[Nebulization aerosol therapy in otorhinolaryngology. Review of the literature].

An aerosol is a suspension of solid or liquid particles in a gas with a negligable rate of fall. Administration with a nebulizer is an administration route just as are the oral, intramuscular or intravenous routes. Nebulization should not be considered as a simple, somewhat mysterious, adjunct, but rather as an effective administration route of active drugs. Drug administration by nebulization is widespread in France, being prescribed by general practitioners and ENT specialists. The main indications involve lund or ENT diseases. In general practice, there are four main indications including two for which there is no convincing evidence of its efficacy (acute and chronic sinusitis) and two for which pneumologists disagree on the "indications" (acute and chronic bronchitis). The aim of this review is to analyse the literature on this administration route for cervicofacial indications and discuss the different drugs used. Current practice will be assessed.