What does a blue lamp help with? Blue lamp in otorhinolaryngology: the benefits and harms of physiotherapy. Description of the Minin Reflector "Blue Lamp"

Physiotherapy for inflammation of the ENT organs significantly reduces the duration of the disease and eliminates symptoms in short time. For this purpose, a blue lamp is used to warm the nose or ears.

This device emits dry heat, otherwise it is called the Minin reflector - in honor of its inventor. This method of treatment has been known for a long time, which confirms its effectiveness. Sometimes this device allows you to get rid of the symptoms of a disease without the use of expensive medications.

When can you use the device?

Treatment with a blue lamp should be started after consultation with a doctor. Egor is allowed to be used in the following cases:

  • diseases of the ENT organs without purulent inflammation;
  • ARVI without fever;
  • runny nose;
  • a sore throat;
  • otitis;
  • bronchitis;
  • sinusitis.

You cannot warm your nose or ear with a blue lamp when the patient’s body temperature is elevated or the inflammation is purulent. Contraindications are tuberculosis and a history of cardiac and neurological pathologies, as well as diagnosed malignant processes any localization.

Blue lamp procedures are not recommended for various injuries skin. The fact that the procedure belongs to the category of physiotherapy, and its potential safety, may raise the question of whether the blue lamp can be used by pregnant women. The answer is: not recommended.

Mechanism of action and benefits

The design of the device is very simple, it consists of a metal body with a holder, an incandescent lamp and a handle. The lampshade is covered with a layer of blue color. This is due to the fact that this shade does not blind and has a lower degree of penetration through closed eyelids, eliminating burns. Therapeutic effect The reflector is based on the action of infrared radiation. It warms up the human skin and the heat penetrates into the subcutaneous fat.

Exposure to heat helps with various diseases ENT organs

The non-contact heating effect has beneficial influence on the condition of the ENT organs affected by inflammation.

Due to heating with a blue lamp:

  • the walls of the nasal vessels are strengthened;
  • nasal breathing improves;
  • pain decreases;
  • blood supply improves;
  • tissue regeneration accelerates;
  • the conductivity of nerve impulses improves;
  • Some types of pathogenic bacteria are destroyed.

Blue lamp procedures are used to complex treatment otolaryngological diseases requiring exposure to dry heat. Heat from the Minin reflector eliminates swelling, improves microcirculation in problem area and stimulates the body's natural defenses.

Its effect is much better than using various home remedies for warming, such as a bag of hot salt, water heating pads or boiled eggs. The patient will feel relief within 2-3 days after starting this treatment.

According to the instructions for the device, it is not advisable to use it when simultaneous treatment hormonal or immunomodulatory drugs. Nosebleeds in a patient also prohibit the use of physiotherapeutic procedures using a blue lamp.

Nose procedure

It is believed that with the help of the Minin reflector it is possible to treat only some diseases of the nose in initial stage. The most common ones are sinusitis and runny nose. Warming the nose with a blue lamp when treating sinusitis is allowed only after the purulent process has been eliminated or when the disease is catarrhal in nature.


The nose can be warmed only if there is no pus

Warming with a blue lamp is especially effective for nasal congestion. Free breathing is restored by eliminating swelling of the nasal mucosa under the influence of dry heat from the device. The use of this device requires compliance certain recommendations. During the procedure, the patient's eyes must be covered with a napkin.

If a person wears contact lenses they need to be removed. Regarding the question of how long to heat, the duration of one session should be no more than 10 minutes. The first procedure starts with 3 minutes and adds 1 minute every day. To treat a runny nose, the blue lamp should not be used for more than 7 days. When coughing, it is allowed to warm the throat area only if the patient does not have a fever and there is no purulent plaque on the tonsils.

Warming up the ear

Otitis is the most frequent illness ear, for which you have to contact an ENT doctor. Its main symptom is pain, and the first thing a person does is to warm up the sore spot. It is in this case that the dry heat of the Minin reflector will help. Despite the ease of use of the device, you need to know how to warm your ear with a blue lamp.

