Abstract

The lung is a unique anatomical structure with very minimal interactions between it and other organs of the body. However, it is most vulnerable to infection and injury from the external environment because of its constant exposure to particles, chemicals, and infectious organisms in ambient air. Lung diseases can affect respiratory function, or the ability to breathe properly, and pulmonary function. Most conventional therapies used in the management of lung diseases lack site-specific drug delivery and have side effects resulting in suboptimal treatment outcomes. The application of nanoparticle-based delivery in the management of lung diseases helps to minimize pulmonary clearance mechanisms, enhance drug therapeutic efficacy, and control the release behavior of some drugs. Nanocarrier systems also provide the advantage of sustained-drug release in the lung tissue resulting in reduced dosing frequency and improved patient compliance. Some of the widely used nanocarriers for the treatment of chronic pulmonary diseases, via pulmonary route include polymeric nanoparticles, liposomal nanocarriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nano-emulsions. Various applications of nanoparticle drug delivery systems have currently been investigated with some being employed for the management of varied lung diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumonia, lung cancer, and tuberculosis. This chapter looks at the various applications of nano-drug delivery systems in the management of lung diseases.