Final answer:
Devices for administering aerosols include inhalers for immediate treatment of asthma, nebulizers for those unable to use inhalers effectively, and anesthesia machines for general anesthetics. Aerosol delivery methods also extend to certain vaccines for oral or intranasal administration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Devices used to administer orally and nasally inhaled aerosols include inhalers, nebulizers, and anesthesia machines. Inhalers are commonly used for delivering fast-acting drugs to treat acute asthma attacks. For individuals who may have difficulties using inhalers, especially young children, nebulizers are the alternative that administers medication in the form of a mist. In the context of general anesthesia, anesthesia machines are used to deliver a mixture of oxygen, anesthetics, and ambient air to the patient, allowing for the vaporization of liquid anesthetics into a breathable form.
Aerosol delivery is not limited to medications; certain vaccines, including versions of the influenza, polio, and typhoid vaccines, can be administered orally or intranasally in aerosol form, suggesting advancements in non-injectable vaccine delivery methods. Additionally, aerosols play a role in the transmission of various pathogens, as they can be produced by sneezing, coughing, or speaking.