Abstract

Nebulizers are widely used throughout the world in adult and pediatric medical practice, both for emergency and acute treatment of a variety of respiratory diseases. By inhalation, drugs can be delivered to the required site of action, minimizing systemic dilution and the total dose administered.

Absolute indications for nebulizer treatment are surprisingly few, but include; drug formulation (antibiotics); and patients too sick (acute exacerbations) or disabled to use handheld inhalers. Other indications are relative: nebulizers are convenient for large amount of drug, and often easier for patients and staff.

The optimal nebulizer system has traditionally been described as a system with high drug output, delivery of small-sized droplets, and short nebulization time. The ability of a nebulizer to deliver drugs to the lungs of a patient depends upon many other factors. There are, device-, drug- and patient related factors.

Through the introduction of new nebulizer designs, an increase in drug output might be achieved. Especially with the introduction of dosimetric nebulizers, the amount of drug wasted during the patient's expiration could be minimized.