Enf.ª Nádia Francisco

Nurse Specialist in Child Health and Paediatric 

The use of soap bubbles  for pain management during invasive and non-invasive procedures

HPA Magazine 24 // 2025

In the field of paediatric nursing, pain management and anxiety reduction in children during invasive and non-invasive procedures are crucial components of care.
In both routine and emergency settings, children often experience fear, anxiety, and discomfort, which can make it difficult for them to cooperate with healthcare professionals and increase their perception of pain. In the paediatric setting, distraction techniques such as blowing bubbles have proven to be simple yet extremely effective strategies for mitigating these emotional and physical challenges, providing immediate relief and long-term benefits.

Bubble distraction involves using a bubble blower during invasive and non-invasive procedures to divert the child's attention from the discomfort and stress inherent in the procedure. The visual, tactile, and auditory stimuli provided by blowing and watching the bubbles float create a calming environment, helping children to relax and redirect their focus. This technique has been shown to be effective in reducing heart and respiratory rates, decreasing perceived pain levels, and alleviating anxiety in children.
By giving children, a sense of control and involvement in a positive activity, bubble distraction promotes a more peaceful experience, improving their emotional and psychological well-being.
Bubble distraction is not only clinically effective but also cost-effective. Its implementation requires few resources and is easy to execute, making it accessible to healthcare professionals in various settings, including hospitals, emergency departments, outpatient clinics, and even non-clinical settings such as schools and summer camps. Research suggests that children who experience decreased anxiety and pain through distraction techniques are less likely to need additional interventions and may have faster recovery times with fewer adverse effects.
In paediatric emergency departments, where children may experience acute pain or anxiety due to injury or illness, bubble distraction constitutes a non-pharmacological method for pain control and can be combined with other pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. Studies show that distraction with bubbles significantly reduces children's anxiety before and during procedures, making them calmer, more collaborative and consequently less likely to experience fear and distress, which positively impacts the care experience, increasing its effectiveness.
 

In addition to the immediate physical benefits, bubble distraction also plays an important role in building trust and empathy between healthcare professionals and children. Positive interactions during procedures help reduce a child's fear of future appointments, contributing to better long-term adherence to health care and better health outcomes. As children become more comfortable with the healthcare environment, their overall experience becomes more enjoyable for both the child and the healthcare professional.
The versatility of bubble distraction is another of its benefits.
This technique can be used during a wide range of procedures, from blood draws to more complex interventions, making it a valuable tool in both acute and non-acute settings.
In emergencies, where traditional pain relief methods may not be immediately available or suitable, bubble distraction offers a quick and effective solution to mitigate pain and discomfort.
Thus, the use of bubble distraction in the paediatric setting, especially during painful or anxiety-inducing invasive procedures, is an invaluable method for managing pain and emotional stress. This technique is easy to implement, affordable, and supported by scientific evidence that proves its ability to reduce anxiety, improve paediatric client compliance, and enrich children's overall healthcare experience. By incorporating bubble distraction into both routine and emergency paediatric care, healthcare professionals can foster a positive and reassuring environment, improving physical and emotional outcomes for children and youth.