For proper functioning of a small-volume nebulizer, which factor must be considered?

The proper functioning of a small-volume nebulizer critically depends on the particle size of the aerosolized medication. The primary goal of using a nebulizer is to deliver medication effectively to the lower respiratory tract. The size of the particles produced by the nebulizer plays a significant role in determining where in the respiratory system the medication will deposit.

Particles in the range of 1 to 5 micrometers are typically ideal for reaching the distal airways and alveoli, as these are small enough to be inhaled deeply into the lungs. Particles larger than this may become trapped in the upper airways, resulting in ineffective delivery of the medication to the intended site of action.

While factors such as humidity levels, jet size, and medication quantity can influence the overall performance of nebulizers, they do not have as direct an impact on the efficacy of aerosol delivery as particle size does. For instance, humidity can affect the nebulization process but does not specifically determine the lung deposition characteristics of the particles. Similarly, while jet size can influence the aerosol delivery mechanism, it is the particle size that is most crucial for effective medication delivery to the lungs.