After turning on the device, the light will light up. A distance of at least 30 cm must be maintained between the switched on device and the ear. The first procedures should take several minutes. Gradually the duration increases to 10 minutes per session. The duration of treatment should not exceed 20 procedures per 1 course. Warm up sore ear need 3 times a day. After the procedure, you should not go outside; it is not recommended to expose the heated area to cold.


Blue lamp effective for ear pain

At ear inflammation of a purulent nature, the sore spot cannot be exposed to the warmth of a blue lamp.

This is due to the activation infectious process under the influence of heat and penetration of pus deep into the ear. Therefore, it must be remembered that when purulent otitis You cannot use a blue lamp in treatment. This will not only have no effect therapeutic effect, but will also complicate the course of the disease. If the disease affects a child, then before using this device, you must consult with an ENT doctor.

Many people have their grandmother's blue lamp gathering dust at home. Previously, they were widely used, but now they are undeservedly forgotten. Therefore, I will tell you about the use of a blue lamp, its benefits, history, physics, methods of exposure and indications. By the way, I have a blue lamp (see photo).

Blue lamp history and physics

The therapeutic effect of the blue lamp is based on electromagnetic (infrared) radiation (wavelength from 760 nm to 2 microns). The source of infrared waves are incandescent lamps (our blue lamp), electric arc, nichrome emitters, gas-discharge lamps, etc. 56% of solar energy is the infrared spectrum, any heated body is also a source of infrared waves.

A. V. Minin (1851-1909), military doctor, invented (1891) the blue lamp. He gave great importance specifically blue color, indicating its supposed bactericidal and analgesic properties. Today we know that this is not so, and anyone can play the role of a blue lamp. But the blue color is pleasing to the eye and more traditional.

The maximum spectrum of the blue lamp falls on the border of the short- and medium-wave range of infrared radiation, so it warms up the surface layers of the skin more. Infrared rays are reflected, refracted and absorbed by tissues. 60% of infrared waves are reflected from untanned skin, and only 42% from tanned skin. Blue lamp rays are predominantly absorbed top layers skin and only 15% reaches fatty tissue.

Today, the blue Minin lamp with a power of up to 60 W is produced only by the Kalashnikov Electric Lamp Plant, and the reflector is assembled only in Novosibirsk at Plyumazh LLC.

Blue lamp indications, contraindications and effects caused

In the area of ​​irradiation, microcirculation is activated, the permeability of blood vessels and tissues increases, metabolism is accelerated, which promotes the removal of decay products from the site of inflammation (impact, sprain). At the same time, the activity of leukocytes increases and the differentiation of fibroblasts, which replace defects in damaged tissues, is accelerated. These effects are enhanced by an additional portion biologically active substances, which also stand out under the influence of a blue lamp.

Activation of microcirculation and increased permeability vascular wall promote the resorption of infiltrates and reduce tissue swelling, especially in chronic stage inflammation. Under the influence of a blue lamp, tactile sensitivity increases and decreases pain sensitivity. The analgesic effect is due to the relief of spasms, the elimination of edema and hypoxia of nerve fibers.

The blue lamp is indicated for all inflammatory processes, sprains, bruises, osteochondrosis, radiculitis, arthritis, sinusitis, runny nose, skin diseases, etc.

Contraindications to the use of a blue lamp: oncology, pregnancy and acute purulent processes. It is not recommended to combine it with hormone therapy, cytostatics and immunomodulators.

Blue lamp application

When performing treatment with a blue lamp, the patient should not feel significant warmth . It should be light and pleasant. The area exposed to the blue lamp must be clean and free of grease. Impact distance: 30-50 cm strictly perpendicular to the irradiated surface. If the face is irradiated, the eyes should be closed and contact lenses removed. Duration is about 15-25 minutes, no more than 3 per day. A course of up to 20 procedures, repeated in a month.

Ladies and gentlemen, the blue lamp really helps.
If it burns out, screw in a regular 60 W one with the same effect.

The blue lamp has been a physiotherapy device since the last century. It was an ordinary, familiar light bulb with an incandescent filament. The only difference was the color of the flask. The essence of its use was to warm up a person’s sore spots. They warmed themselves with a lamp for colds, runny nose, inflammatory processes, joint pain, etc. Over time, the popularity of this device has greatly decreased, but its adherents still exist today.

