Your doctor has ordered breathing treatments for your child. Instructions for medication are individual, and your doctor's orders, usually noted on the medication prescription, should be followed closely.

The liquid medicine will be put directly into the "nebulizer" or medicine cup. The nebulizer is then attached to a compressor that will blow air into the nebulizer and break the medicine into a mist. Treatment time is usually 8-10 minutes.

How your child reacts to this mist depends on your child, and in part, on how you approach them with the nebulizer and mask. Make treatment time a special time with just you and your child. Get a book, and hold them in your lap. Play a bit with the mask prior to starting the treatments. Show your child how the mask looks on you-be an airplane pilot, or elephant-whatever it takes to ease their fear.

If crying ensues during treatment, be assured your child is taking the medicine deeply into their lungs. Fitful screaming is unproductive though, and the treatment should be stopped momentarily until the child calms down a bit. Be sure to resume the treatment within 5-10 minutes, and finish all the medication in the nebulizer.

Nebulizers do wear out over time and should be replaced if treatment time exceeds 10 minutes. Proper cleaning is essential to clear the small passageways in the nebulizer.

After each treatment:
Rinse nebulizer thoroughly in warm water.
Lay out on clean toweling to dry.
Wipe mask with dish cloth or paper towel.
Once daily: Wash nebulizer in sudsy water, just like you would your dishes.
Rinse thoroughly and air dry on clean toweling.
Soak 30 minutes in ½ white vinegar/ ½ water. Rinse well and air dry.

The aerosol mask and tubing should be replaced at least every two months.