Pernasal application of aerosol medication

Abstract

Methods for delivering medication to an infant using a nasal mask and infant soother device, e.g., a pacifier. The nasal mask is drawn into sealing contact with the infant's face as the baby sucks on the soother device. The medication is delivered to a small dead space created by the mask for inhalation by the infant.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . The method of treating with aerosol medication babies and infants which comprises treating the baby or infant to produce a state of contentment in the body of said baby or infant, placing a mask over the nose of the baby or infant, and introducing air and aerosol medication into said mask.  
     
     
         2 . The method of treating with aerosol medication babies and infants as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the step of inducing a state of relaxation in the baby comprises placing a nipple in the mouth of the baby or infant.  
     
     
         3 . The method of treating with aerosol medication babies and infants as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the step of placing a mask over the baby's nose comprises a mask which is about the size and only slightly larger than the baby's nose.  
     
     
         4 . Apparatus for treating with aerosol medication babies and infants which comprises a device which gives a state of contentment in the body of a baby or infant, a mask to be placed over the nose of a baby or infant, and means for introducing a mixture of air and aerosolized medication into said mask.  
     
     
         5 . Apparatus as set forth in  claim 3  and further including a holder for a baby bottle.  
     
     
         6 . Apparatus as set forth in  claim 3  and further including a holder for air and medication on which the mask is mounted.  
     
     
         7 . Apparatus as set forth in  claim 7  which includes an integral medical holder and spaced nipple holder molded as a unit from rubber or plastic.  
     
     
         8 . Apparatus as set forth in  claim 7  which includes an integral nose mask surrounding from the medical holder and extending therefrom, and an outer face mask surrounding said nose mask.  
     
     
         9 . Apparatus as set forth in  claim 3  and further including a mediation container on which the mask is mounted.  
     
     
         10 . Apparatus as set forth in  claim 5  and further including a cylindrical holder for air and medication on which the mask is mounted.  
     
     
         11 . Apparatus as set forth in  claim 4  and further including a holder for a medication container on which the mask is mounted, said holder including a body having aligned holes for receiving said container, and a set screw bearing against the side of said container.  
     
     
         12 . Apparatus for inhaling aerosolized medication as set forth in  claim 4  which includes a baby bottle with a nipple, and a holder for said baby bottle and nipple including a device with a pair of spaced holes in it and a set screw arranged transversely of said holes.  
     
     
         13 . Apparatus as set forth in  claim 4  wherein the device which gives a state of contentment in the body comprises a baby bottle with a nipple and said mask comprises an aerosolized chamber with air and medication which comprises a chamber for holding said medication chamber and a baby bottle comprising a front wall and a back wall, means for maintaining said front wall and said back wall substantially parallel, a pair of substantially aligned holes in said front wall and said back wall to hold said medication chamber, a second pair of substantially aligned holes in said front wall and said back wall to hold said medication chamber, a second pair of substantially aligned holes in said front wall and said back wall for holding a baby bottle, and means for insuring said baby bottle and said medication chamber stay in said pairs of substantially aligned holes.  
     
     
         14 . Apparatus as set forth in  claim 13  including a pair of set screws respectively arranged transversely of said pairs of holes.  
     
     
         15 . Apparatus as set forth in  claim 13  and further including rubber-like rings about said holes to maintain said medication chamber and said baby bottle and the permit them to be pushed somewhat aside.  
     
     
         16 . Apparatus for treating with aerosol medication babies and infants which includes a nursing nipple having a chamber for holding milk, a back wall for holding milk in said chamber, a hold in said wall for admitting milk to said chamber, and a closure member for said hole for retaining milk in chamber.  
     
     
         17 . Apparatus for treating with an aerosol medication as set forth in  claim 16  including a member on said chamber for passing milk from said chamber upon sucking on said member by said baby or infant.  
     
     
         18 . Apparatus for treating with an aerosol medication as set forth in  claim 16  and including means for holding said nipple and an aeorchamber for medicine to be inhaled.