What is the primary purpose of nebulizer therapy?

Nebulizer therapy primarily serves the function of delivering medication directly to the lungs in an aerosolized form, which often includes adding moisture to the air. This is especially important for patients with respiratory conditions, as it can help to keep the airways moist, loosen mucus, and facilitate better medication absorption. The moisture introduced by the nebulizer can alleviate symptoms of conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory issues, making it easier for patients to breathe.

While other options refer to important aspects of respiratory care, they do not accurately capture the central role of nebulizer therapy. Delivering oxygen at high flow rates is more aligned with oxygen therapy rather than nebulization, and while removing carbon dioxide is an essential function of the lungs, it is not a direct purpose of nebulizer therapy. Increasing lung capacity is also a broader goal of respiratory therapy but does not specifically pertain to the use of nebulizers. Thus, the primary purpose of nebulizer therapy is best described by its ability to add moisture and deliver medications effectively to the lungs.