What Is A Nebulizer, And Why Are Inhaled Medications Preferred To Treat Asthma?

— -- Question: What is a nebulizer, and why are inhaled medications preferred to treat asthma?

Answer: A nebulizer is a type of machine that involves a compressor which turns a liquid into a mist which can then be inhaled into the lungs. Certain types of asthma medicines, including inhaled corticosteroids, or short-acting or long-acting bronchodilators, can be given by a nebulizer machine. Taking asthma medicines in an inhaled route is the best way to get the medicines right where they need to be used: in the lungs. When you take the medicine by mouth it has to be absorbed into the body and go throughout the blood system in order to be effective. When you inhale an asthma medicine it goes directly to the lungs which is what the problem is in asthma and it will be most effective.

Next: What Is A Rescue Medicine And When Is It Used To Treat Asthma?

Previous: What Is Peak Flow Monitoring, And Why Should I Monitor Peak Flows?