Nebulizers and inhalers are used to deliver medications for asthma and COPD. While both are effective, improper inhaler techniques can prevent you from getting the right amount of medication.

If you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you may need breathing treatments to help you breathe freely.

An inhaler is a handheld device that stores medication in a pressurized canister. It releases the medication in aerosol form into your mouth. There are also nasal inhalers that release medication into your nose.

A nebulizer uses an air compressor to turn medication into a fine mist that you inhale through a face mask. Some nebulizers need to be plugged in, while others are portable and run on batteries.

While many respiratory conditions respond well to both inhalers and nebulizers, some may do better with one or the other.

Asthma treatment usually has two parts:

  • fast-acting medication for flare-ups
  • preventive treatments to avoid flare-ups

The most common medication used to treat asthma is albuterol. This short-acting drug provides almost instant relief during an asthma attack. It can be delivered through an inhaler or a nebulizer.

Nebulizers and asthma

Nebulizer treatments usually require you to wear a mask for 5 to 10 minutes.

During this time, you just need to sit still. This might be a problem for small children who have trouble staying still. If they don’t sit still or keep the mask on long enough, they may not get all the medication they need.

Inhalers and asthma

It takes under 30 seconds to use an inhaler. They’re also smaller, easier to transport, and don’t need electricity.

However, studies have found that up to 90% of people with asthma are not using their inhalers correctly. This means not getting the right dose of medication.

Incorrect inhaler use can be fixed with spacers, which are long plastic tubes that hold the medication after it’s been pumped. The medication stays in the spacer until you’re ready to inhale.

Inhaler treatments may also be less expensive than nebulizer treatments.

Other asthma treatments

In addition to inhalers and nebulizers, there are several other treatment options for asthma. For allergy-related asthma, allergy medications such as antihistamines and decongestants may help.

For serious cases of asthma, you may need bronchial thermoplasty. This treatment involves your doctor heating the inside of the lungs’ airways with an electrode to limit their ability to tighten.

Breathing exercises and natural remedies may also provide relief. Natural remedies include:

It’s important to talk with your doctor before starting any new treatment, even if it’s a natural treatment.

It’s also important to keep in mind that natural treatments are not a substitute for inhaled treatments, and there’s little research on their efficacy.

COPD is a group of inflammatory lung diseases that restrict airflow to the lungs. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are two common types of COPD.

Bronchodilators and corticosteroids are two common breathing treatments for COPD. Bronchodilators help open airways, while corticosteroids reduce inflammation. They are often used together in COPD treatment.

Both bronchodilators and corticosteroids can be taken through either an inhaler or nebulizer.

A 2020 study found that individuals with stable COPD may benefit from receiving medication through a nebulizer, especially if they’re not using their inhalers correctly.

According to the study, compared with using an inhaler, using a nebulizer may improve:

  • symptom relief
  • quality of life
  • treatment satisfaction

Other treatments for COPD include:

  • lung therapies, such as oxygen therapy
  • pulmonary rehabilitation programs
  • surgery in some severe cases

Pneumonia is a lung infection that’s caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

While most cases of pneumonia can be treated with rest, antibiotics, or over-the-counter medications, some cases require hospitalization.

If you’re hospitalized with pneumonia, you might receive a breathing treatment through a nebulizer.

When choosing a breathing treatment, work with your doctor to find something that will suit your condition and personal preferences.

It’s important to consider the side effects, maintenance requirements, and effectiveness of each treatment option.

Side effects

Breathing treatment side effects are usually related to the medication, rather than the method used. For example, albuterol can cause:

Nebulizers are often used in an emergency setting because they deliver the medication faster. However, since a higher dose is given over a shorter time, it may also increase some side effects.

Ask your doctor about any possible side effects before you start a breathing treatment. They may be able to offer tips on ways you can reduce them.

Maintenance requirements

To work properly, nebulizers and inhalers need regular cleaning. Each nebulizer and inhaler comes with its own manual that includes cleaning instructions as well as storage requirements.

Some inhalers and nebulizers also need to be stored in certain temperature ranges to work.

It’s also important to check the expiration date on nebulizers and inhalers. Most last for about 1 year before needing to be replaced.

Effectiveness

Inhalers are just as effective as nebulizers if the inhaler is used correctly. However, many people don’t use them correctly, which makes them less effective.

Make sure your doctor demonstrates exactly how you should be using your nebulizer or inhaler before you take it home.

Nebulizers and inhalers are both effective breathing treatments for COPD. However, inhalers are often used incorrectly, making them less effective at treating respiratory issues.

Work with your doctor to find a breathing treatment that fits best with your medical needs and lifestyle.