When and How are Inhalations done on Baby?

Highlights:  

•  Inhalations in babies, as well as in children and adults, are an effective and quick method of treating respiratory diseases.
• What should you have in your home medicine cabinet so that you can react in a timely manner to breathing difficulties, and in what cases is it appropriate to resort to inhalations.  
• How to do inhalations correctly – step by step guide.  

A sick baby is a nightmare for any parent – from the high temperature, through difficulty in feeding, breathing, sleeping, to the simple fact that the baby can not describe how they feel, sometimes refusing medication or fluids.

When parents are looking for a way to help their child heal faster they often resort to inhalations.

For symptoms such as:

• Cough 

• Runny nose 

• Difficulty breathing 

Inhalations bring quick relief and help patients heal sooner. The good news is that they can be administered from a very young age – even in babies. They act directly on the airways, working quickly to efficiently administer the medicine locally to the source of the problem without putting a full load on the baby’s system. Nebulizers turn the liquid solution into a fine mist that reaches the lungs directly and improves breathing.

In what conditions are inhalations appropriate? Which type of nebulizer should you choose and what solutions go with it? This article will answer these important questions, allowing you to be prepared the next time your child is sick.

Why are inhalations suitable for babies?

Inhalations are an effective method of treating respiratory infections at all ages, but especially in babies. They quickly relieve symptoms by performing a direct treatment on the airways, liquefying, secretions and facilitating their expulsion from the body. In babies this is a particularly important step of therapy as their airways are much narrower and this makes them susceptible to complications.

Inhalations performed with saline are safe and can be used even in newborns. They moisten the mucous membrane, reduce inflammation, and relieve coughs. In case a medicinal drug is prescribed along with the treatment, it is delivered directly to the airways through inhalation and the recovery is much faster.

When is it appropriate to give inhalations to a baby?

There are various conditions that require inhalation treatment. Some of them include:

• Runny and stuffy nose: saline inhalations help to liquefy secretions and relieve breathing. 

• Cough: They moisten the airways and make expectoration easier. 

• Bronchiolitis and bronchitis: inhalations can reduce inflammation and improve airway patency. 

• Allergies: they help remove allergens from the nasal mucosa.  

In the case of babies younger than 6 months old – if the baby has any chronic diseases and/or you haven’t previously done inhalations on the baby you must consult a pediatrician.

How to do inhalations correctly?

Choosing an inhaler 

Whether it be in a pharmacy or online there is a wide range of nebulizers to choose from and making the right choice can be difficult. Making the right choice is rather important as it is essential for the effectiveness of the inhalations.

There are several main types of inhalers:

• Compressed air inhaler: This type of inhaler uses compressed air to create an aerosol (the fine mist that reaches the airways). It is suitable for use with a variety of medications and is effective in treating the lower airways.  

One of the cons of compressor inhalers is that they are quite noisy because of the way they work. With babies and young children this is of particular concern as the noise can frighten them. However, there are a select few extremely quiet compressor nebulizers on the market – Zano Inspire is one of them.

It’s effective for classic saline inhalations, but also for drug treatment for more serious conditions. The Zano Inspire is very quiet and compact, making it perfect when on the go and perfect for it’s youngest patients who could be frightened by the otherwise loud and scary noises. On the contrary – the Zano Inspire comes with complimentary stickers to decorate the device with turning inhalations into a fun and effective game.

• Ultrasonic inhaler: This type of inhaler uses ultrasonic waves to create an aerosol. It is more compact than the compressor inhaler, but it is not suitable for all types of medication. 

• Mesh inhaler: This inhaler uses a vibrating membrane to create an aerosol. It is quiet, compact and effective, but can be more expensive.  

Choice of solutions 

Saline (0.9% sodium chloride) is the most used solution for inhalations in infants. It is safe, moistens the mucous membrane and helps to liquefy secretions.

For more serious conditions, such as bronchiolitis, for example, the pediatrician may also prescribe medications to go with the solution, such bronchodilators or corticosteroids, depending on the baby’s condition.

It is important to use only sterile solutions and to follow the pediatrician’s instructions regarding dosage and frequency of inhalations. 

Inhalations step by step

Making sure you are properly doing inhalations is essential for the effectiveness of the procedure. Follow these steps:

1. Preparing the nebulizer: make sure all parts of the nebulizer are clean and dry. Assemble the unit according to the instruction booklet.  

2. Adding the solution: pour the recommended amount of saline or medication into the nebulizer reservoir. 

3. Placing the mask: place it snuggly on the baby’s face, covering the nose and mouth.  

4. Baby’s position: hold the baby in an upright position or slightly tilted backwards to facilitate breathing and good aerosol penetration.  

5. Conducting the inhalation: Turn on the nebulizer and let the baby inhale the aerosol for about 5-10 minutes or as recommended by the pediatrician.  

6. After the procedure: clean all parts of the nebulizer and let them air dry. Wash the baby’s face to remove any residue from the solution.

It is important to conduct inhalations when the baby is awake and calm. Avoid inhalations immediately after feeding to prevent vomiting.

Conclusion 

Inhalations are an effective and safe method of relieving symptoms of respiratory infections in infants. They help to moisten the mucous membranes, liquefy secretions and facilitate breathing. It is important to consult a pediatrician regarding the medications used and to strictly follow the treatment steps. With the right approach and good awareness, you will be able to quickly and easily take care of a sick baby and prevent complications.

Sources:  

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/nebulizer-for-baby

https://www.cchwyo.org/news/2022/august/how-to-use-a-nebulizer-for-a-baby

https://www.healthline.com/health/nebulizer-for-baby