The scientific name of this device is the Minin reflector, given in honor of the Russian military doctor A.V. Minin. The lamp emits infrared heat, which recreates heating by sunlight.

Indications for use

It is worth noting that a Minin lamp and an ultraviolet lamp are 2 completely different things. Blue does not have bactericidal properties and is not able to affect the appearance of tanning and getting rid of infantile jaundice. She produces infrared light, getting into the shallow layers of the skin. This promotes contactless heating. They use such a light bulb for a runny nose, to activate blood circulation, stimulate metabolism, relieve muscle spasms through pain relief, and stimulate work immune system, returning mobility to diseased joints, resorption of infiltrates in the body.

The reflector is widely used to warm up a stuffy nose, sore throat. An ordinary light bulb cannot be used for such purposes, as it may cause burns.

If there is a need to use a device, for example, to warm the nose, then it is advisable to do so after consulting a doctor. He will be able to assess the person’s condition and determine the importance of using a blue lamp.

Basically, such a device is prescribed for problems associated with inflammatory processes. For example:

  • treats inflammation of the neck or back muscles (aseptic myositis);
  • ENT organs: otitis media, sinusitis;
  • for ARVI, in the absence of elevated body temperature, a blue lamp is used to warm the nose;
  • damage to the musculoskeletal system: sprain, arthritis;
  • neurosis;
  • depression;
  • use for constant fatigue body;
  • migraines and headaches;
  • problems of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • various heart diseases.

The device is a metal frame with a reflector and a handle, in the middle of which there is a socket for blue light bulbs. Power supply from 220V. It is comfortable to hold in your hand due to the large handle. The bulb bulb can be either bright blue or with a purple tint.

Contraindications to heating with a lamp

Use may not be possible if there is any contraindication. The Minin reflector is not used in cases of hyperthermia due to its warming properties.

If any chronic diseases nasopharynx, you cannot warm your nose or ear. The list also includes diseases associated with purulent inflammation: otitis media, sinusitis, scrofula.

Warming up with a blue lamp is unacceptable if the disease is active form tuberculosis.

If a person has problems with blood clotting, bleeding often occurs that is difficult to stop, the use of such devices should be stopped.

Neuralgic and autonomic disorders are considered another factor for refusing the blue Minin lamp.

Formations of a malignant nature, cardiovascular pathologies, problems with blood flow to the brain make up a list of contraindications for this method warming up.

If a person is undergoing rehabilitation after severe injuries, damage or injury, then using a blue lamp is unacceptable.

In cases where a person’s skin has been damaged, and this has led to a number of complications, the blue lamp is not used.

It is not recommended to use the device in a condition alcohol intoxication, pregnancy, neurological disease associated with a lack of thermal sensitivity, diseases requiring the use of immunomodulators and cytostatics.

Do not use a blue lamp for varicose veins and urolithiasis.

Such big list contraindications confirms the need to consult a doctor before starting to use the reflector.

How to use the warming device

The instructions for using the lamp include several recommendations. If the facial area becomes warm, you should remove any jewelry, glasses or contact lenses, as they may become hot. It is also better to close your eyes.

By connecting the blue light bulbs to the power supply, you need to ensure that the light enters at an angle of approximately 60°.

Regulation of the heating intensity occurs by changing the distance between the lamp and the body. Usually the range is 20-60 cm, since it is better to heat at this distance. If you hold the lamp further, the heat may not reach your skin during required quantity, and if closer, then you can get discomfort and overheating.

Using the device should not cause any discomfort.

A session can last from 5 to 25 minutes, 1-3 times a day, depending on whether the procedure is performed on an adult or a child.

A person may notice an improvement in 2-3 days. Full course warming up is usually 20 procedures. After using the lamp, you cannot go outside for a while.

When warming up children, you need to follow special recommendations:

  1. The procedure is permitted if there is a medical recommendation.
  2. The duration of the session should not be longer than 15 minutes.
  3. The child's skin temperature should be checked after a certain period of time to prevent it from overheating.
  4. For newborns, the procedure is carried out while they are sleeping, covering their eyes with a cloth, since the blue lamp must be used at rest.

