A nebulizer, which is more commonly known to parents as a "breathing machine," includes an air compressor to deliver an aerosolized breathing treatment to your child with asthma.
Nebulizer machines are now commonly available in small, portable, hand-held versions, and some even come with batteries or car adapters.
They are especially helpful for younger children who are not able to use an inhaler or don't cooperate when using an inhaler with a spacer and mask.
The big downside to using a nebulizer is that a breathing treatment can take 5 to 10 minutes to complete, not including the time to wash the nebulizer, mask, mouthpiece, and tubing. On the other hand, it only takes 5 to 10 seconds to use an inhaler. Even if you have to use a spacer and mask with your child's inhaler, it should only take about 20 to 30 seconds to complete the treatment.
Still, a nebulizer can be effective. And many parents prefer using a nebulizer over their child's inhaler when he is having a severe asthma attack.
