Steam inhalations, nebulizer and inhaler. How many times a day can you inhale?

A person can get sick at any time of the year. There are many reasons for this: weak immunity, sharp changes temperatures, banal draft and much more. Modern parents They don’t want to give their child strong medications once again, because any drug has many side effects, and adults often suffer from allergies to pills. Regular saline solution can help both. It helps eliminate rhinitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and many other diseases respiratory tract.

If you didn’t know, saline solution can be prepared even at home. To do this, you need to take 1 liter of boiled water and 10 grams of salt. Mix the salt thoroughly and the solution is ready. It should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than a day. Otherwise instead therapeutic effect it will have the opposite effect. Before using the solution, it must be heated. But you should be careful, because the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx is very delicate and can easily be burned.

Inhalation of saline solution for cough

Why is saline solution the best of all medicines? Everything is very simple. Small children do not know how to swallow pills, and pharmaceuticals have many side effects; drops almost immediately enter the esophagus; ointments linger on the mucous membrane, but practically do not reach the respiratory tract; The effect of aerosols is short-term.

What are the advantages of saline solution? The use of this product does not cause allergies or other side effects, and has a moisturizing effect on the nasopharyngeal mucosa. In addition, salt is a good antiseptic. When it comes into contact with the mucous membrane, it kills pathogenic bacteria. Salt also softens coughs and helps remove phlegm from the lungs.

How to do inhalation with saline solution?

For medical procedures Still, it is better to take saline solution at the pharmacy, because it is sold there in sterile form.

To eliminate a cough, you need to pour saline solution into the inhaler and deeply inhale its vapors. Medicines can be added to the healing liquid.

For dry cough, the drugs "Berodual" or "Pulmicort" are prescribed. When it is wet, it is better to use Lazolvan, ACC, and Fluimucil. You can also add antibiotics to the saline solution: “Bioparox”, “Fluimucil”, etc.

We must remember the importance of temperature. For children under 3 years old, the saline solution should be no warmer than 30 degrees, for children under 5 years old - 40 degrees. From 6 years of age, you can use a medicinal liquid at a temperature of 52 degrees, and for adults - at 54 degrees.

For children under three years of age, inhalations can be done once a day, from 3 years of age and for adults - three times a day. The course of treatment will depend on the type of cough and the presence of complications, as well as on age.

What is a nebulizer?

Nebulizer is special apparatus, in which medicinal liquids are converted into drops. The latter, when they get on the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx or lungs, penetrate inside and have a very good therapeutic effect.

What differences does this saline inhalation have? The nebulizer can be used by both the smallest children and the elderly. The thing is that when using this device you do not need to take a strong breath or adapt to its operation. Inhale when it is convenient for you. The medicine does not evaporate anywhere, but is located in a special tank.

The saline solution breaks down into small particles using a special compressor built into the device and powered by the network.

Basic rules for inhalation with a nebulizer

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.

2. Assemble the nebulizer.

3. Prepare medicinal substance and heat it to the required temperature.

4. Pour the solution into the nebulizer cup.

5. Close the device tightly and attach a face mask, mouthpiece, or nasal cannula.

6. Connect the nebulizer to the compressor.

7. Turn on the compressor and begin to inhale the medicine.

8. After completing the procedure, turn off the compressor and disconnect the device.

9. Wash all parts of the nebulizer with a 15% soda solution.

10. Boil everything for 10 minutes.

11. Dry the components of the device and store them in a clean cloth.

Carrying out the procedure for a runny nose

Inhalation with saline solution can be performed even on newborn children. Once on the nasal mucosa, the medicinal liquid softens it and promotes the removal of mucus. If you have a runny nose, the procedure should be done every 4 hours. Treatment should be started at the first manifestations of the disease; if the disease has been going on for several days, saline solution will not help. The use of medications will be required.

You can add various essential oils, for example, pine needles, eucalyptus. Also used is Kalanchoe. But all these means must be used with caution. Very often they cause allergies.

Rules for inhalation for a runny nose

1. The temperature of the solution should be no lower than 37 degrees and no higher than 45.

2. Use essential oils with caution.

3. When using essential oils, you need to remember that only a few drops are required for the therapeutic effect.

4. Treatment should be constant - daily, every 4 hours, until signs of the disease disappear.

Rules for using the inhaler

1. Wash your hands before the procedure.

2. It is forbidden to inhale immediately after eating. It is better to wait 1.5 hours and then start treatment.

3. During the treatment period, you must stop smoking at least 1 hour before the procedure.

4. You cannot talk during the procedure.

5. The patient should wear light clothing that does not impede breathing.

6. In case of upper respiratory tract disease (runny nose), inhalation and exhalation should be done through the nose.

7. For diseases of the lower respiratory tract (bronchitis, pneumonia), inhale and exhale through the mouth.

8. If a hormonal drug was added to the solution, you need to rinse your mouth after the procedure. Children can simply be given water to drink. If you used a mask, you need to wash your face and eyes.

9. After inhalation, you need to lie down for 30-40 minutes. You cannot smoke or go outside, especially during the cold season.

Inhalations help us with many diseases. A runny nose or cough can be classified as a minor illness if you have an inhaler and saline solution. Inhaling saline solution will never harm a child. Very often, children experience nasal congestion due to dry air in the apartment. In this case, inhalation can also be used. Your child will enjoy inhaling saline solution because it does not have a bitter taste (like tablets) or an unpleasant odor (like ointments).

Or a mild cough can start without a doctor’s prescription. But you need to add medications to inhalation with saline solution only after consultation with a therapist.

Sometimes, in an effort to get rid of it faster or with the help of medications, we completely forget that there are other equally effective treatment methods. For example, such a procedure will in some cases help faster than any cough medicine or nasal drops.

In addition, many doctors themselves recommend to their patients when , , , as well as when using inhalation to treat and alleviate the symptoms of these diseases at home. It is worth noting that there are several types on sale now inhalers , including ultrasonic nebulizers new generation, which are easy to use and effective.

What is inhalation?

Literally translated from Latin name This procedure sounds like “inhaling.” In principle, this one word contains the whole meaning. inhalation , which is a method of introducing medicine into the human body, based on inhalation of medical vapors.

The main advantage of this procedure can be considered the speed with which drugs enter the respiratory tract, which contributes to the onset of rapid therapeutic effect. In addition, when inhaled, the risk of developing allergic reactions is reduced, since medications reach their target without digestive system person.

It is interesting that inhalation is not only artificial, i.e. one in which specialized devices (inhalers) are used, but also natural.

In times before inhalers, people went to seaside resorts or spent more time in the forest to saturate their bodies with beneficial compounds present in the air.

The advantage of this method of treatment is that during inhalation the absorption time of drugs is significantly reduced. As a result, the patient feels relief faster, since the local effect from using the inhaler occurs almost instantly.

Indications for inhalation are:

• ARVI , complicated by conditions such as, pharyngitis or rhinitis , as well as complications in the form and rhinosinusitis ;
• pneumonia ;
• exacerbation of chronic forms tonsillitis, sinusitis And rhinitis ;
• exacerbation of chronic or acute phase of this disease;
• bronchiectasis ;
• fungal infection lower and upper respiratory tract;
• cystic fibrosis .

In addition, inhalations are used in the prevention postoperative complications, as well as in the treatment of patients during the respiratory stage of the disease.