Blue lamp - good remedy for the treatment of many diseases. But before using it, you should definitely consult a doctor to avoid negative consequences.

The blue lamp, used in the treatment of runny nose and colds, is familiar to many from childhood - and is just as good as the usual mustard plasters in combination with hot foot baths. The procedure has gained wide popularity because it does not require complex manipulations with complex instruments; it can even be carried out to a small child, and the session duration does not exceed 20 minutes. To warm up, you only need a special lamp installed in a reflective lampshade. The blue lamp is used when large quantities diseases, indicated mainly in the case of inflammatory processes different localization. Warming up with a blue lamp for a runny nose will be useful in treatment if you know about the rules of use and contraindications.

The essence of the method

Many people know about the blue lamp, but not everyone understands what it is and how it works. Can a throat lamp really help with a runny nose? Does this method of treatment have side effects and contraindications? How to warm your nose with a blue lamp correctly? Of course, before you start using the device, you should find out the answers to all these questions.

The blue lamp for warming up the nose is called the emitter, or Minin reflector, named after the doctor who first proposed its use in therapy various pathologies. It is used not only in otolaryngology - warming is useful for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, bronchopulmonary and genitourinary system. The device is a source of such types of radiation as:

  • visible;
  • infrared.

Visible radiation can be perceived by the organ of vision, while infrared radiation remains unnoticed, but has a thermal effect - in many cases quite noticeable. The degree of penetrating ability (the ability to heat surface and deep tissue) depends on the radiation range. In this case, short-wave radiation can reach deep tissue structures.

The maximum radiation of the blue lamp corresponds to the border of the short-wave and medium-wave ranges.

This means that the reflector is used mainly for warming up surface layers skin. The device includes a lampshade with a mirror surface and a handle to be held in the palm, as well as an incandescent lamp with a blue color. It consists of cobalt glass, its power ranges from 25 to 60 W.

Which beneficial effects inherent in a reflector? A blue lamp for a runny nose has the following effect:

  1. Anti-inflammatory (in particular, anti-edematous).
  2. Local analgesic (helps eliminate pain).
  3. Metabolic (intensification of metabolic processes in tissues exposed to light).

Blue phototherapy lamps are also believed to have a bactericidal effect.

Under the influence of radiation, the local temperature increases skin– they heat up by about 1–2 degrees. The consequence of this is, first of all, dilation of blood vessels and increased blood flow in the irradiated area. Sometimes you can come across the opinion that a lamp for warming up the nose is an alternative to dry heat, the source of which is using improvised means - bags of salt, boiled eggs.

Rules of application

Diseases of the ENT organs are not an absolute indication for the use of the Minin reflector. However, the device may be effective for some of them. It is often purchased by families with small children. Many parents speak positively about the reflector, but it cannot be considered an alternative to treatment prescribed by a doctor. Before starting the procedures, it is best to consult with a pediatrician - the method has contraindications, the presence or absence of which must be verified by a specialist.

How to properly warm your nose with a blue lamp? Most often, the device is used in case of colds caused by a respiratory virus. To use the lamp, you must:

  • connect the device to the electrical network;
  • wait for heating;
  • keep at a distance of 15–20 cm from the affected area;
  • Continue heating for 5 to 20 minutes.

Eyes should be protected from radiation by covering them with cardboard glasses.

During warming up, do not touch the lamp directly. The procedure can be repeated several times during the day. In this case, you should pay attention to the heating of the skin. The main requirement is a feeling of moderate, pleasant warmth. Severe heat should not be allowed. This is especially important when treating children, who cannot always formulate specific complaints. Therefore, you should remember in advance how to use a blue lamp when you have a runny nose and stop the procedure if you suspect too much heating.

Contraindications

Is it possible to warm your nose with a blue lamp when you have a runny nose? The answer to this question cannot be unambiguous. It all depends on the etiology of the runny nose (rhinitis), that is, a disease that is manifested by nasal congestion and nasal secretion. The lamp eases the course of colds, but it cannot be used in the following cases:

  1. Purulent sinusitis.
  2. Acute purulent inflammation in the area near the nasal cavity.
  3. Suspicion of a neoplasm.
  4. Increased blood pressure.
  5. Severe fever.
  6. Bleeding.

