What is a nebulizer?

A nebulizer is a device that delivers medication in a fine mist directly into the lungs. It helps deliver inhaled medications that treat the symptoms of certain respiratory conditions.

A health care provider will prescribe a nebulizer if medication needs to be inhaled into the lungs over a certain amount of time. A nebulizer is usually portable and can be plugged into any wall outlet. There are different types of nebulizers, and it’s important for anyone with a nebulizer to consult the package instructions to ensure they're using it as directed by the manufacturer.

Here, we’ll cover the different types of nebulizers, as well as what they’re used for.

In this article:

Types of nebulizers

There are several different brands of nebulizers, but they all fall into three categories:

• Jet nebulizers: Jet nebulizers can make smaller aerosol particles than mesh nebulizers, but they’re noisier, require extra tubes, and have longer treatments, running off compressed air.
• Mesh nebulizers: This type of nebulizer uses a fine mesh to turn medication into a mist. Mesh nebulizers come with a microchip that controls how much of the medication someone will get.
• Ultrasonic nebulizers: Medication in ultrasonic nebulizers becomes a mist from vibrations created by the nebulizer, though the droplets are larger than in other types. The machines are quieter, but they cost more.

How nebulizers work

Nebulizers turn liquid medication into a fine mist so a person can inhale it through a mask or a mouthpiece. The medication goes into the lungs to help treat certain respiratory conditions. The cost of a nebulizer is usually covered by insurance.

Uses of nebulizers

Nebulizers are used for people with lung conditions that require inhaling medication directly into the airway. A health care provider may recommend their patients use a nebulizer for certain health conditions:

• Asthma
• Bronchiectasis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Cystic fibrosis

Albuterol is a medication commonly used in nebulizer treatments and works by helping the muscles of the bronchi and trachea relax. It’s part of a class of medications known as bronchodilators. Bronchi are the breathing tubes that branch off the trachea — the windpipe — and bring oxygen to the lungs.

For the treatment of acute asthma attacks, two treatments are commonly used: ipratropium, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), along with albuterol, a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA). This is the preferred nebulizer medication to treat severe coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing and is popular worldwide. It may also be prescribed for home use in very severe cases.

Hypertonic saline is often prescribed to those with cystic fibrosis. It helps to clear mucus from the lungs and is given by a nebulizer.

Corticosteroids are another common breathing medication given by nebulizers, often used to control asthma symptoms. Budesonide is an FDA-approved treatment method for asthma.

Care and maintenance for a nebulizer

Refer to the nebulizer’s owner’s manual for cleaning, but in general, wash the medicine cup and the mouthpiece after each use with soapy water, rinse and let the parts air dry. 

Disinfect the nebulizer weekly following the device’s instructions. Don’t wash or disinfect the tubing. Replace parts such as the mouthpiece, medicine cup, mask and filter when they’re damaged or as directed by the owner’s manual. Regular maintenance can keep the machine running well.

Nebulizer versus inhaler

Inhalers are devices that a person can hold in their hand to inhale medication into the lungs. They’re the most common way that respiratory medications are inhaled into the body, and they’re generally quicker to administer than a nebulizer. 

But they have to be used correctly to get the full dose of medication. Albuterol is a common inhaled medication, but it’s only available with a prescription. 

On the other hand, nebulizers deliver medication over a longer period of time, are a larger device but may be easier to use, especially with children because there’s no special technique involved in breathing in the medication.

If a person has symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness, they should see a health care provider.

The bottom line

Nebulizers are portable devices used to deliver medications right to the lungs by turning liquid medication into a fine mist. They’re different from inhalers and can be beneficial to those who have certain respiratory conditions. 

Frequently asked questions

What exactly does a nebulizer do?

Nebulizers are used to help with breathing treatments for respiratory conditions. They deliver a liquid medication by turning it into an aerosol mist that a person can breathe in using a mask or mouthpiece to deliver medications directly to the lungs. 

What's the difference between a nebulizer and an inhaler?

Inhalers are smaller devices that deliver medication over a short period of time versus a larger nebulizer that delivers medication over 5 to 20 minutes.

What does a nebulizer do for the lungs?

Nebulizers deliver medication directly to the lungs by turning liquid medicine into a mist that can be inhaled easily.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.