Editing Nebulizer (section)

==Use and attachments==
Nebulizers accept their medicine in the form of a liquid solution, which is often loaded into the device upon use. [[Corticosteroids]] and [[bronchodilator]]s such as [[salbutamol]] (''albuterol'' [[United States Adopted Name|USAN]]) are often used, and sometimes in combination with [[ipratropium]]. The reason these pharmaceuticals are inhaled instead of ingested is in order to target their effect to the [[respiratory tract]], which speeds onset of action of the medicine and reduces side effects, compared to other alternative intake routes.<ref name=Hickey />

Usually, the aerosolized medicine is inhaled through a tube-like mouthpiece, similar to that of an [[inhaler]]. The mouthpiece, however, is sometimes replaced with a face mask, similar to that used for inhaled [[anesthesia]], for ease of use with young children or the elderly. Pediatric masks are often shaped like animals such as fish, dogs or dragons to make children less resistant to nebulizer treatments. Many nebulizer manufacturers also offer pacifier attachments for infants and toddlers. But mouthpieces are preferable if patients are able to use them since face-masks result in reduced lung delivery because of aerosol losses in the nose.<ref name=Finlay />

After use with corticosteroid, it is theoretically possible for patients to develop a [[yeast infection]] in the mouth ([[Oral candidiasis|thrush]]) or hoarseness of voice ([[dysphonia]]), although these conditions are clinically very rare. To avoid these adverse effects, some clinicians suggest that the person who used the nebulizer should rinse his or her mouth. This is not true for bronchodilators; however, patients may still wish to rinse their mouths due to the unpleasant taste of some bronchodilating drugs.