A new system for understanding nebulizer performance.

We have developed a conceptual and mathematical model for nebulizer performance that attempts to provide a unifying theoretical framework for subsequent in vitro studies. Specifically, we have created a lexicon and a way to describe the effects of a standardized breathing pattern for evaluating small-volume jet nebulizers. This model should help researchers communicate more clearly and study planners to design experiments whose data may be more comparable and thus amenable to meta-analysis.