A nebuliser is a machine that turns liquid medicine into a fine mist. You then breathe in the mist through a mask or mouthpiece. A nebuliser comes in four parts:
- a small plastic container (the nebuliser chamber)
- an air compressor (the nebuliser machine)
- a length of air tubing
- a facemask, or a mouthpiece.
The compressor forces air through the liquid medicine that sits in the chamber. This turns the liquid medicine into a fine mist. The mist is breathed in through the facemask or mouthpiece, through the connecting tube.
You may use a nebuliser to inhale medication to clear your airways or to treat infections:
- in an emergency, if you are struggling to breathe and need a high dose of your reliever medicine – paramedics or hospital staff may give you reliver medicine through a nebuliser.
- at home if your condition is very severe, and you are unable to use an inhaler or inhalers are not as effective as nebulised medicine.
- if you can’t use an inhaler because of another health condition, such as arthritis. Nebulisers are also used for babies and very small children.
For most people with lung conditions, especially for people living with COPD and asthma, using a handheld inhaler is easier and just as effective, especially if used with a spacer. But if you live with certain lung conditions, like cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis, your health care professional may arrange for you to use a nebuliser at home
