Nebulizers

 

 

Wow, things have changed over the last 11 years when it comes to nebulizers.  

Ours is a big, clunky white box, but it still works!

Here are some great ideas for kids for nebulizers, there are a lot of fun things on the internet!I found some really fun shapes and oxygen masks.

I just Googled 'pediatric nebulizers', and found some fun things!

For those of you newly diagnosed, what is a nebulizer? It's a forced-air device simply changes a vial of liquid medicine into a mist, so the kids can easily breathe it in when they are having difficulties. 

It's great because you can simply strap the mask on and give the kids a treatment during the night, without waking them up. (Well, for my kids anyway, they were so used to getting treatments....)

How do you get the kids to sit still? 

Whatever works. Sometimes you can hold the mask up to your face and pretend Mom or Dad is having a treatment, then it's your child's turn. Or, they can give a treatment (minus turning the nebulizer on) to one of their stuffed animals. That's always fun.

Put on a favorite video to keep them mesmerized, or offer a bribe. I have no problem bribing my kids for something like that. Nebulizers can be scary and noisy!

So, look around and see what's out there. Insurance should cover your nebulizer, tubing kits and oxygen masks. Have fun, let 'junior' pick out a style they like. Then practice, practice, practice. Learn how to quickly add the medicine and hook up the tubing.

You would be surprised how your mind can go blank and you can't remember how to put the tubing together, add the medicine, and turn it on. All while your child is struggling to breathe.

Happy shopping!