If your child has stopped breathing and is not responsive, immediately begin CPR and call 911. If your child ceases breathing for 15 seconds or more, and then resumes breathing, visit the pediatric ER. Even if your child seems fine, it is important to make sure the underlying reason for the episode has been resolved.
Full Answer
What to do if your child is having trouble breathing?
Depending on the severity of the difficulty breathing, your child may be given steroids to reduce swelling and help your child breathe better, or other medications either by mouth or through an IV. Once treatment begins, the doctor will periodically reevaluate your toddler’s breathing to determine the next steps.
When to call the doctor if your child is having trouble breathing?
Call the Doctor If Your Child: Is younger than 1 year old and still has trouble breathing after you cleaned out her nose. Has been diagnosed with bronchiolitis (a common lung infection in children) or a reactive airways disease (such as asthma or a condition like asthma) episode. Has trouble breathing or is breathing very fast when not coughing.
What is abnormal breathing in children?
Abnormal breathing can be troubling for any parent to witness in his or her child. While some changes in breathing are temporary and relatively harmless, other abnormal breathing episodes may indicate a larger problem. A variety of pediatric respiratory conditions can affect your child's breathing.
Is it normal for a 6 year old to hold their breath?
Even if your child seems fine, it is important to make sure the underlying reason for the episode has been resolved. Many children between the age of 6 months and 6 years experience breath-holding spells, involuntary breath holding that usually occurs when the child is crying or upset.
How do I get my child to take a breathing treatment?
Give treatment time a special name, like “breathe better time.” Try to make it fun — read stories, sing songs, or pull out special toys just during nebulizer time. Watch a show together. Let your child decorate the nebulizer machine with stickers. Try having your child sit in a highchair.
How long does a breathing treatment last for kids?
It is fast-acting, but doesn't usually last more than 3-6 hours. While it works to make breathing easier, one of the effects you may notice is your child being “jumpy” following a treatment. Because of this, it's important to never use it more than every 4 hours unless directed by your physician.
Can you do nebulizer treatment with pacifier?
Nebulizer manufacturers have worked to make nebulizers more child-friendly. Some of the delivery methods include a face mask or a pacifier attachment for infants.
Can you give a child a nebulizer treatment while sleeping?
Answers (1) Yes you can give the nebulizations while your daughter is asleep but to get the maximum and best outcome it would be best to keep to keep her in a upright position while giving the nebulization.
How often can you give a child albuterol breathing treatments?
In general, a dose of albuterol (either 2 puffs from an inhaler or one breathing treatment) may be given every four to six hours as needed. Give it for dry, hacking cough (especially nighttime cough), wheezing you can hear, or if your child is working harder to breathe.
How much albuterol is too much for a child?
Albuterol overdose in children causes a variety of cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and metabolic effects that are usually benign. The threshold dose for the development of three or more signs of toxicity is 1 mg/kg or three to 10 times the recommended daily dose.
Can you give a breathing treatment while sleeping?
For a squirmy baby, try using the nebulizer when your child is sleeping. If your child is afraid of the mask, you can talk about how it's a "pilot mask" or a "space mask." You might even show a movie about pilots or astronauts and use some of the lingo like "start your engines" before you turn the nebulizer on.
Is it okay to Nebulize while sleeping?
Don't nebulize while you're sleeping Nebulizing while asleep has almost no effect whatsoever: it will be hard for the drug to get to where it needs to go if your mouth is closed and your breathing has slowed right down.
What are common side effects of nebulizer?
The most common side effects of nebulizer treatment are rapid heartbeat, jitteriness and anxiety. Less frequent side effects may include headache, nausea, vomiting or throat irritation. Serious reactions to nebulizer treatment are also possible and should be immediately reported to the prescribing physician.
When should I stop nebulizer treatment?
Continue until the medication is gone. The nebulizer will make a sputtering noise, and the cup will have just a little liquid left in it. If you get dizzy or jittery, stop the treatment and rest for about 5 minutes.
Does nebulizer help chest congestion?
Nebulizers are primarily used for - asthma, COPD, and other severe breathing problems. However, it is also used for severe cases of nasal and chest congestion. It provides immediate relief by the opening of airways.
What does nebulizer do for lungs?
A nebulizer treatment may help reduce inflammation in the lungs and/or open airways, especially in the case of respiratory illnesses like asthma. People with other respiratory diseases like COPD who have lung-related complications from a cold or flu may also benefit.