What's the Difference Between a Nebulizer and an Inhaler?

nebulizers are two different devices used to deliver controller asthma medications directly into your child's lungs. Your child's doctor will decide what type of device is best for your child.

Nebulizers

Nebulizers are electric- or battery-powered machines that turn liquid asthma medicine into a fine mist that's inhaled into the lungs. The child breathes in the mist through a mouthpiece or facemask (a plastic cup that covers the child's mouth and nose). Nebulizers vary in size and shape, but they can be somewhat bulky and noisy and may need to be plugged in.

A child doesn't have to "do" anything to receive the medicine, except stay in one place and accept the mouthpiece or facemask. It usually takes about 5 or 10 minutes to give a child medication by nebulizer, and sometimes even longer. Nebulizers may be less effective if a child is crying while they're being used, since less medicine is inhaled when a child is crying.

Inhalers

Inhalers are portable, hand-held devices that are available in two types:

Metered dose inhalers (MDI) are the most commonly prescribed. Like mini-aerosol cans, these devices push out a pre-measured spray of medicine. When the child squeezes the inhaler, a measured "puff" of medicine is released.

Dry powder inhalers deliver medicine in powder form, but it doesn't spray out. The child must do more of the work, by inhaling the powdered medicine quickly and quite forcefully (which is often difficult for very young children).

If your child uses a metered dose inhaler, he or she may also use a Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: May 2007