Aerosol Drug Delivery Through High Flow Nasal Cannula

Background: High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is widely utilized to support critically ill adults, pediatrics and neonates. Through the continuous delivery of oxygen at high flow rates that meet or exceed patients' inspiratory flow, HFNC improves oxygenation, respiratory rates, patient comfort, and tolerance during therapy. As HFNC becomes more widely employed, clinicians have started to consider aerosol drug delivery through HFNC. Conclusion: Using HFNC along with nebulizers as a potential therapy in aerosol medicine is a new and innovative approach for aerosol drug delivery to patients with pulmonary diseases. The purpose of this paper is to review current in vitro and in vivo studies on aerosol drug delivery through HFNC in adults and children. Keywords: Aerosols, high flow nasal cannula, nebulizers, adults, pediatrics, neonates.