How to Use Albuterol in Nebulizer on Toddler

Many young children have difficulty breathing. This may be a result of asthma, RSV or some other type of bronchial infection. In these cases, a physician might prescribe albuterol. This bronchodilator relaxes the airway muscles to increase the flow of air to the lungs. Toddlers needing an albuterol treatment might have difficulty with a common inhaler because it's difficult to inhale and exhale properly. To achieve the optimal effects of the medication, a physician might prescribe a nebulizer treatment for the toddler.

Instructions

    • 1

      Check the dosage level to make sure it is accurate, according to the physician's prescription. Albuterol comes in small containers (ampules), and taking too much of the medication could increase the chance of a breathing-related death.

    • 2

      Open the medication chamber on the nebulizer and pour the liquid albuterol into the chamber. Use a provided dropper or the entire ampule, depending on the prescribed dosage.

    • 3

      Attach a face mask or mouthpiece to the medication chamber, then connect the chamber to your compressor. A face mask allows the user to keep his hands free and transfers the medication to the breathing passages in a more direct manner.

    • 4

      Show the toddler how the machine will work. Explain that it will make a loud noise, but the air will transfer the medication into the mask so she can inhale it to make her breathing better.

    • 5

      Help the child sit in an upright position, then hold the mouthpiece near his mouth or place the face mask around his head, completely covering the mouth and nose. If the mask scares the child, try engaging him in a special activity, such as watching a favorite show or playing with a favorite toy.

    • 6

      Warn the child that you are going to turn the machine on and remind her that it is going to make a loud noise. Turn on the machine.

    • 7

      Encourage your toddler to breathe evenly and slowly until all the medication is gone. This usually takes between five and 15 minutes.

    • 8

      Flick the meditation chamber with your fingers to knock off all the medication that might be clinging to the sides of the chamber. Turn off the machine once all the medication disappears.

    • 9

      Clean out the tubes, nebulizer and medication chamber thoroughly after each use so the machine is ready for your toddler's next albuterol treatment.

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