Nebulizers are well known to asthma patients and many allergy sufferers. A nebulizer is a machine that processes liquid medications into fine-mist aerosols that can be inhaled.

While some asthmatics rely only on inhalers for the delivery of directly inhaled steroids and other asthma medicines, a large percentage of asthmatics use a nebulizer to deliver medical solutions. For many, a nebulizer offers the most direct, effective means of medicating during asthmatic episodes; the result is fast-acting, lasting asthma relief.

A nebulizer machine is a highly effective tool for any asthma patient; in particular, children and the elderly, as well as arthritis sufferers, benefit from medication delivery using a nebulizer where treatments are delivered through nebulizer masks during normal breathing. There are no difficult inhaler pumps to manage or tricky breath-inhaler timing to coordinate.

In the past, there have been just a few disadvantages of using nebulizers.

For one, traditional nebulizers are fairly large, noisy machines that require access to electrical outlets. Manufacturers have solved this dilemma by designing portable nebulizers. A small, handheld, portable nebulizer is battery operated and can fit in a small purse, backpack, sports bag, or carrying case. For users of nebulizers, portable options open up a world of freedom and treatment options.

Another disadvantage for some is that delivery of medications through a jet nebulizer can be somewhat time consuming. Traditional systems may take as long as ten to fifteen minutes to complete a treatment. This is not a problem for some asthma patients, especially those using nebulizers only at home, but for active people, adults at work or children at school and sports events, the long delivery time can be constricting. The answer to this problem is an ultrasonic nebulizer. An ultrasonic nebulizer can deliver a treatment in as little as six minutes. Having such a range of nebulizer choices is a great boost to asthma patients. When breathing depends on a regular medication such as Xopenex, continuous nebulizer mists offer long-lasting relief and allow asthma patients to remain active in all their favored and necessary activities.

The cost of an ultrasonic nebulizer, which may or may not be covered by insurances, may make purchasing the more convenient, faster-acting machine something that requires weighing cost versus benefit. However, a number of medical supply companies, especially online, offer discounts on nebulizers if patients and/or parents take the time to shop around.

Nebulizers have grown from, and evolved into, an impressive compilation of shared-technology. Glass nebulizer capillaries have been used for scientific chemical exploration and artistic means such as glass blowing; and the same machines that bring humans fast breathing relief are being used in the field of veterinary medicine. Animal nebulizers deliver asthma medications to cats and dogs, even horses. An equine nebulizer straps right over the horse’s nose and mouth, making it possible for them to breathe, run, and enjoy life again.

Nebulizers are just one delivery system for asthma medications, but are valued for their direct-delivery capabilities, natural action, and ease of use. For many an asthma patient, a nebulizer system is the absolute best medication delivery option.