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

Dr. Cori Daines answers the question: 'What Is A Nebulizer?'

ByABC News
May 15, 2008, 2:31 PM

— -- 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.

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