What is the role of humidification and nebulization in COPD treatment?

• A. To counteract the drying effect of oxygen therapy on mucosa and secretions.
• B. To cure COPD.
• C. To reduce secretions to zero.
• D. To increase oxygen concentration.

Answer: (A)

Humidification and nebulization help keep the airways moist and actively support airway clearance in COPD. When patients receive supplemental oxygen, the inspired air can become dry, which thickens mucus and makes it harder for cilia to move secretions out of the lungs. By adding moisture, humidification preserves mucociliary function, improves comfort, and reduces the effort needed to clear secretions. Nebulization can further aid this process by delivering saline or medications directly into the bronchi to loosen and mobilize secretions and to relieve bronchospasm, which also helps improve airflow and gas exchange.

COPD cannot be cured, and secretions are not eliminated completely. Humidification does not change the oxygen level itself; it simply maintains airway moisture, while oxygen concentration is determined by the delivery setting.