Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026

Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device
Published on: September 24, 2020
Hypersaline Inhalation: an Alternative to Pulmonary Lavages for Removing Inhaled insoluble Radioactive Particles?
Abstract:
The medical management of victims after pulmonary intake of radioactive insoluble particles is a real challenge. The recommended treatment in case of plutonium or cobalt intake is the administration of the chelating agent DTPA, which remains poorly efficient in decreasing lung retention of oxide particles. Bronchoalveolar lavages may be recommended in case of intake expected to cause deleterious consequences, such as lung cancer or fibrosis. However, due to the risk associated to such procedure, bronchoalveolar lavages are not desirable. The inhalation of hypersaline solution is commonly carried out as an alternative to bronchoalveolar lavages in pulmonology for both therapeutic and diagnosis purposes. Based on extensive scientific publications reporting the effect of sputum induction by inhalation of hypertonic saline solution, we envision a new alternative for the treatment of pulmonary intake with poorly soluble radioactive particles by enhancing mucociliary clearance and thus accelerating the removal of deposited particles. In addition, the analysis of sputum samples obtained by hypersaline aerosol inhalation should bring valuable information regarding the properties of the inhaled radioactive compounds as well as the level of exposure intake. After a brief review of the literature, the present work will discuss which parameters influence the quality and the origin of the samples after sputum induction and will propose recommendations to apply this procedure as a first-line treatment and diagnosis after pulmonary of radioactive poorly soluble particles.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Excretion: Pulmonary and Glandular Routes
Drugs can also be excreted in breast milk, which is crucial for breastfeeding infants. The process...
Inhaled Medications
Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison
Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview
Additional Routes of Drug Administration
Administering drugs via inhalation allows for the direct delivery of gaseous, volatile substances or droplets to different parts of the respiratory tract. One of the advantages of the inhalation route is the rapid absorption of drugs into the circulatory system, which is possible because of the large surface area of...

