Deposition Patterns of Aerosolized Drugs Within Human Lungs: Effects of Ventilatory Parameters

A mathematical model for inhaled aerosolized drugs is validated by comparisons of predicted particle deposition values with experimental data from adult subject inhalation exposure tests. The model is subsequently used to study the effects of ventilatory parameters on particle deposition patterns within the human lung. By altering breathing profiles, deposition values can be affected regarding quantity delivered and spatial location. Increased tidal volumes and breath-holding times increase deposition in the pulmonary region, while increased inspiratory flow rates increase deposition in the tracheobronchial region. Based upon fluid dynamics considerations (Reynolds numbers), an original method of partitioning the lung is also presented. The model has implications with regard to aerosol therapy, indicating that the efficacies of inhaled pharmacological drugs in the prophylaxis and treatment of airway diseases can be improved by regulating breathing profiles to deposit particles selectively at prescribed sites within the lung.