What is the purpose of a nebulizer?

The purpose of a nebulizer is to turn liquid medicine into a fine mist to treat asthma, according to Healthline. The medical device uses an air compressor to deliver the medicine through a tube to the lungs, without the need to take a deep breath.

Nebulizers deliver the same types of asthma medication as regular inhalers, but are easier to use, notes Healthline. Nebulizers works for adults with severe asthma, and for infants and small children who are too young to properly use inhalers.

Nebulizers can also help when a large dose of inhaled medication needs to be delivered for immediate relief or maintenance of asthma, reports WebMD. Some doctors use a breathing treatment known as nebulized therapy.