments are used to treat the swelling in your child's airway, shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing.
When do you need a nebulizer for cough?
Having a cough along with other symptoms of a respiratory flare-up, such as wheezing and trouble breathing, could indicate the need for a nebulizer. If you don’t have a nebulizer, your healthcare provider may prescribe the machine as well as the necessary medication to use with it.
Can I use nebulizer and inhaler together?
Inhalers and Nebulizers Both deliver the same type of medicine, and they work equally well when you use them the way you should. Inhalers and nebulizers are available only by prescription. You might see some bronchodilator inhalers sold over the counter, but don't use them unless your doctor recommends it.
How long do you have to wait between inhaler and nebulizer?
It is important to wait at least 60 seconds between puffs for the best results. Nebulizer machines allow you to breathe in your medicine through a face mask or a handheld tube.
Can you use albuterol after using nebulizer?
Using albuterol at the same time as these drugs may cause serious drug interactions. People should not use the nebulizer a doctor has prescribed to inhale any other type of drug.
What should be done after the nebulizer finishes?
After each treatment, rinse the nebulizer cup with warm water. Shake off excess water and let it air dry. At the end of each day, the nebulizer cup, mask, or mouthpiece should be washed in warm, soapy water using a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly, and allow to air dry.
How often can you Nebulize?
Using a mouthpiece or face mask with the nebulizer, inhale the prescribed dose of medication into your lungs as directed by your doctor, usually 3 or 4 times daily as needed. Each treatment usually takes about 5 to 15 minutes. Use this medication only through a nebulizer.
How long should I wait between using my bronchodilator and my corticosteroids?
The answer to this is 5 minutes. Five minutes allows the bronchodilator enough time to work and dilate the airways and then the corticosteroid can be administered.
How often can you use nebulizer with albuterol?
Albuterol nebulizer (Accuneb) can be used 3 to 4 times a day. Don't use more or take extra doses without first talking to your doctor.
How many inhaler puffs equal a nebulizer?
It is estimated that 2,500 mg of albuterol via nebulizer provides an albuterol dose that is equivalent to 4–10 puffs of albuterol via metered dose inhaler (MDI) with spacer.
Can I give my child albuterol and cough medicine?
Interactions between your drugs No interactions were found between albuterol and Delsym 12 Hour Cough Relief for Children & Adults. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
How many times a day should you Nebulize a child?
Adults and children older than 12 years of age—2.5 milligrams (mg) in the nebulizer 3 or 4 times per day as needed. Children 2 to 12 years of age—0.63 to 1.25 mg in the nebulizer 3 or 4 times per day as needed. Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your child's doctor.
What's better inhaler or nebulizer?
Both devices are equally effective, though there are advantages and disadvantages to each. For example, inhalers leave more room for user error, but they allow you to act quickly. 1 Nebulizers can't be easily accessed on the go, but can be used for longer durations.
How long does a nebulizer treatment last?
The treatment should last 5-10 minutes. If you put more than one medicine inside the cup, the treatment may last up to 20 minutes. The treatment is over when the white mist stops coming out of the nebulizer, or when the solution starts to sputter.