Comparison of lung deposition of a solution after nebulization by three commonly used portable nebulizers

The efficacy of small portable nebulizers is often assumed by patients, pharmacists and physicians. Three healthy volunteers inhaled a mixture of sodium cromoglycate solution mixed with aqueous technetium-99 nebulized by each of three nebulizers and the distribution of radioactivity was detected by gamma scintigraphy. Unexpectedly large differences in the total amount of tracer delivered to the lungs were detected. The possible mechanisms and implications are discussed but it is clear that more information on the performance of individual nebulizers should be available.