Because you have asthma, COPD, or another lung disease, your health care provider has prescribed medicine that you need to take using a nebulizer. A nebulizer is a small machine that turns liquid medicine into a mist. You sit with the machine and breathe in through a connected mouthpiece.

What does a nebulizer treatment do?

A nebulizer changes liquid medicine into fine droplets (in aerosol or mist form) that are inhaled through a mouthpiece or mask. Nebulizers can be used to deliver bronchodilator (airway-opening) medications such as albuterol, Xopenex or Pulmicort (steroid).

Why nebulization is given?

The role of a nebulizer is to quickly provide your lungs with medication, something that an inhaler may not be able to do as well. Nebulizers work with your natural breathing, so they may be ideal for people who have difficulty using inhalers, such as babies and small children.