Categories: Parenting, Respiratory
May 29, 2025
Last updated on May 29, 2025
Honoring Asthma Awareness Month
May is Asthma Awareness Month, and for a lot of families, it’s more than just a line on the calendar. If your child has asthma, you already know it’s something you think about every day. It becomes part of your routine, your backup plans, and how you prepare for certain times of year like allergy season, back-to-school time, or the start of cold and flu season.
One thing that can really help is having a nebulizer at home. But just having the equipment isn’t always enough. Knowing how to use it, how to take care of it, and how to plan ahead when symptoms tend to spike can make a big difference. Whether you’re completely new to nebulizers or just looking for a refresher, this guide is here to help.
Understanding Your Nebulizer
A nebulizer is a medical device that turns liquid medication into a mist that your child can breathe in through a mask or mouthpiece into their lungs. It’s often recommended for younger children who aren’t able to use an inhaler effectively or during times when asthma or respiratory symptoms are harder to control.
Nebulizers are commonly used to deliver medications like albuterol, a bronchodilator that helps open the airways during asthma attacks, wheezing, or respiratory distress triggered by allergies or illness.
Many healthcare providers also recommend using a nebulizer during allergy season when environmental triggers, like pollen or mold, make breathing more difficult. If your child starts coughing, wheezing, or having a harder time catching their breath, nebulizer treatments may help open their airways and bring relief.
Always check in with your child’s provider for personalized guidance based on specific symptoms and health history.
Best Practices for Using Your Nebulizer
When it’s time for a treatment, it helps to keep things calm and comfortable. Begin by connecting the tubing to the nebulizer machine and the medication cup (ensure the small baffle piece is in place within the medication cup!). Carefully pour the prescribed medication into the cup and then attach both the medication cup cap/lid and mask or mouthpiece securely.
Have your child sit upright and place the mask gently over their nose and mouth or position the mouthpiece between their lips. Turn the machine on and encourage slow, deep breaths to help the medication reach the lungs more effectively. Most treatments take about 5 to 7 minutes, depending on medication and dose, and you’ll know it’s finished when the nebulizer begins to sputter or mist stops. Taking these steps can go a long way in making treatments more effective and easier for both of you.
How to Clean and Care for Your Nebulizer
Keeping the nebulizer in good shape helps make sure it’s working properly when you need it most. It doesn’t take long, but regular cleaning is a must to keep treatments safe and effective. If parts aren’t cleaned often enough, bacteria can build up and make your child sick or reduce how well the medication works.
Here’s a general care and cleaning routine based on best practices:
- After each use: Disconnect the tubing and set aside. Place the mouthpiece or mask and medication cup in warm, soapy water and wash thoroughly. Rinse well and let air dry on a clean paper towel. Don’t wash the tubing.
- Weekly: Disinfect your washed nebulizer parts by placing 2-3 drops of dishwashing liquid in a pot of boiling water, boil for 10 minutes, rinse with water, and then let air dry on a clean paper towel.
- Store properly: Once dry, keep everything in a clean, dry container or bag.
- Replace parts regularly: Mouthpieces/masks, medication cups, and tubing should typically be replaced every six months. Check with your supplier or insurance plan to see what’s covered.
Helping Your Child Feel More Comfortable
Let’s be honest, getting your child to sit through a nebulizer treatment isn’t always easy. But with a little creativity, it can become easier. Here are a few things that might help:
- Turn on a show or movie they love
- Create a special “treatment time” basket with books, toys, or stuffed animals
- Try a breathing game like blowing out “candles” or taking dragon breaths
- Add stickers or decorations to their mask or machine to make it feel more personal
Little things like this can help make it less stressful and more routine.
When to Ask About Replacements
Just like other medical equipment, nebulizer components wear out over time. It’s a good idea to check in on your nebulizer parts as the seasons change. Look for signs like cracked tubing, worn masks, or discolored filters. These are all indicators it may be time to replace those parts.
You don’t need to replace the entire system, just the pieces that connect to it. Depending on your insurance coverage, you may be able to request a replacement nebulizer cup and tubing kit every six months. Even if everything looks fine, staying ahead of replacements can ensure treatments remain effective, and your child’s care isn’t delayed when they need it most.
Planning Ahead for Asthma and Allergy Seasons
Asthma can flare up without warning, but certain times of the year are more challenging than others. Preparing ahead of time can prevent you from scrambling in the moment.
- Allergy season (spring and fall): Pollen, mold, or dust can trigger symptoms. Clean your nebulizer more often if you’re using it regularly and talk to your child’s provider about starting medication early if needed.
- Back-to-school: Send an updated asthma or allergy action plan to the school nurse and check that your child’s supplies are up to date.
- Cold and flu season: Make sure everything is stocked and working. This includes medications, parts, and a backup if needed.
Being prepared helps keep things calm when symptoms pick up.
Getting Started With a Nebulizer or Need a Refresher?
If you’re just getting started with a nebulizer or want to feel more confident using it, we put together an easy to follow, step-by-step video that walks through how to set up and use the Drive JetNeb Nebulizer System. You can watch it here.
While this guide focuses on pediatric use, we also provide respiratory support to adults too. To learn more about our full suite of respiratory products and services, visit acelleron.com/nebulizers.