Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
06:11
Employing the Forced Oscillation Technique for the Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Adults
Published on: February 9, 2022
Factors affecting bronchodilator delivery in mechanically ventilated adults
1Division of Respiratory Therapy, School of Health Professions, College of Health and Human Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302-4019, USA. aari1@gsu.edu
Nursing in Critical Care
|July 15, 2010
Summary
Optimizing bronchodilator delivery in mechanically ventilated patients requires understanding factors affecting aerosol deposition. Careful control of ventilator, circuit, and device elements ensures effective drug delivery to the lungs.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Bronchodilator use is increasing in mechanically ventilated patients.
- Delivery of inhaled medications is complex and influenced by numerous factors.
- Factors affecting delivery are categorized into ventilator, circuit, and device-related issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct an in-depth review of factors influencing bronchodilator delivery during mechanical ventilation.
- To provide clinicians with a comprehensive understanding of aerosol delivery challenges.
- To highlight the importance of optimizing delivery techniques for therapeutic success.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed across major scientific databases (Cochrane, Pubmed, Medline, Cinahl, Science Direct).
- The review focused on English-language publications from 1985 to May 2009.
- Systematic analysis of identified literature to categorize and explain influencing factors.
Main Results:
- Aerosolized bronchodilator delivery is significantly impacted by multiple interacting factors.
- Suboptimal control of these factors leads to increased deposition in the ventilator circuit and artificial airways.
- This reduces the effective dose reaching the patient's lower respiratory tract.
Conclusions:
- Effective bronchodilator delivery in mechanically ventilated adults is dependent on understanding and controlling specific factors and techniques.
- Optimizing aerosol delivery is crucial for achieving therapeutic goals in patients requiring ventilatory support.
- This review offers recommendations to enhance clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
01:23Inhaled Medications
Inhaled medications are crucial for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. They are essential for effective treatment and control, ensuring optimal respiratory health and well-being. Inhaled medication delivers drugs directly to the lungs, providing a rapid onset of action and reducing systemic side effects compared to oral or injectable medications. Three primary types of inhalation devices are used to administer these medications: nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers...
01:29Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving technique for managing acute respiratory failure and other respiratory complications. The process involves using a machine known as a ventilator to supply oxygen to the lungs and assist in removing carbon dioxide. It serves as a bridge to long-term mechanical ventilation or a temporary measure until ventilatory support is discontinued. The ventilator can maintain this function for a prolonged period, providing critical support for patients until they can...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
Bronchodilators are critical in managing asthma, a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway constriction due to inflammation and hyper-reactivity. Specifically, bronchodilators ease this constriction by relaxing the bronchial muscles, facilitating easier breathing.
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
01:24Factors Affecting Respiration
Respiration is a crucial physiological function involving exchanging oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) between an organism and its environment. Various factors can impact this essential process:
01:24Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity
Breathing, otherwise known as pulmonary ventilation, is the process of air movement into and out of the lungs. The main mechanisms propelling pulmonary ventilation are atmospheric pressure (Patm), intra-pulmonary (Ppul ) or intra-alveolar pressure (Palv) within the alveoli, and intrapleural pressure (Pip) within the pleural cavity.
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs during...
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs during...