Paliatívna medicína a liečba bolesti 1e/2019

Nebulization therapy

Nebulization therapy is an important treatment and supportive method, allowing non-invasive delivery of the drug directly into the lungs and then into the bloodstream. The large space and relatively large rate of blood flow in the lungs gives excellent room for drug delivery without risk of their distribution and metabolism. Nebulizers should generally produce biologically active particles, i.e. particles of 1 – 5 μm. There are three main types of conventional nebulizers – nozzle, ultrasonic and membrane. Membrane nebulizers are most effective. The main factors of aerosol deposition are particle size, respiration pattern, age and lung condition. The essential factor on which the rate of absorption depends is the thickness of the cell epithelium and mucus over the epithelium. Hereinafter, we provide practical advice on the administration of individual drugs by inhalation.

Keywords: nebulization, distribution, nebulizers, aerosol, airway clearance