Releasing a fine mist of medicated relief, atomizers have been used for decades by people suffering from upper respiratory illnesses and allergies. Normally the mist is inhaled into the lungs for the purpose of helping people to breathe. They may have asthma or another respiratory disease which makes breathing difficult or sometimes nearly impossible. People suffering from diseases of the lungs, bronchial tubes, and upper respiratory tract are often prescribed this type of medication. It can also be a treatment for mild breathing problems such as the common cold to much more severe problems such as pneumonia.

The most popular version of the atomizer is the jet atomizer. This device forces air at a high rate of speed through a medicated liquid, turning it into mist that is quickly and efficiently inhaled. Although this method is not the preferred one for home use, it is often used in hospitals for patients with respiratory disease. A new electronic version of the atomizer is available now. The aerosol is produced using a vibration of membranes rather than the compacted source of air. They are more convenient when it comes to moving from place to place however, they are expensive.

When it comes to asthma and other respiratory problems the number one prescribed medication by doctors is the "metered dose device". This is a small canister with a mouthpiece which is covered with a cap to keep it sanitary. The medicine is in the canister and when the cap is removed the mouthpiece is inserted and using the thumb the canister is depressed which releases a dose of medicine into the lungs. The inhalation process speeds up the delivery of the medicine to the lungs so relief is spontaneous. This type is used more often because it is more portable than the atomizer.

Often the mouthpiece must be replaced with a face mask for small children or for older adults. This is not the preferred method because the loss of the medicine through the nose instead of being inhaled into the lungs can cause the medicine to be less effective. However, this is sometimes the only option especially for small children.

Given the rarity of side-effects, some patients do report minor yeast infections of the mouth or throat and general hoarseness. This is not dissimilar to infant thrush. The majority of people who use this combination do not experience any ill effects. In order to make sure you are not bothered by this problem, rinsing your mouth before and after using the mouthpiece is a good idea. With a very small number of people reporting any problems with nebulizers they are one of the best ways to combat children and adults breathing problems from mild to severe.