Home > Medical Reference > Care Guides



How to use a nebulizer

Nebulizers can be used to treat asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other conditions where inhaled medicines are indicated. Nebulizers deliver a stream of medicated air to the lungs over a period of time.

Assemble the nebulizer according to its instructions. These are the basic steps:

  1. Connect the hose to an air compressor.
  2. Fill the medicine cup with your prescription.
  3. Attach the hose and mouthpiece to the medicine cup.
  4. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth. Breathe through your mouth until all the medicine is used. (Often this takes about 10 - 15 minutes). Some people use a nose clip to help them breathe only through the mouth. Others prefer to use a mask.
  5. Wash the medicine cup and mouthpiece with water, and air-dry until your next treatment.

Main Menu

Review Date: 5/16/2007
Reviewed By: Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine; Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc.


A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com