Among the main contraindications for this procedure are:

• heart failure ;
• pulmonary hemorrhage ;
• individual intolerance solutions for inhalation;
• pneumothorax (spontaneous, traumatic );
• bullous pulmonary emphysema .

It is worth noting that in some cases it is extremely undesirable to use inhalation as a treatment method, since it can greatly aggravate the patient’s condition. It's about, for example, about , front or , as well as otitis in children.

Often with pneumonia Doctors do not recommend using inhalers. In addition, it is not recommended to resort to this method at elevated body temperature.

There are several types of procedure:

• wet inhalation, in which the temperature of the drug in the form of a solution is maintained constantly at 30 C;
• steam inhalation;
• thermal-moist inhalation, in which the temperature of the medicine cannot be higher than 40C.

It is important to remember that infants can only have wet inhalation and only with the permission of the attending pediatrician. The steam procedure is dangerous for children because there is Great chance burn of the upper respiratory tract.

From the age of one year, heat can be used to treat a child wet inhalations, but also only after preliminary medical consultation. In principle, any movement of parents aimed at treating children must be agreed upon with a specialist.

Inhalation, as a medicine for cough and runny nose, helps:

• improve blood circulation in the mucous membranes of the larynx and sinuses;
• liquefy the secretion that forms in the pharynx, larynx, and nasal passages during illness;
• removing secretions from the nasal sinuses, which ultimately helps to significantly alleviate the patient’s condition, as nasal congestion goes away;
• moisturize inflamed mucous membranes of the nose and throat.

In addition, when using medicinal solutions for inhalation, this procedure has expectorant , antibacterial , bronchodilator , decongestant , and anti-inflammatory effect . At the moment, there are two main methods of inhalation.

The first one is well known to many people, since it does not require any specialized devices. We think that every second person has done steam inhalation at least once using a container with hot water or over a pan of freshly boiled potatoes.

The second method requires special devices - inhaler or nebulizer . We will discuss a little later that better nebulizer or an inhaler, as well as what types of these devices you can buy and how to use them correctly.

Now let's talk about what inhalation solutions for runny nose and cough can be used at home? How to make the solution yourself and how to use it when you have a cough or runny nose? It is important to emphasize that before using any medicine, including inhalation mixtures, you should consult your doctor.

In addition, you should strictly follow the instructions for using the mixture for inhalation. This is actually very important, since any medicine can both cure and harm if used incorrectly.

At runny nose and nasal congestion, as well as sinusitis

• with eucalyptus, an alcohol tincture of the leaves of the plant is used for the procedure;
• with saline;
• with alcohol tincture of propolis;
• with alcohol tincture;
• with 0.024% aqueous solution;
• with alcohol tincture;
• with a homeopathic remedy;
• with or with 0.4% solution for injection Dexamethasone .

It is worth noting that inhalations with Dexamethasone for children, as well as with Pulmicort, are permissible only in cases of real need; these drugs are classified as glucocorticoids and they contain hormonal compounds.

From cough And sore throat , and also when asthma And bronchitis Inhalations will be effective:

• With mucolytics (drugs that thin mucus and help remove it from the lungs, according to Wikipedia), for example, , , , , ;
• with bronchodilators, which include anticholinergics (Troventol , Truvent , ), adrenomimetics (Terbutaline , , , , ), methylxanthines ( , Retafil , Durophyllin , Euphylong , ), combined bronchodilator ;
• with combined bronchodilators And expectorants drugs, for example, or;
• With antibiotics (Fluimucil );
• with antitussives ( , 2% solution);
• with anti-inflammatory drugs ( ).

Perhaps the simplest and most affordable solution that you can prepare yourself at home and use for a runny nose and cough is saline solution . For inhalation, you can use a ready-made product purchased at a pharmacy. saline sodium chloride , the price of which is very affordable in comparison with other medications used for this procedure.

Or you can prepare the medicine yourself, since the composition of the saline solution actually consists of two main components - water and salt. Surprisingly at first glance, sea salt, and later table salt, has been used in medicine for thousands of years.

Saline is an indispensable medical product that is used for therapy, for example, as a dropper for dehydration or as a blood replacement in in case of emergency, because it is the mixture of salt and distilled water that is close in composition to blood plasma.

In addition, saline solution is considered effective antimicrobial agent, they also dilute medications to the required concentration and use them to rinse contact lenses.

What’s noteworthy is that when you have a runny nose, you can not only breathe saline solution through an inhaler, but also use it to rinse your sinuses.

There are several options for the composition of saline solution (more precisely, the proportions of water and salt), each of which is best suited for a particular purpose. However, according to doctors, when performing nasal inhalations at home, you can use any version of the composition of the drug.

Although it is still advisable to use a 0.9% solution for this procedure sodium chloride . As we said above, saline solution is ideal for rinsing the nose when runny nose at home, it is used for inhalation for sore throat , at pharyngitis , at obstructive bronchitis , at tracheitis And laryngotracheitis , as well as in inflammatory processes in the lungs and bronchi in the acute and chronic stages.

Saline solution can be used either alone or in combination with other drugs. For example, inhalations with saline and , , , , , , , and other mucolytic drugs will help to liquefy the mucous secretion in the respiratory tract, as well as its rapid separation and elimination from the body.

Which will ultimately make breathing easier, reduce the intensity of coughing and stop inflammatory process. When coughing, you can mix these with saline: expectorants , decongestants And antiseptics natural origin such as honey, tincture of calendula and propolis, decoctions pharmaceutical chamomile, licorice or St. John's wort root, essential oils of lemon balm, eucalyptus, mint and others.

If you suffer from a runny nose and nasal congestion, then you can add to the saline solution for inhalation sea ​​buckthorn oil, Kalanchoe juice or aloe (if there is no allergy), tea tree oil, eucalyptus or geranium, propolis tincture, as well as medications such as , , , And .

Can have a similar effect to saline solution Rizosin , Aqua-Rinosol , , , as well as alkaline or still mineral water, such as Borjomi.

Inhalation with saline solution for children

Saline solution for inhalation for children can be used because it contains this tool contains child-safe ingredients – salt and water. However, do not forget about the prescribed dosages for children. In addition, it is important to understand that the effect of saline solution depends on the type of inhaler.

With steam inhalation, the drug can only affect the upper respiratory tract, but using a nebulizer can also treat lower parts of the respiratory system. It is better to ask your pediatrician about how to carry out the procedure and how many times a day you can do it, as well as how much saline solution to pour into the child’s inhaler.

After all, only a specialist can prescribe competent treatment depending on the type of disease. Inhalations with saline solution are not prohibited even for infants, but one must remember that the temperature of the solution for children under three years of age should not be more than 30 C, from three to four years - no more than 40 C, for a child aged four years and older - 52 S.

It is believed that saline solution for cough inhalation for children can be used up to twice a day when performing the procedure on a child under two years of age; up to three times a day if your child is between two and six years old and up to four times if your child is over six years old. Moreover, the duration of inhalation in the first two cases should not exceed a maximum of three minutes, and from the age of six, a child can breathe saline solution for up to ten minutes.

Inhalation with soda

Soda solution - This is another type of widely available and truly effective mixtures for inhalation. It is noteworthy that its use has a direct effect on the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx. The steam warms and moisturizes the mucous membranes, and also kills harmful microbes that cause disease.

Soda diluted in water (sometimes sea or table salt is also added) will give a positive result if a person has wet or dry cough , bronchitis , runny nose, and laryngitis .

Baking soda has a mucolytic effect, which helps to liquefy secretions and remove them from the respiratory tract.

