The invention of nebulizers and pressurized metered-dose inhalers revolutionized the delivery of aerosolized medications in the 1950s. Medical aerosols are created by nebulizers from liquid formulations and suspensions. New nebulizers that promise to enhance the delivery of aerosol drugs to patients with respiratory disorders have been developed over the past several years. Jet nebulizers, ultrasonic nebulizers, and mesh nebulizers are the three categories into which nebulizers fall. Jet nebulizers are used often to treat patients with respiratory disorders, although they are large and power sources are needed.
The nebulizer industry has undergone a revolution due to mesh technology, which offers patients a more effective and reliable way to administer medication to their lungs. Mesh nebulizers use a vibrating mesh or aperture plate to produce therapeutic aerosols more effectively and with a predominance of tiny particles, leaving less drug behind in the machine.
Despite being more effective and portable than jet nebulizers, ultrasonic nebulizers cannot deliver proteins or suspensions. Heating problems that cause proteins to get denatured during aerosol treatment are eliminated with the invention of mesh nebulizers that employ lower-frequency waves. Mesh nebulizers have also been demonstrated to be effective at delivering nucleic acids, liposomes, and suspensions.
Jet nebulizers
Jet nebulizers work by using compressed air to create a fine mist of medication that can be inhaled by the patient. They are the oldest type of nebulizer and remain widely used due to their simplicity and low cost. However, they have some limitations, including large residual volumes. Therefore, they should not be used with suspensions and proteins. Despite these limitations, jet nebulizers remain a reliable option for delivering medication to patients with respiratory diseases.
Jet nebulizers have been the go-to option for treating pulmonary diseases. To operate, these nebulizers require pressurized gas ranging from 2 to 10 L/min to draw medication from the nebulizer reservoir through a capillary tube, ultimately generating a broad spectrum of particle sizes that are expelled into one or more baffles. These baffles separate larger particles, returning them to the reservoir, while the remaining particles are administered to the patient. In comparison to pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs), jet nebulizers are a more effective way to deliver certain types of formulations. For example, antibiotics, mucolytics, liposomal formulations, and recombinant products, such as Pulmozyme® Inhalation Solution, are all types of medication that can be administered via jet nebulizers.
Jet nebulizers, on the other hand, might be challenging to operate since they require compressed gas and extra tubing. These factors have led to the development of many new types of jet nebulizers all over time.
Ultrasonic Nebulizers
Ultrasonic nebulizers work by using high-frequency vibrations to create a fine mist of medication that can be inhaled by the patient. They are more efficient at delivering medication than jet nebulizers, with a shorter treatment time and less residual volume]. However, they also have limitations, such as an inability to aerosolize viscous solutions and a risk of drug degradation due to the high-frequency vibrations. Ultrasonic nebulizers are particularly useful for delivering medication to patients with severe respiratory diseases, such as COPD.
In order to create an aerosol, ultrasonic nebulizers use a piezoelectric crystal that vibrates at high frequencies (1-3 MHz). Large-volume ultrasonic nebulizers and small-volume ultrasonic nebulizers are the two categories into which they are separated. Small-volume ultrasonic nebulizers are used to administer inhaled drugs, but large-volume ultrasonic nebulizers are most frequently employed. Compared to jet nebulizers, ultrasonic nebulizers have a lot of drawbacks. For instance, they degrade heat-sensitive materials and have significant residual volumes and the inability to aerosolize viscous solutions. As a result, they shouldn’t be utilized with proteins and suspensions.
Mesh Nebulizers
Another form of nebulizer used to provide medication to patients with respiratory illnesses is the mesh nebulizer, sometimes referred to as a vibrating mesh nebulizer or a membrane nebulizer. They function by producing a thin mist of medicine that the patient can inhale using a vibrating mesh or membrane with thousands of tiny pores. The newest form of nebulizer, mesh nebulizers are gaining popularity due to their effectiveness and capacity to aerosolize viscous solutions and heat-sensitive compounds. They are a practical choice for people who need to give medication on the go because they are also compact and portable. However, they could cost more than other nebulizer varieties.
Mesh nebulizers create aerosol by forcing liquid drugs through several openings in a mesh or aperture plate. They operate quietly, have quick treatment times, higher output efficiency, and less residual volume as tiny, portable nebulizers that may be powered by batteries or electricity. Mesh nebulizers have the capacity to nebulize in low drug quantities, constant and increased aerosol production efficiency, a primarily fine-particle fraction reaching into the peripheral lung, and a low residual volume. Mesh nebulizers’ output rate, aerosol chamber, and reservoir sizes may all be changed for a variety of medications to provide patients with the best possible aerosol drug delivery.
Comparison of Nebulizers
Numerous criteria, including medicine kind, patient choice, and cost, must be taken into account while selecting the best nebulizer. Mesh Nebulizers are more effective than jet nebulizers and are capable of aerosolizing viscous solutions, ultrasonic nebulizers are not advised for use with suspensions and proteins. Since mesh nebulizers are the most effective and can aerosolize viscous solutions and heat-sensitive materials, they are a suitable choice for patients with respiratory disorders who need to use these kinds of drugs. They are also small and portable, making them a convenient option for patients who need to administer medication on the go. However, they can be more expensive than other types of nebulizers.
Strategies for Optimal Treatment
Patients should use their nebulizers as instructed by their healthcare professionals to obtain the best possible treatment results. To avoid infection and guarantee optimal drug administration, patients should also keep their nebulizers clean and well-maintained. Using the proper drug and nebulizer type for the patient’s respiratory condition and medication needs is also crucial. Healthcare professionals should collaborate with patients to select the best type of nebulizer and make sure that patients are properly trained on how to use their nebulizers. Patients should also let their doctor know if any side effects or negative responses to their nebulizer medicine occur.
Conclusion
After evaluating various types of nebulizers, including jet, ultrasonic, and mesh nebulizers, it can be concluded that the mesh nebulizer is a viable solution for the delivery of high-value nebulized drugs. Mesh nebulizers provide increased portability, convenience, energy efficiency, and ease of use compared with jet nebulizers while offering similar lung deposition. Additionally, recent studies suggest that mesh nebulizers may provide more effective medication delivery than jet nebulizers. However, it should be noted that the selection of nebulizer type may depend on the patient’s specific needs, such as the penetration of particles to the lower lungs due to the irregular and small volume of a child patient’s breath.
Mesh nebulizers may be the preferable choice because to their higher efficiency, mobility, and simplicity of use, which can lead to improved therapeutic results for patients with respiratory disorders. The best type of nebulizer for particular patient populations will require further research.
