The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology
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J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. · Dec 1999
An in vitro analysis of the output of budesonide from different nebulizers.
Inhaled corticosteroids are increasingly used in the treatment of asthma, and many different nebulizers are available to aerosolize steroid medications. There are few comparative data on their ability to do so. ⋯ This study has identified differences among the nebulizers that would not have been apparent with current standards for nebulizer assessment. Incorporation of breathing simulation in the study imitates patient use and allows effective nebulization times to be predicted. The results suggest that the nebulizers studied would deliver different masses of budesonide to the lungs and to the upper airway. This may have important consequences in determining the efficacy and side effect profile of budesonide.