Nebulizer, Pneumatic/Jet

This chapter discusses the purpose, principle of operation, specifications, and applications of pneumatic/jet nebulizer. A nebulizer is an inhaler device designed to treat asthma and allergies. It basically turns liquid medicine into a mist to help reduce inflammation and dilate air passages. The nebulizer delivers the same types of medication as metred-dose inhalers, which are the familiar pocket-sized inhalers. There are various types of nebulizers available today, but the jet nebulizer is one of the most commonly used machines. A typical jet nebulizer is based on the Bernoulli principle. The efficiency of a nebulizer is determined by a number of factors. These include the respirable dose, nebulization time, dead volume of the device, and the gas used to drive the nebulizer. The nebulizers are used both in the hospitals and clinics and in the home as personal devices.