Nebulizers are a device which turns liquid medicine into a vapour which can be sent into the lungs through a mouthpiece. People who are coping with lung problems such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other respiratory diseases are often prescribed a nebulizer as part of their treatment. The most common use of the nebulizer is for the treatment of asthma patients.

To manage mild to moderately severe asthma, most asthma patients use inhalers. However, a small fraction of asthma sufferers need to use the nebulizer at some point. Usually it is needed to treat very acute asthma, and then usually for a short time only.

The people who commonly use nebulisers are people with chronic respiratory diseases who get better results using it, usually adults and older people. There are also those for whom medicine must be nebulised, such as people who have cystic fibrosis. And of course, there are those with disabilities who may have difficulty managing handheld inhalers or may not be able to use them at all.

Nebulisers can only be purchased when prescribed by a doctor. Patients must be careful when using them and make sure to clean them regularly.