What Is a Nebulizer?

A Nebulizer changes medication from a

liquid to a mist so you can inhale it into your lungs.
Nebulizers come in the home (tabletop) and portable models. Home nebulizers are larger,

and you have to plug them into an electrical outlet. Portable nebulizers run on batteries,

or you can plug them into a car outlet. Some are only a bit bigger than a deck of cards, so

you can carry them in a bag or briefcase.
You may need a doctor's prescription for a nebulizer, or you can get one at your

pediatrician’s office. Many people also get breathing treatments at their doctor’s

office.
Home nebulizers cost about $50 and up, plus the cost of accessories. Portable

nebulizers usually cost a little more.
Types of Nebulizers
There are three main types of nebulizers:
Jet. This uses compressed gas to make an aerosol (tiny particles of medication

in the air).
Ultrasonic. This makes an aerosol through high-frequency vibrations. The

particles are larger than with a jet nebulizer.
Mesh. Liquid passes through a very fine mesh to form the aerosol. This kind of

nebulizer puts out the smallest particles. It is also the most expensive.
Compressor

Nebulizers – Compressor nebulizers are powered by a compressed gas that flows at

high velocity through the liquid medicine to turn it into aerosol form. These are less

expensive and offer a range of particle sizes output. Also known as tabletop nebulizers,

they are heavy and are not meant to be carried around. They may be more suitable for those

who prefer stationary use. They require an electric outlet for operation and have a

tendency to be a little noisy.
Talk to your doctor about whether a mouthpiece or a mask is right for you or your

child. Face masks, which fit over the nose and mouth, are often better for children under 5

because they breathe through their nose more than older children and adults do.
Why Might You Use a Nebulizer?
Cartoon

Nebulizer For Kids are especially good for infants or small children asthma

medications. They are are also helpful when you have trouble using an asthma inhaler or

need a large dose of an inhaled medication.
Nebulized therapy is often called a breathing treatment. You can use

Adult Nebulizers with a

variety of medications, both for controlling asthma symptoms and for relief right away.
A nebulizer is a piece of medical equipment that a person with asthma or another

respiratory condition can use to administer medication directly and quickly to the lungs.
A Medical Nebulizer

turns liquid medicine into a very fine mist that a person can inhale through a face mask or

mouthpiece. Taking medicine this way allows it to go straight into the lungs and the

respiratory system where it is needed.
Although your health care provider will recommend a suitable nebulizer for your

medication administration, you may still have choices when it comes to brand, size, or

maximum input of medication. If you’ve decided that using a nebulizer for respiratory

treatment is right for you or a loved one then here are some guides in finding a nebulizer

that should work for you.
Compatibility with the medical condition
The choice of the Aerosol

Nebulizer should be tailored to your condition. Different diseases require different

interventions. Upper respiratory diseases such as the common cold may require larger

particle size while lower respiratory diseases as COPD require smaller particle size. For

example, compressor nebulizer offers a range of particle size while mesh nebulizer offers

consistent particle size.
Meanwhile, the patients suffering from multiple respiratory diseases, a nebulizer that

delivers different, adjustable particle sizes will be a convenient solution. Ask your

healthcare provider for a suitable nebulizer recommendation that delivers the right

particle size for your underlying condition.
Efficiency of device
Your healthcare provider will recommend a Home Portable Nebulizer that is most

efficient for your use. Know that certain medications work best with specific types of

nebulizers, and some medications (such as medications that are more viscous) have

limitations for which nebulizers they can be used with. Also, keep in mind that the therapy

is only effective if the device is operated correctly. Make sure your ability to use the

nebulizer is assessed by a competent healthcare professional. If you are unable to use the

device properly, discuss with your healthcare provider for an alternative. If your child is

using the nebulizer, ensure that your health care provider periodically reviews to ensure

the most appropriate aerosol device is being used as your child grows.