Nebulized inhalation solutions are an effective way to administer inhaled medications. Many medications are in this form, including rapid-acting bronchodilators, long-term bronchodilators, and both corticosteroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Home nebulizers are usually a small, portable air compressor, not oxygen powered. Some patients may use a single medication while others may use more than one medication in separate doses or mixture of multiple medications.

Home users may have the disposable nebulizers as are used in the medical/EMS setting, while frequent users may utilize reusable nebulizers. Below is a sampling of the types of nebulizers and nebulized medications. Click on the item for more information.

Home "Compressors"for Nebulizers
These units run off 110 vac and actually just compress air to provide pressurized room are to activate the nebulizer.

Disposable Nebulizers

Most commonly used on EMS units and in medical settings as single-use disposable items. They are also used in home settings and patients do clean and reuse them. Though inexpensive, the cost does add up for the patient on multiple "breathing treatments" (doses) per day.

Blow-By Nebulizers
Blow-by units, such as the KidO2's illustrated at right are intended to provide nebulized medications to infants without the trauma of using a mask. They are also useful as a way to administer blow-by oxygen to infants without using the nebulizer. The bear is a squeaker-toy, and may be helpful in attracting the infant's attention to it so the baby will turn their head towards the oxygen/nebulizer outlet.