When should you use a nebulizer?

• A. Never
• B. For all injuries
• C. During respiratory distress with bronchospasm, wheezing, croup-like cough, or stridor
• D. Only for fever

Answer: (C)

Nebulizers deliver medicine as a fine mist that can reach the lower airways, which is especially helpful when the patient has airway constriction or inflammation. In EMS, this is most effective during respiratory distress caused by bronchospasm or wheezing, and in conditions that produce a croup-like cough or stridor. By delivering bronchodilators directly to the airways, a nebulizer helps open the airways, improve ventilation, and reduce breathing difficulty. It’s not used for injuries without airway symptoms and not for fever, so the appropriate use is tied to signs of respiratory compromise with bronchospasm or upper airway inflammation.