A nebulizer is a machine used to administer breathing treatments to asthmatics and others with serious breathing issues, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It works by converting a liquid medicine into a fine mist that is breathed in through a mouthpiece or mask. According to Drugs.com, the nebulizer consists of several parts. There is a motor that powers it and a compressor that makes the mist, as well as the mouthpiece or mask.
Nebulizer Compressor
The air compressor drives the nebulizer in order to produce a mist from a liquid form of the medicine. There are two types of nebulizer compressors, mechanical and ultrasonic. A mechanical compressor uses compressed air to make the mist while an ultrasonic compressor makes extremely high speed vibrations that converts the medication to a mist.
Oxygen Tubing
Oxygen tubing is needed in order for the mist to be delivered from the medicine cup to the breathing apparatus, according to Calder Med. One end of the tubing is attached to the compressor and the other end is attached to the medicine cup.
Medicine Cup
The medicine cup is a plastic container that holds the liquid medicine, notes the Cleveland Clinic. The top of the medicine cup is removable so that the pre-measured liquid medicine can be placed into the medicine cup, where it will be turned into a mist by the compressor.
Medication
Drugs.com reports that there are several different types of medication that can be used in a nebulizer. Bronchodilators, such as Albuterol, and also antibiotics, corticosteroids and prostanoids in liquid form can be used in a nebulizer. The medication can come in a pre-measured vial or in a larger bottle that is measured out by syringe or eyedropper. Some medications require the addition of sterile saline solution.
Mouthpiece or Mask
The medication is delivered into the mouth or nose to be breathed in via a plastic mouthpiece or mask placed in the mouth. A mouthpiece is generally used for adults and older children, while a mask is used for infants, young children and the infirm.
