Рossibilities of clinical application of modern nebulizers

Abstract

The simplicity of converting medicinal solutions and suspensions into aerosols using mechanical and thermal energy, convenient delivery to the airways allows nebulizers to take a worthy place in the treatment of hospitalized and outpatient patients. Different types of nebulizers are available for use in the home and in medical settings (jet, ultrasound, membrane), and researches show that the performance and characteristics of the aerosol vary between different devices and manufacturers. Jet nebulizers are still the most used devices that do not require coordination of inhale and delivery of aerosol to the respiratory tract. To reduce the consumption of medicinal aerosol and optimize the air flow, virtual valve technology (V.V.T.) is being improved, and breath-actuated nebulizers are being created. The advantage of nebulizer therapy is the ability to apply large doses of medications, use substances that exist only in inhaled form. The choice falls on the nebulizer in cases where the patient can not use other delivery devices, for example, if the patient is unable to coordinate the inhalation and intake of the drug into the respiratory tract, with a severe exacerbation of obstructive disease, in the presence of motor disorders. The optimal delivery device for children of any age, including newborns, is a nebulizer. The most common indication for nebulizer therapy is the delivery of bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as the treatment of upper respiratory tract diseases, in particular croup in children. An important place is given to nebulizers when it is necessary to prescribe certain mucolytics and antibiotics. In the treatment of emergency conditions, inhalation administration of drugs may be required, including situations when the patient is on mechanical ventilation or has a tracheostomy installed. The significance of nebulizers in the treatment of cystic fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is being studied. The possibilities of endobronchial delivery of heparin, insulin, and monoclonal antibodies are evaluated.