MODEL RELEASED. Use of a nebulizer. A woman asthma sufferer holds the face mask of a nebulizer over her mouth and nose. Asthma is a condition in which the patient may suffer paroxysmal attacks of bronchospasm, severely restricting breathing. To give relief, a bronchodilator drug (such as salbutamol or terbutaline) is administered. In this case the drug is fed into the nebulizer where it is converted into a fine spray. The patient inhales the spray, suspended in oxygen or air, through the face mask. Asthma attacks may be precipitated by allergens, infection, exertion and emotional states. The peak flow meter lying on the table measures lung capacity.