After just a few inhalations with soda, a person will notice a positive effect; it will actually become easier for him to breathe, because the medicinal solution improves bronchial patency and helps reduce the intensity of the cough.

Solution for inhalation with Ambrobene It is considered one of the most effective remedies, which has a minimum of contraindications and a maximum of beneficial properties. This affordable mucolytic agent can be used either alone or in combination with other medications, for example, saline solution .

Ambobene will an indispensable tool at tonsillitis , bronchitis , as well as with strong runny nose or cough at cold . Included in the drug ambroxol hydrochloride helps remove mucus from the respiratory tract, thus relieving cough. This drug is recommended for inhalation, since this method of use reduces the risk of side effects.

The drug bypasses the digestive system and is immediately “transported” to the bronchi using an inhaler. Medicinal effect from Ambrobene will be noticeable after just one procedure. Your attending physician will help you choose the correct dosage of the drug, without prior consultation with whom you should not inhale in order to avoid side effects such as vomiting, profuse drooling, allergic reaction in the form of a rash and difficulty breathing, and nausea.

In addition, Ambrobene has the following contraindications:

• components included in the medicine;

Which inhaler is better?

We talked about what to do inhalations with and discussed the most popular solutions for the procedure. Now let's talk about what inhalers are and how to choose the most suitable device for inhalation. And also: how to make an inhaler at home if you don’t have a special device at hand.

Inhaler is a specialized device that is designed to introduce drugs into the human body using a procedure such as inhalation. The following types of devices are distinguished:

• steam inhaler– this is a device for steam inhalation, in which the therapeutic effect is achieved by evaporating the drug and inhaling it with steam;
• compressor inhaler is a device equipped with a compressor that forms an aerosol cloud of medicinal solution;
• an ultrasonic inhaler or nebulizer is a device that can also spray a medicinal solution for inhalation in the form of an aerosol, but not due to the built-in compressor, but using a special ultrasonic emitter;
• a saline inhaler is a device that, when exposed to it, introduces particles of a saline solution based on sea ​​salt;
• A mesh inhaler is an electronic mesh device that forms an aerosol cloud of a medical product by passing it through a vibrating membrane.

Steam inhalers

These are the simplest and most widespread devices for inhalation. It is noteworthy that this particular type of device can be easily replaced at home with a container of hot water and obtain a similar therapeutic effect.

What is also important is that steam models are much cheaper than other types of inhalers, and they are also easy to use. As they say, even a child can handle them.

It is also important to emphasize that for inhalation using a steam inhaler, you do not need to buy special medications at the pharmacy, as, for example, for a nebulizer. For the procedure you can use various decoctions and infusions from medicinal herbs, of course, if you are not allergic to them.

Another important advantage of this variety is that steam inhalation warms up the nasal sinuses. However, this device has a number of disadvantages, for example, a steam inhaler is not always suitable for children.

Parents often ask the question of whether it is possible to give inhalations to children with fever. So here it is elevated temperature body is a contraindication to the use of a steam inhaler; you should also not use the device if you have vascular diseases.

Another important negative point can be considered the inability to use when steam inhalations many specialized medicinal solutions, which are impossible to do without when treating a number of serious illnesses respiratory system of the body. The operating principle of a steam inhaler is very simple.

As we said above, it can be replaced using a container of hot water, into which a medicinal solution is added and the steam is inhaled, covering the head with a towel. So, the solution for inhalation is poured into the main compartment of the steam inhaler. The mixture is heated to a certain temperature, evaporates, the steam rises through the tube and the person inhales it through the mouth.

The simplest models of inhaler do not require regulation of the temperature of the solution, which excludes the possibility of their use for treating young children. However, in more advanced models, you can select the heating temperature of the mixture for inhalation, and such steam cough inhalers for children are acceptable for use.

Will help answer the question about which inhaler better reviews people who have already tried out certain models of the device. Perhaps the most popular is the Romashka steam inhaler, which is produced by the Berdsk Electromechanical Plant (RF). We think that this device is familiar to many from early childhood.

Currently, you can purchase a steam inhaler Romashka-3. This device is already in its third generation and has become a an indispensable assistant, and not only in the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract. The steam inhaler is also suitable for use in home cosmetology.

In accordance with the instructions for use, this steam device can be used:

• for the treatment of colds by inhalation using decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs;
• for improving the skin of the face and neck;
• for aromatherapy;
• to humidify indoor air.

The following inhalation solutions are suitable for the steam inhaler:

• saline (a mixture of table or sea salt and water);
• soda (a mixture of soda and water, you can add salt);
• saline;
• decoctions of medicinal herbs based on pharmacy fees calendula, chamomile, sage, licorice, plantain and others;
• essential oils.

It is important to emphasize that it is advisable to inquire from a pediatrician about which children's inhaler is best. Not all types of steam inhalers are suitable for children. As we mentioned above, for each age it is worth selecting the appropriate type of inhalation (steam, wet, thermal-moist) and, accordingly, a device for this procedure.

Let's talk about how much the inhaler costs. The price will depend on the manufacturer, as well as on the functionality of the device. For example, a steam inhaler WN -18 “Miracle Steam” from B. Well (Great Britain) will cost an average of 3,000 rubles, and the domestic “Romashka” is half that price.

Inhalation with a nebulizer

Nebulizer is a specialized device for inhalation, based on the use of a dispersed ultra-small spray of highly active medicinal substances, which enter the patient’s respiratory tract through a mouthpiece (breathing tube) or mask. This type of inhaler is considered more progressive and effective.

It's all about the principle of operation of the device. Since the device forms an aerosol cloud of medicine for inhalation with a nebulizer, its vapor penetrates into all parts of the respiratory system, which makes it possible to treat using the procedure wide range diseases. In addition, medications for the nebulizer are quickly absorbed and hit the target, i.e. into the upper or lower respiratory tract, without “getting lost” along the way in the nasal cavity.

Which nebulizer is better?

Before answering the question posed, it is worth understanding what types of devices there are, as well as what their strengths and weak sides. So, the following types of nebulizers are distinguished:

• Convection devices are the most common type of device, during the operation of which an aerosol cloud is continuously formed. Medicines enter the human body when inhaled, and when exhaled, the aerosol enters the external environment. As a result, about 70% of the generated drug vapors are lost.
• Venturi nebulizers are devices that are activated by inhalation, i.e. The aerosol is constantly being formed, just as with a convection nebulizer, but it is released only when a person inhales. The main advantage of this type can be considered a reduction in the loss of vapors of the medicinal solution for inhalation inhaled by the patient, which helps to increase the effectiveness of therapy using a neulizer and reduce the operating time of the device.
• Nebulizers synchronized with breathing are dosimetric devices that form an aerosol cloud only during inhalation, which makes it possible to significantly save the medicinal solution for inhalation.
• Jet or compressor devices are devices that convert liquid medications into a fine cloud of aerosols using oxygen or air. Such devices consist of a compressor, which acts as a generator of an aerosol cloud and a sprayer. Compressor view inhalers differ from other devices not only in technical characteristics (the presence of a compressor that produces an aerosol cloud from a medicinal solution for inhalation), but also in the features of application. Many people wonder what medications can be used with a compressor inhaler. After all, for a steam device, in principle, no specialized medical means for inhalation are provided. In the case of a compressor apparatus, everything is much simpler. There are simply no restrictions for this versatile inhaler. This means that, using it for inhalation, you can safely use it like traditional herbal teas , saline or soda solution , and medicines that have mucolytic , bronchodilators , antitussives , anti-inflammatory And antiseptic properties. It is important to emphasize that in the case of correctly selected medications, it is compressor inhalers that bronchial asthma , at tracheitis , at tuberculosis , at chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Further COPD ) and for many other respiratory diseases can provide a stable and rapid therapeutic effect. This type of inhaler is safe for children of any age. True, not all compressor inhalers are suitable for using drugs on oil based and essential oils. It's all about the design features of the devices. However, there are universal devices that are “not afraid” of medicines of any composition.
• Ultrasonic nebulizers are devices that use ultrasound, namely the energy of high-frequency vibrations of piezocrystals, to convert an inhalation mixture into vapor. In comparison with a compressor device, an ultrasonic device benefits from silent operation, portability, as well as the constancy and uniformity of aerosol cloud particles. However, these models have a number of significant drawbacks. For example, during operation of an ultrasonic nebulizer, destruction may occur chemical structure medicine used for inhalation due to fever. As a result, therapy with such a modified medical device may be ineffective. It is also important to note that not all nebulizer solutions are suitable for use in an ultrasound device, for example, viscous oil medications or suspensions.

