NEBULIZER

This is a device for increasing the humidity of air, oxygen, or anaesthetic gases to be breathed by a patient. Increase in humidity is achieved in a nebulizer by creating many tiny droplets of water in the airstream to the patient. The patient receives the extra moisture whether or not evaporation actually occurs. Methods of nebulizing water into the airway include bubbling the gas through water, a jet of gas or air may be used to entrain water, a fine jet of water may be made to impinge on a surface or baffles in an airway, or high-intensity ultrasound may be employed to project droplets from the surface of water. Nebulizers of various types are also used for the dispersal of antiseptics during the sterilization of breathing machines. A fan may be used to assist the flow of air.

The drop size is most important since large drops may waterlog the airways without reaching the alveoli, and very small drops may humidify the alveoli without effect on the airways.

Content and Design Copyright 2000 Dr. Malcolm C Brown.  See Title Page for more details