Acelleron Medical Products

Category: Respiratory

  • Using Your Nebulizer During Cold and Flu Season: Tips for Parents

    Using Your Nebulizer During Cold and Flu Season: Tips for Parents

    As the weather cools and germs start making the rounds, many families prepare for what’s often called “respiratory season.” Between colds, flu, and other viruses, this time of year can bring extra challenges for little ones, especially those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

    That’s why it’s so important to make sure your child’s nebulizer is ready before the sniffles or coughs start showing up. Being prepared helps take some of the worry out of those long nights or last-minute sick days. Having your equipment ready and understanding how to use it means you can focus on helping your little one rest and recover comfortably when those moments come.

    Why Use a Nebulizer During Cold and Flu Season?

    When a child is congested, coughing, or wheezing, it can be hard for them to take deep breaths or use an inhaler correctly. A nebulizer is a small machine that turns liquid medication into a fine mist that’s easy to inhale through a mask or mouthpiece, helping the medicine reach deep into the lungs

    For kids who struggle with colds, flu, or asthma flare-ups, nebulizer treatments can help open the airways, reduce inflammation, and make breathing feel more comfortable. It’s a gentle, effective way to deliver medication right where it’s needed, especially when symptoms are more intense or your child isn’t feeling well.

    If you’re unsure whether a nebulizer is right for your child during cold and flu season, check with their healthcare provider. They can recommend the best treatment plan and frequency based on your child’s symptoms and medical history.

    How to Prepare and Stay Ahead

    Getting organized before symptoms start can make a huge difference. Here are a few ways to stay ready:

    • Check your equipment early. Make sure your nebulizer, tubing, and medication cups are clean to prevent bacteria buildup and that everything is working properly.
    • Order replacement parts in advance. Insurance often covers new parts every six months. Don’t wait until you need them.
    • Keep area clean. Wipe down the nebulizer compressor machine and nearby surfaces before and after each use to reduce germ spread. After each treatment, rinse the mask or mouthpiece and medication cup with warm, soapy water, then let them air dry.
    • Create a calm environment. A favorite show, book, or stuffed animal can help your child feel more comfortable during treatments.

    Need a quick refresher on setup and cleaning? Check out our blog, A Parent’s Guide to Nebulizer Support: Caring Through Every Season, which walks through those simple steps in detail.

    Supporting Healthy Habits at Home

    Once your nebulizer is ready, keeping up with small, everyday habits can make a big difference in how your child feels throughout the season. While we can’t control every germ that comes our way, simple routines can help support recovery and overall well-being.

    • Wash hands often, especially before and after treatments
    • Use a humidifier to keep airways from drying out
    • Stay up to date on flu shots and recommended vaccines
    • Avoid smoke, strong scents, and allergens that can worsen symptoms
    • Stay current with provider recommendations for medications or treatment frequency during flare-ups
    • Keep your child hydrated – warm fluids like soup or tea can help soothe the throat

    Being proactive helps you feel more prepared and helps your child feel more comfortable, even when symptoms pop up unexpectedly.

    When to Reach Out for Medical Care

    Even with regular nebulizer treatments, some symptoms may need a provider’s attention. Contact your child’s doctor if you notice:

    • Persistent wheezing or coughing that doesn’t improve
    • Breathing that looks labored or unusually fast
    • Bluish lips or fingertips
    • Difficulty speaking or staying awake
    • Symptoms that worsen despite regular medication

    If your child is struggling to breathe or you notice bluish skin, seek emergency care right away. Trust your instincts. You know your child best. Acting early can make a big difference and help your child get the care they need to start feeling better.

    A Breath of Support

    At Acelleron, we understand how much effort goes into keeping your child healthy through every season. Our respiratory care team is here to support you with nebulizers through insurance, replacement supplies, and educational resources to make daily care easier.

    To learn more, watch our step-by-step tutorial on how to use the Drive JetNeb Nebulizer System on our YouTube channel, or visit acelleron.com/nebulizers.

  • A Parent’s Guide to Nebulizer Support: Caring Through Every Season

    A Parent’s Guide to Nebulizer Support: Caring Through Every Season

    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.