So, it is advisable to draw a conclusion about which nebulizer is better based on the reviews of people who have tried various types of devices, and taking into account the above information about technical specifications, as well as about the main disadvantages and advantages of the devices.

Think about which compression, ultrasonic or conventional convection nebulizer is better, and also choose such a device for home use need to take it into account average price and manufacturer. How much does a nebulizer cost?

The price of the device depends on its type, as well as the country of manufacture. On average, a nebulizer with standard set functions will cost 2500-3000 rubles, there are also more budget models for 1500-2000 rubles, produced by less well-known companies. The cost of specialized or children's models in the form of animals, for example, can start from 3500-4000 rubles.

Inhalation solutions for nebulizer

Before using any device, including nebulizer , you should carefully read the instructions for its use. To carry out inhalation correctly, you need to not only know how to use the device, but also what medications can be poured into the nebulizer in order to obtain the expected therapeutic effect.

Let's talk in more detail about which medications are suitable for use as solutions for inhalers and nebulizers for coughs and other respiratory tract diseases. Let's answer the question about how to breathe with a runny nose through a nebulizer.

Medicines for inhalation for cough and runny nose

As we have repeatedly repeated above, inhalations for rhinitis effectively help, how to relieve unpleasant symptoms diseases, and cure the very cause of the disease. Experts believe that using an inhaler with special solutions for a runny nose solves several important problems.

The device moisturizes the mucous membranes of the nose, makes the secretion less abundant and viscous, which helps remove it from the body, eliminates itching in the nasal passages, reduces swelling and softens crusts, which often interfere with small children's ability to sleep and eat peacefully.

There are enough recipes for nebulizer inhalation for a runny nose, for which both medications and traditional medicine are used.

Perhaps the most common recipe for a runny nose for children and adults is inhalation with mineral water, saline solution, with salt or soda.

Mineral water or saline solution is the same weak alkaline or saline solution (sodium chloride), but only already prepared in the required proportion, suitable for inhalation.

A soda solution, to which sea salt is often added, also works great for a runny nose. They can be used to rinse the sinuses or be used through a nebulizer. It is worth noting that in modern pharmacies there is a ready-made solution for inhalation of sodium bicarbonate or “Soda-buffer”, the dosage of soda in which is adjusted to the milligram.

However, this solution must also be diluted with saline, otherwise the medicine cannot be used in a nebulizer. To enhance the therapeutic effect, medicinal herbs (chamomile, sage, eucalyptus leaves, plantain, Bay leaf, mint, St. John's wort) and essential oils. Inhalations with chamomile or eucalyptus oil help not only with a runny nose, but also with other respiratory diseases.

For a runny nose, you can use immunostimulating drugs containing. For example, it is well suited for inhalation with a nebulizer. Antibacterial and antiseptic drugs ( Fluimucil , , , , ) will be effective when runny nose and at sinusitis .

You can also use the following in a nebulizer: anti-inflammatory drugs How or Malavit. As indicated in the instructions for use of Rotokan and Malavit, the composition of the medicines includes mainly herbal components, for example, calendula extract, chamomile, yarrow, Siberian cedar resin, oak bark and others.

Therefore, these drugs can only be used if a person does not have allergies. In addition, when runny nose Inhalations with propolis (tincture) and eucalyptus (extract), which also have anti-inflammatory properties, will effectively help.

Some hormonal drugs, For example, , or Cromhexal , it is also permissible to use it in a nebulizer when rhinitis .

We talked about what inhalations to do when you have a runny nose, now we’ll figure out how to breathe through a nebulizer when you have a runny nose. dry cough , at sore throat or when bronchitis . Let's start with the fact that when rhinitis, cough or sore throat weakly alkaline and saline solutions are effective, which are easy to prepare and accessible to most.

In order to prepare such a mixture for inhalation, you need to have water (preferably distilled), sea or table salt or baking soda on hand. Ready-made analogues of the above-described products can be considered saline solution or mineral water. For inhalation, you can use ready-made breast mixtures sold in pharmacies.

However, with them, as with other drugs, plant based you need to be extremely careful. You should not resort to infusions or decoctions of medicinal herbs if a person has allergies. With a strong suffocating cough, inhalations with Lazolvan , the dosage of which will be helped by your attending physician, for dry cough - Beroduali , , , which relate to drugs that dilate the bronchi.

If the cough is dry and barking, then inhalation in a nebulizer with , , , , as well as with . Propolis and calendula effectively stop the inflammatory process that accompanies a dry cough. For a wet cough, use a nebulizer, , , Furacilin .

In addition, inhalations with, as well as with slightly alkaline and saline solutions will be effective.

Inhalation at laryngitis should be done an hour or two after eating. For half an hour after the procedure, it is better to refrain from talking, and you should not smoke, drink or eat. At laryngitis During inhalation, you should inhale through your mouth and exhale, on the contrary, through your nose.

If several medications are prescribed, they should be used in the following sequence:

• first - bronchodilators ;
• after 15 minutes - expectorants ;
• in custody - anti-inflammatory or antiseptic drugs.

Inhalations for bronchitis

- This is one of the common diseases in which the inflammatory process affects the bronchi. Typically, the cause of this disease is bacterial or viral infection . Antiviral drugs are also used in the treatment of bronchitis.

In addition, it is effective in bronchitis and an inhaler. There are several forms of the disease - acute, chronic and obstructive bronchitis.

Depending on the type of disease, the doctor prescribes certain medications. Inhalations for bronchitis at home can be done only after consultation with a specialist.

The following medications are usually prescribed for the procedure:

• Miramistin , Dioxidine And Chlorhexidine – A antiseptic agents designed to combat the viral nature of the disease;
• Ambroxol , Lazolvan, Ambrobene – mucolytics, which help remove and thin sputum;
• Derinat - immunomodulator;
• , extracts of tea tree, fir, sage, calendula, Eucalyptus oil– natural anti-inflammatory agents;
• Tobramycin , Gentamicin , , ACC – antibiotics that kill harmful bacteria;
• Ventolin , Berotek or Berodual – bronchodilators, drugs that dilate the bronchi;
• Xylometazoline , Naphthyzin , Oxymetazoline (nasal drops) – vasoconstrictors are used for bright pronounced edema mucous membranes of the respiratory tract;
• hormonal agents.

