Heliox-driven albuterol nebulization for asthma exacerbations: an overview.
Our understanding of albuterol nebulization driven by helium-oxygen mixture (heliox) has matured with recent advances in clinical therapy, delivery systems, and understanding of dosing; this has led to substantial improvements in delivery as well as refinements of research protocols for asthma exacerbations. This review begins with heliox inhalation therapy and then addresses heliox as a driving gas for nebulization. Technical considerations are reviewed, including optimal gas mixtures, flow-rate adjustment factors, and nebulizer setup.
Kim
In K
IK
Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Kosair Children's Hospital, University of Louisville, 571 S Floyd Street, Suite 300, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. in.kim@louisville.edu
Saville
Alvin L
AL
Sikes
Kendra L
KL
Corcoran
Timothy E
TE
D000328:Adult; D000335:Aerosol Propellants; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004867:Equipment Design; D006371:Helium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010100:Oxygen / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000335:Aerosol Propellants; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D006371:Helium; C038949:heliox; D000420:Albuterol; D010100:Oxygen