1.What is a nebulizer?
Nebulizer is the machine used to nebulize. (that is one crazy definition). Nebulizers turns liquid medicine into mist so it can go directly to the lungs. The size of the droplets in the mist must be small enough to travel even to the smallest airway where the action of the drug is direly needed.
2.Do all coughs need to be nebulized?
No.
Diseases with coughs in children that needs to be nebulized:
a. Asthma
b. Pneumonia with wheeze
c. Bronchiolitis
d. Wheezing associated respiratory illness
e. Allergies with wheeze
f. Pneumonia
3.Which kind of asthmatics needs to buy their own nebulizer?
Kinds/Classification
of Asthmatics
|
Symptoms
|
Need to Buy a
Nebulizer
|
Special Comment
|
|
Mild Intermittent Asthma
|
Day Attacks
|
less
than 2x a week
|
x
|
|
Night Attacks
|
are
less than 2x a month
|
|||
Mild Persistent Asthma
|
Day Attacks
|
less
than 6 days week
|
√√ |
It is useful and convinient to have one.
|
Night Attacks
|
less
than 3-4x a month
|
|||
Moderate Persistent Asthma
|
Day Attacks
|
daily
|
√√√ |
If you have been seeing one doctor for the
longest time, seek another opinion, but, if you are seeing too many doctors, stick to one.
Or get a team of doctors who’d work together.
|
Night Attacks
|
More
than 4x a month
|
|||
Severe Persistent Asthma
|
Day Attacks
|
Throughout the day
|
√√√ |
You and your child need a team of doctors: Your pediatrician, pediatric pulmonologist, pediatric allergologist,
(and your financial adviser;)
|
Night Attacks
|
Every night
| |||
4.Can you use any kind of solution on your nebulizer?
No, you must ask your doctor about it. (Don't use distilled water or those with menthol; don't worsen your child's condition please )
5.Is it addictive or habit forming to frequently use a nebulizer?
No. The extent of using the nebulizer depends on the classification of your child’s asthma. It may seem as though children with moderate to severely persistent asthma are addicted to a nebulizer, but the truth is, they are struggling to live. And that they need a better management from a good doctor and a better follow through from a truly concerned parent or caregiver.
Related Post:
 |
| Pneumococcal Vaccine |
 |
| The Fearsome Hospital Companion |
 | ||||
| Snakebite |
 |
| Ear Piercing |