Effective medicines for inhalation for bronchitis In children, only a pediatrician can prescribe it. However, we cannot ignore such safe ways treatment of bronchitis at home as inhalation with saline, saline, soda and weakly alkaline solutions.

Procedures with the above mentioned products will help moisturize the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, which will reduce painful sensations. In addition, they effectively liquefy and remove mucus.

Inhalations for pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is a disease that affects lymphoid tissue and mucous membranes of the pharynx. The cause of the disease can be either inhalation of polluted or too cold air, or the pathogenic effect of harmful microorganisms on the body. Depending on the causative agent of the disease, the doctor selects drugs for treatment pharyngitis .

Antibiotics for pharyngitis in adults or children, it is prescribed if the development of the disease is provoked by bacteria of staphylococcus, streptococcus or pneumococcus. Antiviral drugs and immunomodulatory agents are effective if pharyngitis occurs against the background flu or other types ARVI .

To treat the disease they use not only medicinal method. At pharyngitis Rinsing and inhalation are effective. At home, you can use simple devices for steam inhalation (containers with inhalation solution and hot water) or specialized devices.

Solutions for inhalation for pharyngitis:

• soda or saline solution;
• saline;
• infusions and decoctions of medicinal herbs (calendula, St. John's wort, chamomile);
• essential oils and extracts (sage, oak bark, eucalyptus, pine, mint, juniper);
• herbal preparations (, Malavit , Tonsilgon );
• antiseptic drugs ( Fluimucil , Miramistin , Dioxidine ).

The inhalation method of administering drugs for respiratory diseases is considered one of the most effective.

Even the popular doctor E. O. Komarovsky advises using it to treat children of any age.

Depending on the type of pathology present and the severity of its course, doctors recommend to use various drugs . One of the simplest, safest and at the same time effective is inhalation with saline solution for coughing in children.

Saline solution for a nebulizer for children: what does inhalation with saline solution give?

A saline solution, the main components of which are sodium chloride and water for injection, is ideal for the human body, since the concentration of salt in it is identical to its content in blood plasma.

Therefore, with any method of administration, when it comes into contact with the mucous membranes that line all parts of the respiratory tract, it quickly moisturizes them without causing any irritation.

So, what is the benefit of the procedure and in what cases is such inhalation performed? The advantages of saline solution, which is saline solution, are as follows:

• moisturizes the mucous membranes, thereby eliminating irritation in the throat, often accompanying a dry cough;
• thins viscous mucus and facilitates its removal;
• has a mild anti-inflammatory effect.

The indications for its implementation logically follow from the benefits of the procedure. Here are the main ones:

• rhinopharyngitis, tonsillitis;
• laryngitis, tracheitis;
• bronchitis, including obstructive;
• bronchial asthma;
• emphysema;
• sinusitis, etc.

Thus, the advantages of inhalation therapy are obvious; it helps relieve and transform a dry cough into a productive one, get rid of rawness from a sore throat, etc.

But do not forget that it should not be done when children have a fever! If the thermometer readings exceed 38°C, the manipulation is postponed until the baby’s condition normalizes.

However, the effect of the procedure is significantly lower than that of inhaling an aerosol of cough medicine.

For example, with a dry cough provoked by obstructive bronchitis, the use of Berotek, Salbutamol, Berodual, Atrovent diluted with saline solution is much more effective.

And when wet or when residual cough It is better to administer mucolytics (Ambrobene, Fluimucil, etc.). But a doctor must prescribe medications!

Do-it-yourself saline solution for inhalation for a child

It is already clear what it consists of and what is included in industrial saline solution. And although everyone can afford to buy it ready-made at the pharmacy,

It is enough to boil purified still water. Measure 100 ml and dilute 0.9 g of table or sea salt. If the choice falls on the second, then you must ensure that it does not contain additional substances. It is ideal to determine the weight of salt on an electronic kitchen scale. But if they are not there, you can add 1 tsp per 1000 ml of water. salt. It is important to completely dissolve even the smallest crystals so that they do not damage the device and the respiratory tract. The finished product is stored for no more than a day in the refrigerator.

This ratio is suitable for most young patients.

But if the baby complains of discomfort and a burning sensation in the nose or throat during the procedure, it is immediately stopped and the solution in the device is replaced with a more diluted one.

The prepared product is left to cool naturally. An important point is to determine what temperature the finished saline solution should be. At inhalation route administration, liquids whose temperature does not exceed 40 °C are used.

How much saline solution should I pour into a child's nebulizer?

How much medication is needed for one procedure is indicated in the instructions for the device and depends on the age of the patient. On average, 1 manipulation requires no more than 2–5 ml. But it is better to ask your pediatrician how much should be poured into the inhaler or nebulizer in each specific case.
Source: website The dose of saline solution is very easy to determine. There are ampoules on sale with volumes starting from 1 ml and bottles of 100, 200 and 400 ml. If everything is clear with the ampoules, then the liquid is drawn from the bottle syringe of the desired volume by piercing the rubber cap.

It is important not to remove this plug completely to avoid compromising sterility.

Inhalation of saline solution for a child: how to do it with a nebulizer?

A nebulizer is a modern device for inhalation for both adults and children. It can be ultrasonic, compression or membrane. The instructions for using any of them describe in detail what can be poured into the chamber and what cannot.

Compression models offer an optimal balance between price and range of capabilities. With their help, you can carry out inhalation therapy with almost any medicine, since the air flow, unlike ultrasound, does not destroy them.

To carry out the procedure you need:

Take a break between manipulations and eating for at least an hour.

Pour the prepared solution into the device chamber and start it.

For the treatment of diseases of the lower airways, for example, for laryngitis, use a mouthpiece if the little one is already able to inhale the sprayed mixture through it.

When treating pathologies of the upper airway, including adenoids, sinusitis, etc., preference is given to the nasal nozzle. For babies who are unable to breathe through specialized nozzles, choose a mask that covers the mouth and nose at the same time.

Breathing should be smooth and calm, There is no need to take deep or shallow breaths unless directed by your pediatrician. This is due to the fact that deep breaths are mainly indicated for severe inflammatory pathologies of the bronchi and lungs.

How many minutes one manipulation will last depends on the amount of liquid collected in the chamber; usually it does not exceed 2–5 minutes, and up to two sessions are performed per day.

After the session, it is forbidden to go outside for an hour. It is also advisable not to drink at this time.

Infants and children up to one year old

If we talk about the age at which inhalation therapy can be practiced, then there are no restrictions. They are carried out with equal safety and effectiveness for a newborn, a baby at 2 months and for a 5-month-old child.

When a baby coughs, just pour 1-2 ml of the product into the nebulizer. Whether it is possible to use other medications should be checked with a pediatrician, and when prescribing such medications, strictly adhere to the dosage.

For children who have not yet turned 1 year old, manipulation is carried out using a mask that covers both the mouth and nose.

How to inhale saline solution for a child using an inhaler

Although nebulizers are also inhalers, this is generally what steam devices are called. Their use is indicated exclusively for the treatment of children over 2 years of age, especially with a dry cough, since children are not always able to cough up mucus that increases under the influence of steam.

How much saline solution to pour into the inhaler is determined by the patient’s age. So, for a child aged 3–4 years, 2 ml is enough, for a child aged 5–7 years – 3 ml, and for older children, 4 ml of solution can be poured.

