What should you pay attention to when doing nebulization at home?

This is the 4917th article of Da Yi Xiao Hu

After understanding the concept of nebulization, the circumstances under which nebulization is appropriate, and introducing some tips for children who don't want to be nebulized, let's talk about the precautions that need to be paid attention to before, during, and after nebulization at home.

1. Before atomization

1. Avoid overeating within one hour before the start of nebulization to prevent adverse reactions such as nausea and vomiting caused by emotional fluctuations or discomfort during treatment, and reduce the risk of aspiration. Before inhaling the drug, please clean your mouth and keep your airway open to ensure that the mist particles can smoothly enter the respiratory tract and play a therapeutic role, so that the treatment process can be completed more safely and effectively.

2. In order to ensure the efficacy and safety of nebulizer treatment, please make sure your face is clean before treatment and avoid using facial creams, skin care products, etc., especially oily ones. Such creams may increase the amount of drug adsorption on the face, which will not only affect the effect of the drug entering the respiratory tract and lungs, but may also cause adverse reactions such as skin irritation.

(ii) During atomization

1. When nebulizing, it is recommended to sit down, which helps the inhalation and deposition of the drug into the lungs, thereby achieving the best therapeutic effect. For patients who cannot sit, it is recommended to raise their heads by about 30 degrees. For infants and young children, a semi-sitting position can be adopted to promote the deposition of the drug in the terminal bronchioles and ensure the effective use of the drug.

2. The handheld sprayer should be held vertically to the ground to avoid spillage of the drug solution and reduce drug waste. During the atomization process, the mask should be kept in close contact with the mouth and nose as much as possible to reduce the leakage of fog particles, so as to ensure that the drug can fully enter the respiratory tract and avoid a decrease in efficacy.

3. During nebulizer treatment, do not spray the spray directly into the eyes to avoid irritation of the drug to the face and eyes, so as to avoid discomfort or injury.

4. For older children, during nebulization treatment, it is recommended that they maintain calm Cheyne-Stokes breathing (also known as Cheyne-Stokes breathing, which is characterized by alternating breathing that gradually weakens and stops and gradually increases, repeating over and over again, with breathing like the ebb and flow of the tide) or intermittent deep inhalation, which helps the mist particles to be inhaled deeper into the lungs. For young children, the effect of inhalation treatment in a quiet state will be more ideal than when they are crying. If the child cries a lot, it is recommended to temporarily stop the treatment and wait until the child's emotions are stable before nebulization treatment to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the treatment.

5. Coughing may reduce the deposition of drugs in the lungs, therefore, we generally do not recommend that children cough during nebulization.

6. During the nebulization process, pay close attention to the child's complexion, breathing and mental state. If the child shows adverse symptoms such as pale complexion, abnormal irritability or hypoxia, the treatment should be stopped immediately to ensure the child's safety and the smooth progress of the treatment.

(III) After atomization

1. After the nebulization is completed, please be sure to clean the child's face and mouth in time. You can use gauze or cotton balls dipped in water to gently wipe the child's face and mouth, and then feed water in appropriate amounts. This step is particularly important, especially after using hormone drugs. It helps to reduce the residual hormones in the oropharynx, protect the child's skin and mouth, and reduce the risk of fungal infection.

2. After the nebulization is completed, encourage and guide the child to cough effectively, which will help to expel sputum smoothly. You can also assist in expectoration by gently tapping their back to ensure that the sputum can be discharged smoothly and improve the treatment effect.

3. After atomization is completed, except for the air duct, all other sprayer accessories should be rinsed with clean water (or warm water). After thorough cleaning, dry the parts or wipe them with a clean cloth. After the sprayer is completely dry, assemble it and put it in a clean box to prevent bacteria from growing, so as to prepare for the next use. The atomizer mask should be replaced regularly according to the instructions.

Parents are kindly requested to note that each child’s situation is unique, so parents need to observe patiently and try different methods to find the solution that best suits their children. At the same time, no matter what method is adopted, parents should respect their children, proceed from their children’s feelings, ensure their children’s safety and comfort, and avoid using force or intimidation to force their children to accept nebulization treatment.

Author: Department of Allergy and Immunology, Fujian Children’s Hospital

Jiang Liyuan, Head Nurse

Graphic design: Tang Yiran, Bachelor of Nursing