Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Child Having Difficulty In Breathing And Started Wheezing. Should I Nebulise The Child Frequently?
Question: My child has wheezing. We are nebulising her as per doctor's advice. I also observe that she has difficulty in breathing now inspite of nebulising.She currently breathes 37 times per minute. Is it normal? I am currently nebulising every 6 hrs. Should I nebulise her more frequently? Will it help? Will it reduce the infection? Should I proceed with nebulising alone and observe her or should I start any antibiotics?
Hello XXXXXXX,
Thank you for asking a question.
Firstly, the symptoms you described indicates an ongoing upper breathing fast. But she should be clinically examined first.
I am giving the answers of your questions one by one.
1. As the child is 2.7 yrs old normal respiratory rate should be 20 – 30 breaths / min. so, according to this, the respiratory rate is increased.
2. You did not mention the type of nebulizer you are using. In the follow up question you can give me the name of the particular inhalation agent which will help me for giving more precise answers.
But from our clinical experience, most probably you are using a non-steroidal agent. You can use it even every 4 hourly.
3. Sometimes 4 hourly nebulization helps to improve the condition. If the child is suffering from an ongoing upper respiratory tract infection (which is most common these days), she should be treated with proper antibiotics first. If the infection is controlled, then the condition will improve automatically.
4. As I previously told you, only nebulizer, will not reduce the infection. For reducing the infection azithromycin / amoxicillin group of antibiotics should be given.
5. You should not wait. Consult with a pediatrician in your locality or go to the Emergency of a hospital for a thorough clinical examination, observation, for administration of Oxygen, intravenous fluid if required, and an appropriate antibiotic according to her age and nebulization with non-steroidal agents. Nebulization with low dose steroid may be considered if the child do not respond to the above therapy.
Hope this information suffices. Let me know, if you have any more question.
Regards.
Thank you for asking a question.
Firstly, the symptoms you described indicates an ongoing upper breathing fast. But she should be clinically examined first.
I am giving the answers of your questions one by one.
1. As the child is 2.7 yrs old normal respiratory rate should be 20 – 30 breaths / min. so, according to this, the respiratory rate is increased.
2. You did not mention the type of nebulizer you are using. In the follow up question you can give me the name of the particular inhalation agent which will help me for giving more precise answers.
But from our clinical experience, most probably you are using a non-steroidal agent. You can use it even every 4 hourly.
3. Sometimes 4 hourly nebulization helps to improve the condition. If the child is suffering from an ongoing upper respiratory tract infection (which is most common these days), she should be treated with proper antibiotics first. If the infection is controlled, then the condition will improve automatically.
4. As I previously told you, only nebulizer, will not reduce the infection. For reducing the infection azithromycin / amoxicillin group of antibiotics should be given.
5. You should not wait. Consult with a pediatrician in your locality or go to the Emergency of a hospital for a thorough clinical examination, observation, for administration of Oxygen, intravenous fluid if required, and an appropriate antibiotic according to her age and nebulization with non-steroidal agents. Nebulization with low dose steroid may be considered if the child do not respond to the above therapy.
Hope this information suffices. Let me know, if you have any more question.
Regards.
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