The saline solution for the inhaler is preheated to 37–40 °C. Determining the temperature is not difficult. For this purpose, dip your finger (well washed) into the liquid.

If it seems barely warm, this is considered an indication that the optimal degree of heating has been achieved. We recommend that especially pedantic parents use special thermometers.

How many times a day can a child inhale with saline solution?

How often sessions are performed depends on the severity of the existing disease. At mild flow pathology a couple of times a day is enough. In more serious situations, the procedure can be performed every 4–6 hours.

The inhalation time also differs and largely depends on the age of the patient, and therefore the amount of liquid used. Therefore, for kids it takes a couple of minutes, for preschoolers and junior schoolchildren– 2–4 minutes, and for older children – 4–10 minutes.

Inhalation of wet cough with saline solution for a child

It is better to carry out steam procedures for children from 2 or even 3 years of age in order to minimize the risk of difficulty breathing due to increased volume of phlegm. For mild cases, only saline solution inhaled 1-2 times a day is quite enough to facilitate coughing up accumulated sputum.

But in severe cases You should either additionally take children's syrups with mucolytic properties, or carry out inhalations with a mixture of the selected drug with saline solution. These may include:

• Lazolvan;
• Ambrobene;
• Fluimucil;
• ACC, etc.

Before the procedure, you should definitely read the instructions for the medicine to make sure that it is not contraindicated for use by your child, and to understand how much of it should be measured for a specific baby. age group.

The best option would be to consult a pediatrician, but since this is not always possible in the absence of allergies and severe systemic diseases, parents can independently conduct inhalation therapy sessions for a child over 3 years old.

For runny nose in children

For a common runny nose, inhalation therapy is not contraindicated, but great benefit she won't bring it. Much more effective or any other saline solution, since this helps not only to moisturize the mucous membranes and thin the snot, but also to mechanically flush it out of the nasal cavity.

To do this, liquid is injected into the nose with a syringe, syringe or through a special teapot.

But since rinsing is accompanied by discomfort from water getting into the nose, many children categorically refuse to do it.

In such cases, inhalations will come to the rescue, since they are not associated with the occurrence of discomfort. The dosage of saline solution is similar to that above.

Inhalations with Naphthyzin and saline solution for children

Quite often you can get a prescription from a doctor for inhalations with Naphthyzin, which is vasoconstrictor drug, and saline solution. This is necessary for severe nasal congestion or a dry, barking cough.

When preparing the product, the following proportions should be observed:

• 1 ml Naphthyzin 0.05%;
• 5 ml saline solution.

Without any doubt and it's proven practical medicine, inhalation for the treatment of cough is the most gentle and safe, and most importantly, an effective method of treating inflammatory colds of the upper respiratory tract, which allows you to very quickly alleviate the patient’s condition. We always try to cure a cold with the help of pills, potions and injections, without thinking about the fact that they all have side effects and effects. Drug therapy is very effective and at the same time unsafe. If there are no complications, then it will always be more correct to start treating the disease with traditional methods, in particular, with the help of inhalations.

Inhalation is a very ancient method that was used to treat allergic and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system. At the first signs of the disease, the use of therapeutic inhalations can significantly shorten the painful period, facilitate sputum production, soften the pathological process, reduce the severity of cough and quickly approach full recovery.

Before you continue reading: If you are looking for an effective method of getting rid of runny nose, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis or colds, then be sure to check out Book section of the site after reading this article. This information has helped so many people, we hope it will help you too! So, now back to the article.

Why are inhalations needed during a cough?

The term “inhalation” comes from the Italian word ihalo, which means “inhale.” This procedure may have healing effect or preventive, because for inhalation it is not at all necessary to inhale medicinal substances. Think about the positive and beneficial effects that inhalation has on the body. sea ​​air or the healing aroma of a pine forest. This is a real natural or natural inhalation.

Colds, which are accompanied by a dry hacking cough or, conversely, difficult to separate sputum, have different approach in treatment. But the use of inhalations is almost always indicated, which can be carried out using old “old-fashioned” methods or by using modern apparatus for inhalations - nebulizer. The method of inhalation for cough in both cases has common features, then, which implies irrigation of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract while the patient inhales vapors containing medications or medicinal extracts of medicinal herbs.

Medicinal solutions for inhalation for coughs are inhaled in a vapor state and immediately act on the inflamed mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, covering very large areas, from the larynx to the surface of the bronchioles. However, some drugs may penetrate into circulatory system, but this method has shown much greater effectiveness than oral administration of drugs using conventional potions, tinctures and tablets for the treatment of diseases of the respiratory system.

What types of inhalations are used for coughs during a cold?

Inhalations can be divided into two more types - natural and artificial inhalation. The natural way is to inhale clean air filled with phytoncides, microelements and many other beneficial substances that are contained in the clean air of mountains, sea coasts, coniferous and deciduous forests. This type of inhalation is more therapeutic and prophylactic, because it has a mild effect on the mucous membranes of the respiratory system, increases the overall tone of the body and immunity, helps fight chronic respiratory diseases, and has general strengthening properties.

The second type involves the use of inhalation drugs for coughs and specialized devices for inhalation administration of them into the upper respiratory tract. The artificial inhalation method can be used not only in physiotherapy rooms of clinics, but also in ordinary home conditions.

Several types of inhalations are used to treat inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. At home, the simplest method is steam inhalation during a cough. To do this, it is enough to add a medicine to boiling water, which, together with steam microparticles, enters the throat, larynx, trachea, etc.

Inhalations using oily solutions - essential oils - are often used. There is a method of dry inhalation, during which cough medicine is initially dissolved in water, and then the resulting inhalation solution is mixed with heated dry air. When such vapors are inhaled, the water evaporates quite quickly, so only particles of the dry drug enter the lungs. The third method is wet vapor inhalation, which is formed when the medicinal solution is converted into an aerosol, which is very similar to fog.

There is another type of therapeutic inhalation - aeroionoinhalation or aeroionotherapy, when positively or negatively charged air particles - water or air ions - are introduced into the body. Largest positive effect from a medical point of view, inhalation of negatively charged ions will bring.

When treating cough in children, ultrasound inhalation is often used, which has a number of advantages. This technique is based on the “crushing” of medicinal inhalation solutions with ultrasound for further delivery of the smallest particles into the respiratory system. Such aerosols penetrate very deeply, but for this it is necessary to use special ultrasonic inhalers.

Depending on the temperature of the healing solutions used for inhalation treatment cough, the following types are distinguished:

• wet - up to 30°C;
• warm-humid - up to 40°C;
• steam - up to 45°C.

We will talk in more detail about the use of inhalation for coughs in children and adults, as well as how to use inhalations for coughs, and what medications to use for this, depending on whether there is sputum production or not.

Contraindications for the use of inhalation cough treatment

Almost all diseases of the respiratory system are accompanied by a cough - dry or wet. Coughing is a protective reaction of the body aimed at removing foreign objects, large quantity infected sputum from the lungs and bronchi. Although very often the cough takes on an annoying, dry character. In this case, it does not have a protective function, but is simply a consequence of irritation of the inflamed mucous membranes. Due to the fact that cough is one of the main symptoms of respiratory diseases, and treating cough with inhalation is a fairly popular method, let’s first figure out which diseases can be treated and which cannot using this effective method.

