Aerosolized
Aerosolized
Aerosolized (pronounced: /ˈeɪrəˌsoʊlaɪzd/) is a term used in medicine to describe the process of converting a substance into a form that can be dispersed in the air as an aerosol. The term is derived from the word "aerosol", which comes from the Greek words "aero" (air) and "sol" (solution).
Aerosolized medications are commonly used in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These medications are delivered directly to the lungs, allowing for a higher concentration of the drug to reach the affected area with fewer systemic side effects.
The process of aerosolization involves the use of a device such as a nebulizer or metered dose inhaler (MDI). These devices break down the medication into tiny particles that can be inhaled into the lungs. The size of the particles is crucial in determining where in the respiratory tract the medication will be deposited.
Aerosolized medications can be either solutions or suspensions. Solutions are liquids in which the medication is completely dissolved, while suspensions are liquids in which small particles of medication are suspended.
Related terms include:
- Nebulization: The process of creating an aerosol from a liquid medication.
- Inhalation: The act of breathing in, often used in the context of inhaling aerosolized medications.
- Bronchodilator: A type of medication often delivered in aerosolized form that relaxes and opens the airways in the lungs.
- Spacer: A device used with a metered dose inhaler to make it easier to inhale the medication and ensure it reaches the lungs.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Aerosolized
- Wikipedia's article - Aerosolized
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