---
title: "What is a Nebuliser?"  
description: "What is a nebulizer? A nebulizer is a device that turns a liquid medicine into a fine mist. Then breathe through a mist mask or mouthpiece. The nebuli"  
author: "Niyati Thole"  
published: 2022-09-28  
canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/blog/301131/what-is-a-nebuliser  
category: "health care"  
tags: ["health", "hospitals"]  
reading_time: 3 minutes  

---

# What is a Nebuliser?

### What is a nebulizer?

A nebulizer is a device that turns liquid medicine into a fine mist. Then breathe through a mist mask or mouthpiece. The nebulizer consists of four parts.

- Small plastic [container](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/159610/how-to-connect-a-windows-container-to-a-service-running-on-localhost) (nebulizer chamber)
- Air compressor (nebulizer)
- pie ce of the air pipe
- face mask or mouthpiece.

The compressor drives the air through the chemical liquid in the chamber. This turns the liquid medicine into a fine mist. The mist is inhaled through a mask or mouthpiece through a connecting tube.

### What are nebulizers used for?

Many people use a manual [inhaler](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/301019/what-is-steam-inhalation) to get their over-the-counter inhalers.

You can use a nebulizer to inhale the medicine to clear your airways or treat infections.

In an emergency, if you have trouble [breathing](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/299751/what-causes-breathing-problems) and need a larger dose of rescue medicine, paramedics or hospital staff can give you the medicine through a nebulizer. At home, if your condition is so bad that you cannot use an inhaler, or if your inhaler is not as effective as nebulized medicine.

If you cannot use your inhaler because of another [medical condition](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/36444/what-s-the-weirdest-medical-condition-you-ve-ever-heard-of), such as arthritis. Nebulizers are also used for babies and very young children.

For most people with lung disease, especially those with COPD and [asthma](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/299763/types-of-asthma), manual inhalers are easy to use and effective, especially when used intermittently. But if you live with certain lung conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis, your doctor may recommend using a nebulizer at home.

### What are the different types of nebulizers?

There are several types of nebulizers. The two most common are:

**Ultrasonic Nebulizer:** Uses high-frequency vibrations to create an aerosol. Ultrasound nebulizers can be [expensive](https://www.mindstick.com/interview/94/why-can-a-group-by-or-order-by-clause-be-expensive-to-process) and are not typically used outside of hospitals.

**Jet Nebulizer:** Uses compressed gas to create an aerosol. Jet nebulizers are the most widely used type of nebulizer.

Nebulizer medications are usually administered through a mask. For some people taking certain medications, the use of an oral mask is recommended. This is because the drug can prevent [possible side](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/36197/what-are-the-possible-side-effects-of-drinking-water-first-thing-in-morning) effects if it comes into contact with the eyes or skin. The oral cavity may be the best way to release the maximum amount of medication. For example, if you have bronchiectasis, you may need to give your lungs a lot of salines to clear the mucus. If you are not sure whether to use a mask or a mouthpiece with your nebulizer, talk to your [healthcare](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/239159/the-many-ways-in-which-telemedicine-has-transformed-healthcare) provider.

---

Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/blog/301131/what-is-a-nebuliser

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