What is a nebulizer primarily used for?

A nebulizer is primarily used to turn liquid medication into a fine mist, allowing it to be inhaled directly into the lungs. This method is particularly effective for delivering respiratory medications, such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids, which can help individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Inhalation therapy via a nebulizer ensures that the medication reaches the airways quickly and efficiently, as the fine mist can penetrate deep into the lungs where it is most needed. This delivery system is advantageous for patients who may have difficulty using metered-dose inhalers or who require larger doses of medication than what can be delivered via inhalers.

Other options, such as inhaling solid medications or administering oral medications, are not applicable to the function of a nebulizer. Similarly, a nebulizer does not dispense pills, which are an entirely different form of medication delivery. The design and purpose of a nebulizer are specifically tailored to aerosolize liquid medications, making the ability to transform these liquids into a breathable mist its primary function.