What Are Nebulizers and Inhalers? Nebulizers and inhalers are tools that help kids take their asthma medicines. Most asthma medicines start out in liquid form. In order to work, they need to be breathed into the lungs. Nebulizers and inhalers turn liquid medicine into a mist so that kids can breathe it in. Some inhalers release the medicine in a fine powder form that also can be breathed in. These tools are effective when used properly.