A nebulizer converts liquid medicine, purified water or saline solution into droplets as a mist that are inhaled through a mask or mouthpiece that covers both the mouth and nose. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), nebulizers release a stream of medicated air to the lungs.
Nebulizers commonly contain medications called bronchodilators (albuterol, for example) that work by relaxing muscles in the airways, improving air flow to the lungs and helping to open up air passages. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), nebulizers are used to treat asthma, bronchitis and other conditions that obstruct breathing.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of lung diseases, including chronic and acute bronchitis, that restrict airflow and make breathing increasingly difficult. UMMC says bronchitis develops when air passages in the lungs become inflamed. Bronchodilators administered through a nebulizer can help make breathing easier.
Emphysema
Emphysema is another COPD that obstructs breathing. According to the NIH, emphysema harms the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, which prevents your body from getting the oxygen it needs. The symptoms of this COPD include a persistent cough and difficulty catching your breath. People who suffer from emphysema may find that breathing is easier when they use nebulizers. The Mayo Clinic says bronchodilators can help relieve breathing difficulties and the coughing associated with emphysema.
Asthma
Asthma occurs when the air passages in your lungs narrow and become inflamed. This prompts your airways to produce additional mucus that further restricts your airways. Although asthma is a chronic and incurable condition, it can be managed. The most frequently used medication to control the symptoms of asthma are inhaled corticosteroids including fluticasone (Flovent Diskus) and beclomethasone (Qvar). Nebulizers provide a stream of medicated air to the lungs.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a nebulizer is usually prescribed for infants, young children and very ill people who require larger doses of asthma medication but are unable to use an inhaler.