Under no circumstances should you resort to a therapeutic inhalation treatment method if the patient has:

• increased body temperature more than 37.5° C;
• nosebleeds, hemoptysis and tendency to bleed in general;
• individual intolerance and allergy to the medicinal substance used in the inhalation solution for the treatment of cough;
• serious illnesses of cardio-vascular system- heart failure and hypertension III degree, conditions during and after myocardial infarction and cerebral stroke, cerebral atherosclerosis with cerebrovascular accidents;
• severe diseases of the respiratory system - respiratory failure of the third degree, bullous emphysema, giant cavities, recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax.

Before carrying out inhalations, it is better to consult your doctor to clarify whether there are any contraindications for the use of inhalation treatment for dry and wet cough in each individual case.

In all other cases, the inhalation method is indicated for treatment respiratory diseases. Inhalations are indicated for coughs and for pregnant women; it is only necessary to use medications that are not prohibited for treatment during intrauterine development fetus In addition to colds and inflammatory diseases of the upper and lower sections respiratory system, inhalations are popular and extremely effective for allergic cough, which are considered the main method of drug administration.

As mentioned above, inhalations are used for coughs and in children, but the age limit is a limitation. It is recommended to use the inhalation method for children over 2 years of age, when the child is able to understand his actions and follow parental instructions.

What kind of cough should be treated with inhalations?

Listed above are diseases and conditions for which inhalation treatment is strictly contraindicated. Now let’s look at the list of diseases and the principles for which coughs are inhaled. Of course, first of all, this group of diseases includes acute respiratory diseases, chronic inflammatory pathologies respiratory tract, for example, bronchitis, chronic pharyngitis, bronchial asthma, sinusitis, etc.

Inhalations are most often used for dry coughs during acute laryngitis, which occurs against the background of acute respiratory viral infection and hypothermia and is accompanied by damage to the vocal cords, sore throat and dry hacking cough. In these cases, warm inhalation solutions are used, which should relieve swelling of the vocal cords and possible laryngeal stenosis. acute development respiratory failure. We will tell you which inhalations for dry cough are most often used in the section “Inhalation treatment for dry cough.”

Acute tracheitis responds well to inhalation treatment, acute laryngotracheitis, acute bronchitis, acute obstructive bronchitis, which are accompanied by both dry and wet cough. We will consider the basic methods and use of medications below in the section “Inhalation treatment for wet cough.” In the treatment of such diseases using inhalation in the presence of a wet cough, one strives to liquefy thick, difficult to separate sputum to facilitate its removal from the bronchi, reduce the inflammatory process and swelling in the mucous membrane in order to alleviate and relieve the severity of a severe debilitating cough.

The inhalation method has proven to be excellent for the treatment of acute and chronic ENT diseases– rhinitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, for example, frontal sinusitis and sinusitis. In such cases, inhalation is sometimes indicated inhalation drugs through the nose to relieve swelling of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract.

An indispensable method of administering drugs for inhalation for coughs of an allergic nature, with asthmatic bronchitis and bronchial asthma, to eliminate bronchospasm, expand the lumen of bronchioles and eliminate the allergic component in pathological process. Inhalations for allergic cough are considered one of the main methods of treating such diseases.

Such a terrible disease as pneumonia is almost 100% accompanied by a severe cough with a large amount of discharge. mucopurulent sputum and increasing swelling of the lower respiratory tract. When the body temperature is less than 37.5 ° C, inhalations are indicated to relieve a wet cough with the introduction of anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, antiseptics, enzymes, herbal decoctions. When the inhalation technique is carried out correctly, a strong cough subsides quite quickly, swelling is relieved and expectoration of sputum is facilitated.

Inhalations are indicated for wet coughs that occur during pulmonary syndrome cystic fibrosis and against the background of fungal diseases of the respiratory tract.

In addition, inhalations are used to eliminate and relieve cough in tuberculosis, for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, in particular coronary artery disease, hypertension, during rehabilitation period after myocardial infarction. Inhalations are also used to treat diseases of the nervous, endocrine and other systems, and if benefits from aromatherapy are expected, then to improve the mental state, blood and lymph circulation.

12 rules for effective inhalations to get rid of cough

The inhalation procedure is a very simple event, but it will be effective and useful only if certain simple rules for its implementation are followed. IN otherwise the patient runs the risk of turning inhalation into a painful and painful procedure that will bring harm and unexpected benefits, or at worst, will be ineffective.

Follow the following 12 rules, and drugs for inhaled cough treatment will have a positive effect:

1. You need to start inhalation an hour and a half after eating or performing serious physical activity.

2. Do not use the inhalation method if there are contraindications for it (see above).

3. Use only those medications for inhalation for cough that are prescribed by your doctor and follow the exact dosage of the drug and the concentration of the herbal decoction.

4. The duration of the inhalation procedure for coughing in children lasts 1-3 minutes and no more than 1-2 times a day. For adults, this time is 5-10 minutes with the number of inhalations up to 3 times a day.

5. After inhalation, it is not recommended to talk, eat, drink, and, especially, smoke for an hour.

6. When treating ENT diseases, inhale aerosols through the mouth and nose to increase the effect without unnecessary strain.

7. After inhalation medicinal aerosol or another dose of steam inhalation to relieve cough, it is recommended to hold your breath for a couple of seconds, then exhale maximum amount air.

8. Clothing and body position during the procedure should not constrain or constrain the patient or interfere with the free process of breathing.

9. Carry out inhalation in complete silence, concentrating, without others in the room.

10. Observe personal hygiene measures; wash your hands thoroughly before inhalation.

11. Before using a special device, for example, a nebulizer for cough inhalation, be sure to disinfect it. Do not use oil-based medications in ultrasonic inhalers.

12. Do not let the inhalation steam come into contact with your facial skin, because medicinal preparations will not be absorbed through the skin.

Methods of inhalation to treat cough

We examined the questions of what kind of cough inhalations are used for and for what diseases this method is indicated and contraindicated. And if there is a need to use this method, then it’s time to study it in more detail and understand how to use inhalations for coughing.

Of course, it is much easier and more effective to inhale a cough with a nebulizer or another type of modern inhaler, but what if you don’t have one at hand? This problem can be solved quite simply. Can be poured into a teapot or teapot hot solution for inhalation treatment of cough, close it and inhale the resulting vapors with remedy through the spout. If the steam is very hot and there is a risk of getting burned, then you can make an improvised cone out of cardboard or thick paper, insert the tip into the spout of the kettle and breathe through this tube.

Some people manage to perform steam inhalations to get rid of coughs by bending over an open pan with a medicinal solution and covering themselves with a thick terry towel. This method has a right to exist, but it is dangerous because you can burn the skin of the face and neck, and worst of all, the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract with hot healing fumes. Therefore, during the procedure, you should not take very deep breaths from the very beginning.

By the way, it's hot healing solution– this does not mean boiling water! And in general, forget about experiments with a boiling solution before inhalation! The maximum temperature of the liquid for the hottest method of cough treatment, steam inhalation, should not exceed 52-57 ° C.

And the steam temperature during therapeutic inhalation for a dry cough for a child of the younger age group should not exceed 30°C. For older children aged about 3-4 years, you can increase the aerosol temperature to 40°C. And what younger child, the longer the cardboard cone needs to be made to avoid throat burns.

To prevent accidental absorption of the hot inhalation solution into the respiratory tract during coughing, ensure that the cardboard cone does not come into contact with the surface of the healing liquid. Usually, the time of using a warm medicinal solution for the inhalation procedure is always enough so that its temperature does not drop. But if necessary, if it is impossible to heat the contents home inhaler, you can just add hot water with the required dose of medication.

