Aerosols in the Health Care Field

:: Section 5

SVN (Small-Volume Nebulizers)

A nebulizer is a device used to administer medication to people in forms of a liquid mist to the airways. Also called "atomizers", they pump air or oxygen through a liquid medicine to turn it into aerosol, which is then inhaled by the patient. It is used to deliver aerosolized drugs to the respiratory tract. It is also used to produce water mists to humidify dry inspired gases. Another main function is to improve mobilization and clearance of respiratory secretions, e.g.,  sputum induction, using bland aerosols of water and hypertonic or hypotonic saline. Because nebulizers commonly used at home and in the hospital for drug administration have small ( smaller than or equal to 10 mL) medication reservoirs, they are called Small-Volume Nebulizers (SVNs).

Gas-powered jet nebulizers have been in clinical use for more than 100 years. Most modern jet nebulizers are powered by high-pressure air or oxygen provided by a portable compressor, compressed gas cylinder, or 50-psi wall outlet. An effective pneumatic nebulizer should be able to deliver more than 50% of its total dose in the respirable range in 10 minutes or less of nebulization time.