Nebulization in kids
HOW DO I SET UP MY NEBULIZER?
Nebulization is simple, but the complicated part can be persuading your kid to undergo it. These tips will help you calm down your child (and soothe yourself) before and during nebulization.
1. Be vigilant
Close supervision is necessary when you administer nebulization treatment to your child.
2. Be positive
Children easily gauge the emotions of their parents and respond to them. Hence, it is a must to be positive and confident about nebulization, so that your child too mirrors this outlook and nebulization takes place easily and effectively.
3. Communicate with your child
If your child is old enough to understand, make an effort to talk about nebulization and how exactly it can make his/her better quickly.
4. Distract your child
It will help to keep your child distracted with other things during the nebulization procedure – these will keep him/her mind occupied and calm and even help you both bond further. Here are a few suggestions:
- Provide a favorite toy to play with
- Narrate an interesting story
- Play some engaging cartoons or a video game
- Play or hum a favorite song for a relaxing effect
5. Nebulize in the right position
Some kids prefer to sit upright on a chair, whereas others prefer to nestle in their parent’s arms. Kids should always be held or made to sit upright while nebulizing to give good results. The right position can simplify and ease the process of nebulization.
6. Avoid nebulizing when your child is asleep or lying down
There is a risk that the medicine won’t reach the lungs if you try to nebulize your child while sleeping as the mouth will be closed. When the child is asleep, the breathing is shallow and through the nose, which decreases the efficiency of nebulization. There is also a chance that the child will get traumatized on being rudely woken with a mask on his/her face.
7. Get rid of the fear of the mask
- Small children may feel that they won’t be able to breathe through the mask and revolt against wearing it.
- Show them pictures of divers and snorkellers to remove this fear.
- Tell your child that he/she is a superhero and needs to wear a mask.
- Demonstrate by wearing the mask yourself. You can stick pictures of your child’s favorite cartoon character to make it seem less fearful.
8. Use the power of touch
Touch therapy can be one of the most calming things and envelops your child with a feeling of protection. Hold your child in your arms or hold the child’s hand during nebulization, if need be. Pat or caress during the process to show encouragement and provide reassurance.
9. Appreciate your child
Appreciate and praise your child after the procedure is over. Give them a tight hug and appreciate their participation. This type of positive reinforcement is necessary to remove any fear or discomfort about nebulization.
