Asthma is a chronic disease characterised by lung inflammation, leading to wheezing, coughing and breathing difficulties. If left untreated, it can end up as a fatal issue. No wonder why healthcare professionals advise kids to take medicines, even if they feel fine.
However, the issue with little ones is that they don't usually take their medicine. Worried about your child skipping medicine now and then? Worried about another asthma attack? Well, worry not as you can easily give medicines to them, thanks to portable nebuliser machines. Furthermore, here is everything you need to know.
Which is the Best to Help Kids Take Their Asthma Medicine?
Wondering which is the best way to help kids with their asthma medicine? Whether your child is stubborn or doesn't like taking medicines, the best solution is nebulisers. It is a small machine used for respiratory problems.
It delivers the medicine directly to the lungs in the form of a mist or a liquid. You can also use nebulisers with masks of different patterns or characters for your kid to feel motivated. However, remember that nebulizers must be used or repeated only when recommended by your healthcare professional.
Other Ways to Help Kids Take Their Asthma Medicine
When it comes to asthma among children, they describe it as “feeling like a fish out of water”. They gasp for air but never quite get enough. On the other hand, when it comes to taking medicine, they are stubborn and often miss their doses. Wondering what can be done? Well, here are some best tips that will make it easier for both the child and the parent:
Give Basic Instructions
When it comes to helping kids take their asthma medicine, the first thing you must do is provide basic information. For instance, if you are using a nebuliser machine, then help them sit or stand upright with their head up and chin parallel to the ground. Use the nebulizer gently and follow the instructions as printed or given by your healthcare professional.
Communicate
Another way to help kids take medicine easily is by communicating with them openly. This includes looking for ways to include your child in taking their medication. For instance:
- Ask your child if they prefer you to hold the mask or if they would like to hold themselves while taking the medication.
- Ask them if there is anything they would like to do while having their asthma treatment.
Additionally, make sure you make your child understand that taking medication is a matter of fact and not a choice. Remind your child that it is his/her time to take the medicine and how it helps one's body to stay healthy.
Set the Environment
Another way to make sure your child takes their asthma medicine is by offering them a choice of distraction. You can set the environment by turning on the TV or games, especially during long-term treatments like nebulisers.
Some treatments can take 15 or more minutes, so you can also set a timer. However, remember not to be harsh or too pressurising on the child. A wise decision would be to set one schedule and the same place for taking medicine daily.
Explain in Simple Language
When discussing asthma and medications, remember to use straightforward language. Before explaining instructions to your child, double-check your child's medication sheet. If missing, ask your healthcare provider to provide you with one, based on your child's requirements.
Talk to the child about his/her asthma and the need for medication. For instance, make them understand that these medications will help keep asthma attacks away. When using a nebuliser machine or a nebuliser kit, let them know that this medication will help them breathe easily, even if they are having issues currently at the moment.
Give Rewards
Asthma treatment isn't about just one day. Some kids are advised to take it for a few weeks while others may need to take it for years or a lifetime. To make sure your child never skips a dose, praise to encourage them. For instance, you can use words like you did a great job. Besides, if your child does well, with rewards, then don't step back.
Instead, encourage them with statements like, there's a little reward waiting for you after you take your medicine. These rewards can be anything such as stickers, small prizes, etc. In case any day, the child fails to take the medicine, do not discourage them.
Receive Optimum Care and Benefits
At MedGuard, we are the leading supplier of high-grade nebulisers. From medicine cups and kits to accessories, we have all you need. We cater to both professionals as well as home users. You can also rely on our dedicated team to guide you as per your needs.
