An evaluation of the foot pump as a driving source for nebulizer solutions

The foot pump was used to drive a 'Minineb' nebulizer for 10 minutes with 2 ml of solution. It was found that when the operator employed a rate of his own choosing the output varied from 0.9 to 1.9 ml and the oxygen uptake doubled. With a stroke rate of 30/min the output was 1.2 ml and at 60/min 1.4 ml. At 60 strokes/min the average flow rate is 9.1 litres/min which would give a suitable particle size for administration of bronchodilator therapy. It is concluded that the foot pump is useful for occasional use in emergencies as the energy expenditure necessary limits its value in regular therapy and that a fixed stroke rate should be employed.