Purulent inflammation is an absolute contraindication for heating.

Sinusitis of any localization (in particular, sinusitis) is usually provoked by bacterial agents and is characterized by the presence of pus in the paranasal sinuses nose Heat exposure is strictly prohibited. Instead of relieving the condition, the patient may face serious complications that are life-threatening.

Can not use thermal effect with severe fever.

In the acute phase inflammatory process When the body temperature is significantly elevated, any warming procedures are prohibited. This is worth remembering when treating a patient of any age. During a fever, the body strives to “shed” excess heat; you should not artificially increase body temperature, even locally.

Ultraviolet lamps

Warming the nose with a blue lamp is not the only way exposure to radiation at various options respiratory infections. A UV lamp for the treatment of runny nose is part of an emitter device equipped with a tube. There are portable (portable, home) lamps, but most often UV devices can be found in physical therapy rooms. They are also called quartz lamps and are used in medical institutions not only in a complex of physiotherapeutic measures, but also when treating premises in order to prevent the spread of pathogens of infectious diseases.

The principle of operation of a portable UV lamp is to direct ultraviolet radiation to the desired area of ​​the body. The tube is inserted into the nostrils (and, if necessary, into the throat) one by one for a certain, strictly limited time. Start with 1 minute, then gradually increase the duration of contact to 3–5 minutes. It’s worth clarifying right away that these are general recommendations. The exact duration of exposure to UV rays must be determined by a doctor, and irradiation is prescribed according to indications.

The UV lamp does not warm up the nose.

Ultraviolet radiation has no thermal effect. It has a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect. UV rays also contribute to more fast healing wounds, reducing the severity of pain.

During the procedure, the patient should limit motor activity, breathe calmly and evenly. Before using the lamp, you must read the instructions and study the rules for processing tubes after irradiation. The device is not an alternative medicines, medical procedures.

Eye protection is a must.

The radiation should affect only certain areas of the mucous membranes - this is what the tubes are designed for. The lamp should not shine directly into your eyes. It is strictly not recommended to look into the housing while the device is turned on.

IN Soviet time there was a blue lamp in almost every home. This simple medical device was used for diseases of the ENT organs as often as mustard plasters or jars. The Minin reflector has gained immense popularity, since heating is considered not only very effective, but also safe. Such a lamp can be used to treat not only adults, but also children, even the most younger age. A blue lamp for warming up the nose will be useful for a runny nose, sinusitis and some other nasal pathologies. But for the treatment to be effective, the device must be used correctly and contraindications must be taken into account.

Device design

Many adults are familiar with the blue lamp with early childhood. With the help of this simple device, otitis media and runny nose have been treated for several decades in people of different ages.

Blue lamp in medical practice called the Minin reflector. This emitter is used not only for the treatment of diseases of the ENT organs, but also in complex therapy for illnesses genitourinary area, musculoskeletal system and pathologies of the bronchopulmonary system.

The Minin reflector is a source of visible and infrared radiation. The latter type of radiation is capable of deeply warming soft fabrics, eliminating congestion and inflammation.

The design of a medical device for physiotherapeutic procedures is quite primitive. The lamp consists of a dome-shaped cap, a plastic handle and a blue incandescent bulb. Interior The metal cap is covered with a thin mirror layer. Thanks to the shape of the lamp and the reflective layer, the radiation can be directed locally to the area where inflammation occurs.

The radiation from the blue lamp is on the border between the short and medium wave ranges.

Therapeutic effect of the device

A blue lamp for warming up the ENT organs is very useful, as it has the following therapeutic effect:

  • Reduces the severity of the inflammatory process and swelling of soft tissues.
  • Good pain reliever.
  • Activates metabolism in the body and promotes rapid regeneration of damaged tissues.
  • When heated, the vessels dilate and blood flow improves at the site of inflammation.

