Category
Respiratory Therapy
Typical Use
Deliver aerosolized medications to the airways.
Description
A device that converts liquid medication into a fine aerosol for inhalation, enabling delivery of bronchodilators, corticosteroids, or mucolytics directly to the lower airways for treatment of asthma, COPD, and other respiratory conditions. Nebulizers are used in emergency departments, inpatient wards, and home care, and can be driven by compressed air, ultrasonic vibration, or mesh technology to produce consistent particle sizes for deposition in the bronchial tree. Proper mouthpiece or mask fit, medication preparation, and cleaning between uses are important to ensure effective dosing and to prevent infection transmission. Nebulizer therapy is particularly useful for patients unable to coordinate inhaler use or who require higher dose or continuous aerosol delivery.