A nebulizer is a small home device that aerosolizes medication so children can inhale it directly into their lungs.
Nebulizers are commonly used to treat wheezing, often related to viral illnesses or asthma, using medications like albuterol or inhaled corticosteroids.
While nebulizer machines can be purchased over the counter, the medications require a prescription.
Using a nebulizer without medication offers limited benefit, as saline mist does not treat wheezing symptoms.
Studies show that inhalers with proper technique and spacers are just as effective as nebulizers and deliver medication more quickly, leading many hospitals to prefer inhalers.
