A nebulizer changes medication from a liquid to a mist so you can inhale it into your lungs. Nebulizers are especially good for infants’ or small children’s asthma medications. They’re are also helpful when you have trouble using an asthma inhaler or need a large dose of an inhaled medication. Typically, nebulizers come in both electric or battery-run versions, and are either portable (so you can carry with you) or meant to sit on a table and plug into a wall. Both versions of nebulizers are made up of:
a base that holds an air compressor
a small container for liquid medication
a tube that connects the air compressor to the medication container
Above the medication container is a mouthpiece or mask you use to inhale the mist.
A nebulizer is helpful for a variety of conditions, including:
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
asthma
bronchiectasis
cystic fibrosis
pulmonary fibrosis
Nebulizers are also a helpful way to deliver medication during palliative care and to very young children.