Use of intermittent positive pressure breathing combined with nebulization in pulmonary disease

The use of IPPB with a nebulizer offers a method by which an aerosol can be distributed in the lungs more effectively in some patients than was usually possible by other technics. Fluoroscopy shows increased ventilation of the lungs, especially at the bases, with IPPB. Since IPPB increases the effective alveolar air, the value of vasodilator substances, chemotherapeutic and antibiotic agents thus administered in pulmonary disease would be enhanced. The combined use of the nebulizer containing an aqueous solution with IPPB apparatus tends to prevent irritation of the throat by the dry gas. In anthrasilicotic patients with dyspnea promotion of better drainage from the bronchi and bronchioles appears to be the most beneficial effect of IPPB combined with a nebulized vasodilator agent.