A nebulizer is a piece of medical equipment that a person with asthma or another respiratory condition can use to administer medication directly and quickly to the lungs. A nebulizer turns liquid medicine into a very fine mist that a person can inhale through a nebulizer mask or mouthpiece.

Doctors typically prescribe nebulizers to people with lung disorders like asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis.

In general, a nebulizer is very easy to use, with only a few basic steps:

1. Wash the hands.
2. Add the medicine to the medicine cup, according to the doctor’s prescription.
3. Assemble the top piece, tubing, mask, and mouthpiece.
4. Attach the tubing to the machine, according to the instructions.
5. Turn the nebulizer on; they can be battery- or electrically powered.
6. While using the nebulizer, hold the mouthpiece and medicine cup upright to help deliver all the medication.
7. Take slow, deep breaths through the mouthpiece and inhale all the medicine.

It is advisable to speak with the doctor or call the manufacturer with any questions or concerns about the device.