Aerosol Delivery in Different Types of Nebulizers

Evaluation of Aerosol Delivery in Different Types of Nebulizers

Background: Nebulizers design influences efficiency of aerosol delivery. Performance of nebulizers is commonly tested by breathing simulators with static parameters. However, breathing patterns vary in adults.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate drug deposition of different types of nebulizers testing with breathing patterns of healthy subjects.

Material and Methods

The study was approved by Chang Gung Memorial Foundation Institutional Review Broad. Ten healthy subjects, aged 20.6±0.5 years, were recruited. Four nebulizers:

1. a constant jet nebulizer (Neb-easy, Galemed Corp., Taiwan);
2. a breath enhanced nebulizer (Pari LC plus, Pari Inc., Germany);
3. a manual-actuated nebulizer (A-T Neb, Atlantean Corporation, Taiwan); and
4. a breath-actuated nebulizer (AeroElipes, Trudell Medical Inc, Canada) were evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy college subjects

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently smoker
• History of asthma
• Drug allergy
• Pulmonary disease
• Heart disease
• Arrythmia
• Hyperthyroids
• Diabetes mellitus
• Lactacidosis
• Pregnant
• Under B-blocker medications