Many experts believe that warming the nose with a blue lamp during rhinitis is very useful, since the radiation has a bactericidal effect.

It is worth taking into account that between ultraviolet lamp and blue, there is practically nothing in common. The Minin reflector does not have pronounced bacteriostatic properties.

How to use

Blue lamps are often purchased by parents of children who are often and long-term ill. The Minin reflector cannot replace the treatment prescribed by the doctor, but physiotherapy can complement the therapy. It is necessary to use a blue lamp for a runny nose, following these instructions:

  • The patient is placed in bed or comfortably seated on a chair.
  • Place over the patient's eyes Sunglasses or cover the eye area with a handkerchief folded several times.
  • The blue lamp is plugged in and the reflection is directed to the nose area.
  • The device should be held at a distance of approximately 30 cm from the nose. The patient should feel noticeable warmth, but in no case a burning sensation.
  • It is necessary to warm up not only the bridge of the nose, but also the wings of the nose and the areas adjacent to the nose where the paranasal sinuses are located.
  • You can continue the procedure from 5 to 20 minutes. It depends on the age of the patient and the severity of the diagnosis.

Repeat this procedure up to 6 times per day. It is allowed to warm up in 2-3 approaches, taking a break of 15 minutes between approaches.

Warming the nasal area with a blue lamp for a runny nose is required Special attention pay attention to the condition of the skin. They should be warm, but not hot. Severe redness of the skin is also not allowed. This is especially important when treating young children, who cannot always tell exactly what is bothering them. If something bothers the patient, the procedure is stopped and further treatment agreed with the doctor.

During operation, the body of the blue lamp becomes very hot, so touching it is strictly prohibited to avoid getting burned.

Contraindications

Only a doctor can determine the advisability of warming the nose with a blue lamp during a runny nose. The fact is that warming up soft tissues is not possible in all cases; there are a number of contraindications to this procedure. The Minin reflector is not recommended for use in the following cases:

  • For purulent sinusitis.
  • For ulcers that are located in close proximity to the nose.
  • At oncological diseases or if you suspect them.
  • With high blood pressure.
  • With a tendency to bleeding and high fever.

In the acute phase of sinusitis, any heating of the wasp is strictly prohibited. Most often, this disease occurs with the accumulation of purulent masses in the nasal appendages, so heating can provoke the spillage of pus onto healthy tissues. In this case, the disease can be complicated by life-threatening conditions.

It is unacceptable to resort to warming up the nose and elevated temperature bodies. This condition is observed in the first days of the disease, when the body is very weakened. IN acute period All the body’s forces are devoted to fighting the infection and normalizing body temperature, so any warming manipulations will only aggravate the patient’s condition. It must be remembered that even local warming poses a danger. individual areas bodies.

Any purulent processes in the nose area are absolute contraindication to warming procedures.

How to replace the blue lamp

For diseases of the nose good effect can be achieved using quartz lamp Sun. This device is equipped with a special plastic tube, which makes treatment even more convenient and effective. The Sun quartz lamp is a portable device that can be used both at home and in a hospital hospital.

Infrared lamps for the treatment of runny nose can be used to treat both children and adults. In addition, these devices can be used to treat premises to prevent the spread of infections.

UV lamps do not heat soft tissues; the principle of operation here is slightly different. Directed to the inflamed area ultraviolet radiation which reduces the population pathogenic microorganisms and helps reduce inflammation. Initially, the duration of the procedure is 1 minute, then the duration of such treatment is gradually increased to 5 minutes.

A doctor must prescribe physiotherapeutic procedures, and he also determines the duration of the procedures and the duration of the course of treatment.

Although UV rays do not have a warming effect, they have a detrimental effect on bacteria, reduce swelling and inflammation, and also promote rapid tissue regeneration and reduce pain.

During physiotherapeutic procedures, the patient should lie or sit quietly. Before such treatment, you need to carefully study the instructions for the medical device and strictly adhere to its implementation. The blue lamp does not need to be treated after use. The body of such a device becomes very hot during operation, so it is impossible for bacteria and viruses to reach the surface. The attachments for the Sun quartz lamp must be disinfected after use, following the recommendations specified in the instructions.