Final answer:
Aerosol therapy is employed to deliver medication directly into the lungs, handle respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD, and aid in breathing by moisturizing the airways and reducing inflammation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aerosol therapy is used for several reasons, but three primary reasons are: to deliver medication directly to the lungs, to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and to improve breathing by reducing symptoms through the moisturization of airways and reduction of inflammation.
For asthma patients, there is no current cure, but symptoms can be managed effectively with inhaled bronchodilators that help widen constricted airways, thus easing breathing. Moreover, corticosteroids are often utilized for long-term control of asthma to prevent future attacks. In case of respiratory infections like pneumonia, devices such as humidifiers can assist by thinning mucus, making it easier for the patient to breathe. Additionally, the moist and warm air can help prevent cell damage in the respiratory tract.