My stepdaughter still uses a nebulizer she is 9 for asthma, while at the dr with my biological daughter 15 who was just diagnosed with asthma this got brought up. The Dr was shocked beyond belief that any dr would prescribe a neb for a child that age. Info: we don't have custody of stepdaughter, only visitation, and know that her "mother" bullies her way around to get what ever she wants.
Personally I have taught our children to take pills by age 7. So yes I agree child is too old for Neb.
Just looking for thoughts ideas. Anybody else have this issue?
Nebulizers are not age specific. My wife (40) uses one from time to time for her asthma. As well as an inhaler.
Usually kids switch from a nebulizer to an inhaler when their doctor determines they are old enough and responsible enough to use an inhaler properly. Generally that is before age 9. However, I have a husband and son with asthma and another son with reactive airways. We all find that the nebulizer is more effective than the inhaler and they all still use a nebulizer when they are sick or have a very bad cough and they are 48, 15 and 12. The doctor may have valid reasons for prescribing a nebulizer instead of an inhaler.
Are you talking about a nebulizer for regular asthma treatment? I know when my mom and sister have really bad flair ups, they get a nebulizer treatment (even as adults!). However, they do have inhalers for daily maintenance. From my understanding of nebulizers, there shouldn't be any reason a 9 year old couldn't still use one. They are a bit of a pain to use, but are effective at dealing with asthma b/c they are more difficult to misuse than an inhaler. Did your dr say why he was against the nebulizer?
Not exactly the same thing maybe, but, my son had pneumonia almost 2 years ago (when he was 11 almost 12). He was given a nebulizer to use at home every 4 hours for the first few days after diagnosis. Then given a "rescue" inhaler to carry to school to use for the next week after that so he could still receive treatments during school hours with more convenience.
A few months later had his first ever asthma attack (exercise induced). We believe it to be related to recovery from pneumonia (lungs were clear but perhaps weakened a bit). Sporadic episodes of exercise induced asthma for maybe a year after. For the past 6 months, no episodes of asthma, even when running (mileage, not just around the yard) though he still carries an inhaler these days. And I have no doubt whatsoever that if he had pneumonia tomorrow, we would be given another nebulizer for home treatments. It is just a delivery mechanism. What is so shocking about it, unless the child doesn't have a portable inhaler to carry with her?
There is NOTHING wrong with using a nebulizer for asthma. It doesn't interefer w/ pill taking. A nebulizer would only be replaced by an inhaler. And for alot of kids they get more relief from the nebulizer. My son does and he is SIXTEEN!!!! He will use an inhaler, he does take pills just fine. But when his asthma is really bad, the neb. always help more. ANd our Dr. who is head of pediatrics, and a specialist in childhood illnesses encourages him to use it when it's bad.
Sounds like you AND your Dr need a little more insight into the struggles of being asthmatic.
My son actually used a neb tx for pnemonia this past month. He is 8. He stops it when he no longer needs it, or his symptoms have gone. I personally feel that neb tx are easier for children, and inhalers are for older kids to use responsibly. Inhalers can be improperly managed by younger children, and pose a serious health risk if used irresponsibly.
My son's doctor recommended using a nebulizer when at home, regardless of age. He said that it is far more effective then an inhaler in opening up the lungs/airways. He even recommends it for adults.
I still use a nebulizer because the medication works differently for me. I can relax and breathe more deeply than an inhaler that blows the medication in the back of my throat and then it just sits there.
I get much better results with the medication that is used in a nebulizer too. Most is mixed in the little vial with sterile water. The water puts moisture in my lungs and that helps the goo loosen up too.
Each of my grandkids have Pari portable nebulizers too. They have their own meds in them so that if they start coughing or having a breathing issue we can pop one together and they can do a treatment anywhere they are whether at soccer practice, dance recital, or even Walmart.
The pro's of using a nebulizer over a rescue inhaler. breathing treatment is being used during Bronchiolitis or Pneumonia type illnesses.
Oh for goodness sakes. Let's not go hunting for reasons to demonize your husband's ex.
My son had a nebulizer, and our asthma doc said it didn't matter if we used the neb or the inhaler. We used it when he was older than 9, because he was coughing so much he couldn't have used the inhaler properly.
My son used the nebulizer until he was around 5 years old and then I asked for an inhaler instead.
My mother has asthma and at 70 years old she still has to use the nebulizer when the inhailer doesn't work well. My daughter is 28 and she uses one also. My son who passed away at age 22 in 2010 used one for asthma that he has had since he was 2. He didn't pass from asthma but I talk with a few moms who has lost a child to Asthma. If that is what helps best then he should use it. Asthma is a dangerous disease and can be life threatening at times.
The doctor you spoke to does not have any right to comment on the treatment of a child who is not in his/her care. Nebs play a very important role in the care of people with respitory illnesses, regardless of their age.
My son who is 18 still uses a nebulizer when things get bad and the inhaler isnt working for control (colds and respor. infections ect) Both his allergist and his regular doctor prefer he use it when he needs to.
Hope this helps
Our daughter started at 18 months.
5th grade was the last time we used it, She was terribly ill.
The inhalers were doing thier job by this time. so that was the last time we had to use it.
My DH still useds his neb when his asthma is bad and he is 39. you wouldnt replace a pill for a breathing treatment. I also have 2,5,and 16 with asthma and they all use the neb from time to time.
My DS still uses a nebulizer and he is 11 1/2. Our dr. told us that the nebulizer is much more effective and easier to use than an inhaler. When DS does use an inhaler, he definitely uses a chamber/spacer with it, again because it helps to get a more-effective dose. The doctor who gave us this info is an allergy/asthma specialist, so I definitely concur with his decision. (Quite frankly, it's also easier to administer meds with an inhaler when DS's asthma is flaring and he needs a treatment during the night. He also likes to use it because he can put on the mask and then have his hands free to play a video game while taking his treatment!) Perhaps your husband needs to speak directly to his daughter's doctor so he knows exactly how her asthma plan works. (I'm guessing that's why she needs the nebulizer.) He should also find out if she uses a peak flow meter or some other device to track the asthma--it can make a huge difference in warding off and/or treating an asthma flare-up!
Inhalers are more portable, obviously, and can be kept at the nurse's office in school. However, most people are really concerned about the chemicals used in both products, particularly long-term. Not to mention the hassle and the discomfort of asthma and allergies. Kids (and adults) can get rid of all of this stuff by boosting their immune systems. I work with so many people who have put these nebulizers and inhalers aside - from a 2 year olds to 8 and 10 year olds to teens to adults. It's easier, and cheaper in the long run.
