An evaluation of the physical properties of monodisperse and heterodisperse aerosols used in the assessment of bronchial function.

Designing a therapeutic aerosol on the basis of its physical properties is a very important objective, but experience has also clearly demonstrated the value of controlling the breathing and drug administration patterns. Presently, the state of aerosol technology is well advanced of its use in medicine. The employment of more sophisticated aerosolization methods can undoubtedly be advocated on both intuitive and scientific grounds, but whether the benefit will justify their cost and complexities is far less evident. This report attempts to set the issue in perspective by reviewing the important properties of commonly-prepared heterodisperse aerosols with monodisperse aerosols of the research laboratory in the context of bronchial deposition and retention.