Saunders Respiratory Practice

The purpose of a nebulizer is to administer aerosolized medication into the respiratory tract. Nebulizers convert liquid medication into a mist that can be inhaled directly into the lungs, allowing for rapid absorption and localized treatment of respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other lung diseases. This method is particularly beneficial for patients who may have difficulty using inhalers due to age, coordination issues, or severity of their conditions, as it provides a means of delivering medication effectively and reliably.

The advantages of this method of delivery include the ability to administer large doses of medication in a form that is easy to inhale, thereby increasing the efficacy of the treatment. It enables the medication to work quickly by reaching the respiratory tissues directly, which is essential for conditions that require prompt relief of symptoms or control of inflammation.