Nebulisation, Nasal Wash & Suction

Supportive Respiratory Care for Babies and Children

Cough, wheezing, nasal congestion and thick mucus can make it difficult for young children to breathe, feed and sleep comfortably. Babies may be particularly affected because they are not able to blow their noses or clear mucus as effectively as older children.

We provide supportive respiratory care following a clinical assessment by the doctor. The appropriate treatment depends on the child’s age, symptoms, breathing pattern, oxygen level and likely underlying condition.

Nebulisation

A nebuliser converts liquid medication into a fine mist that can be inhaled through a mask or mouthpiece. This allows prescribed medication to be delivered directly into the airways.

Nebulisation may be considered for selected children with symptoms such as:

• Wheezing

• Tight or narrowed airways

• Difficulty breathing associated with certain respiratory conditions

• An acute episode in a child with a known respiratory condition

• Symptoms that require inhaled medication under medical supervision

Nebulisation is not automatically required for every cough or cold. The doctor will first assess your child to determine whether inhaled medication is appropriate. The medication used and the need for repeated treatment will depend on the clinical findings.

During treatment, your child’s breathing, response and general condition may be monitored. Further assessment or hospital referral may be advised if the response is inadequate or if there are signs of a more serious respiratory illness.

Nasal Wash and Suction

Thick nasal mucus can make feeding and sleeping difficult, especially in babies and younger children. A gentle nasal wash may help loosen thick mucus, while suction can assist in removing secretions that the child is unable to clear independently.

Nasal wash and suction may be considered when a child has:

• Significant nasal congestion

• Thick or difficult-to-clear mucus

• Feeding difficulty caused by a blocked nose

• Disturbed sleep due to congestion

• Upper-airway secretions that require gentle clearing

• Nasal blockage associated with a respiratory infection

The procedure is performed carefully according to the child’s age and condition. Some temporary discomfort or crying may occur, but the aim is to make breathing and feeding more comfortable.

Suction is supportive care and does not treat the underlying viral or bacterial infection. The doctor may recommend additional treatment, monitoring or follow-up depending on the cause and severity of the symptoms.

What to Expect During the Visit

Before treatment, the doctor may assess:

• Breathing rate and effort

• Oxygen saturation

• Wheezing or other breathing sounds

• Hydration and feeding

• Fever and associated symptoms

• Duration and progression of the illness

• Previous respiratory or allergy history

Not every child with phlegm, cough or nasal congestion will require nebulisation or suction. Treatment is provided only when clinically appropriate.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention

Seek urgent care if your child is breathing very quickly, pulling in under the ribs, grunting, unable to feed or speak comfortably, developing blue or grey colouring, having pauses in breathing, or becoming unusually drowsy or difficult to wake.

If your baby or child is wheezing, breathing noisily or struggling with thick mucus, arrange a paediatric assessment so that the most appropriate respiratory support can be determined.