From Kathleen MacNaughton, R.N.,
Your Guide to Asthma.
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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD

Definition: A nebulizer is an electronic device that transforms asthma medicine into a very fine mist that will penetrate deeply into your lungs.

You place the liquid asthma medicine into a cup that attaches to an air compressor. When you turn the compressor on, it changes the liquid into a mist. You then breathe this mist through a mouthpiece into your lungs. Nebulizers with masks can be used to give asthma medicines such as Pulmicort Respules to children who are too young to use a metered dose inhaler properly.

Sources: Merriam Webster Dictionary in Medline Plus, Allergy & Asthma Foundation of America