Abstract
ABSTRACT
With the increasing use of aerosolized drugs, there is a need to understand means by which these drugs can most effectively be targeted to desired regions of the lung. Several attempts have been made at targeting aerosols in the lung by changing particle sizes and breathing patterns with varying degrees of success. The recent use of aerosol boluses in diagnostic lung tests presents another potential technique for targeting drug delivery. This review discusses the potential for utilizing aerosol bolus techniques for selectively targeting aerosol deposition along both serial and parallel pathways in the lung. Based on a review of previous studies concerning factors that determine aerosol and gas distribution in the lung, the potential for utilizing bolus techniques in concert with variations in particle sizes and breathing pattern are considered. Further research on the factors that determine distribution of aerosol boluses in the normal, but especially in the diseased lung may help in designing successful targeting strategies for the future.
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