Types of modern inhalers for the treatment of cough and respiratory diseases

If you or your child very often suffer from colds, which are accompanied by a long and painful cough, it would be a good idea to purchase a modern inhaler in advance, which will always be at hand in order to administer life-saving inhalation in time for a child with a dry or wet cough. Let's give a brief overview of how to use inhalations for a cough, so that you can navigate choosing the most suitable inhaler for you.

What are the advantages of using an inhaler, and that it helps to deliver therapeutic benefits as far and effectively as possible? inhalation agents to the affected mucous membranes of the respiratory system, facilitates the procedure itself, can be used not only at home, because it can always be kept at hand.

Inhalers are divided into three main types:

1. Steam inhaler Lately used very rarely because many medicines do not need to be heated to very high temperatures high temperature, in which they disintegrate, decompose, and lose their healing effect. But, for example, to treat a cough using inhalations with soda, a steam inhaler is perfect. By the way, using modern steam inhalers, the possibility of burns is excluded, because they have a button for adjusting the steam temperature. In addition, this device is very convenient to use for cosmetic and therapeutic procedures for the skin of the face and neck, the so-called steam bath. These inhalers are best used for aromatherapy.

2. Ultrasonic nebulizer is quite expensive. Its use is limited to the use of those drugs that are destroyed by ultrasound. These may include many types of antibiotics and expectorants. At home, this inhaler is used extremely rarely for the above reasons. However, they are very compact, which allows you to always have them on hand.

3. The most popular, effective and convenient is the compressor inhaler, which is also called a nebulizer. It can be used literally from the moment of birth for newborns without any restrictions. Inhalation procedures for coughing with a nebulizer can be done both at home and in mobile conditions. The medicinal aerosol in nebulizers is created using discharged pressure, and it is activated by inhalation. The higher the inhalation rate, the greater the release rate of this aerosol.

Such inhalations are indispensable for allergic coughs and for relieving attacks bronchial asthma. The advantage of this inhaler is its ability to create aerosols with tiny particles of medicinal liquid that reach the deepest parts of the lungs. Inhalation for children with a nebulizer when coughing is the most convenient and effective.

What is a nebulizer: advantages and methods of use

The name of this device comes from the Latin word “nebula”, which translates as cloud or fog. The nebulizer inhalation device, under the influence of compressed air, transforms the liquid medium into a healing aerosol, which can then be easily delivered during the procedure to the farthest parts of the respiratory system. A nebulizer is used for inhalation for dry or wet cough caused by acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, including bacterial ones, of the respiratory system, as well as for the emergency relief of attacks of bronchial asthma.

Nebulizers can be portable to serve only one patient or stationary, which are used to treat several people simultaneously. But they all have the same principle of operation, which is based on the spraying of a medicinal solution of the drug, converted by a compressor into an aerosol cloud. A powerful stream of air passes through a small hole in the nebulizer container, which contains the treatment solution. And then the aerosol cloud is fed through a tube or mask into the upper and lower respiratory tract.

The aerosol particles are so small that they easily penetrate into the farthest parts of the lungs. However, depending on the size of the aerosol microparticles, they may not overcome a certain boundary and reach the farthest depths of the respiratory system:

• particles larger than 10 microns reach the oropharynx;
• particles of 5-10 microns in size settle in the area from the oropharynx to the trachea;
• aerosol particles of 2-5 microns in size reach the lower respiratory tract;
• particles of 0.5-2 microns reach the alveoli.

A nebulizer consists of a chamber shaped like a plastic cup with a volume of 5 to 10 ml, into which a medication solution is poured. This container has a special valve with two outlets. One of them leads through a tube to the device itself, the other is the output one, for supplying a medicinal aerosol into the body of a sick person. A tube or mask is connected to the second hole, from which an aerosol is supplied in the form of fog. If the aerosol has large particles, the compressor is malfunctioning, and inhalation with a nebulizer for a wet cough will be ineffective because it will not penetrate to the desired depth.

By the way, depending on the type of nebulizer, the aerosol may enter the respiratory tract different ways, having some features:

• constant supply inhalation solution when coughing with a nebulizer, if the aerosol supply is adjusted during inhalation and exhalation, which leads to loss of the drug and a decrease in the use of the given dose;
• the process of aerosol supply during inhalation and exhalation is regulated by the patient himself in order to save medicinal product, for which he constantly presses a special button (this method is not suitable for inhalation and treatment of cough in a child).
• automatic supply of aerosol during inhalation and turning it off during exhalation using a special valve system allows for an increase in the dose of medicinal mist during inhalation.

It should be remembered that there is almost always a residual volume of liquid of 1 ml left in the container, which cannot be used to create an aerosol.

The nebulizer has many advantages:

• greater work resource;
• no need to purchase consumables except medicines;
• compactness;
• possibility of spraying almost all types of medicines and mineral water;
• use for inhalation in children suffering from cough.

But there are also minor drawbacks - the noisy operation of large appliances. The ultrasonic type of nebulizer is not suitable for the treatment of bronchial asthma.

We recommend that you read...“Inhalers for children. Which one to choose and how to use it correctly? » is a very educational and informative article about nebulizer inhalers.

Drugs that are not used for inhalation with a nebulizer

Although the range of drugs used for inhalation using a nebulizer is very wide, it is useful to know which inhalations for cough are not indicated, or rather, which drugs and means should not be used for this procedure:

• drugs that are not capable of providing drug effect upon contact with the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract - Diphenhydramine, Papaverine, Eufillin;
• solutions containing essential oils, which are useful for treating the nose and nasopharynx, but not for treating the lungs. They can cause damage to the nebulizer and the inability to rinse the “apply membrane”;
• herbal infusions, decoctions and tinctures due to the risk of overdose active substances, clogging the passages of the device with pieces of grass, roots and leaves;
• independently crushed solid drugs or syrups due to possible breakdown of the device and the inability to use many topical products.

Drugs recommended for inhalation for cough using a nebulizer

For use in nebulizers, not only medications are indicated, but also mineral water such as “Borjomi”, “Narzan”, “Essentuki” for alkaline inhalations for coughs. In this case, before treating a cough and inhaling mineral water, it is necessary to warm it up, after releasing all the bubbles carbon dioxide. The most harmless and simplest are inhalations for coughing with saline solution.

Medicines must be ready for use, so we list the main drugs that are used in inhalations:

• antiseptics and antibiotics - Gentamicin, Dioxidin, Tobramycin, Fluimucil, Furacilin;
• bronchodilators - Atrovent, Salbutamol, Berotek, Berodual, Magnesium Sulfate;
• hormonal agents - Pulmicort, Budesonide;
• immunomodulators - Dry leukocyte interferon;
• local anesthetics – lidocaine;
• mucolytics – Lazolvan, Pulmozyme, Fluimucil;
• membrane stabilizers – Cromohexal;
• herbal medicine – Rotokan;
• combination drugs – Fenoterol, Berodual;
• saline;
• mineral water.

All drugs can be used only after first consulting a doctor, according to his indications. You can independently use 0.9% saline solution or mineral water without any problems or restrictions. Inhalation of a dry cough with saline helps soften the inflammatory process, ease breathing and coughing, moisturize inflamed mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, and thin viscous sputum. Besides inhalation procedures when coughing, saline solution has a mild disinfectant effect on the mucous membranes.

If several drugs are prescribed at once, then you should always start with bronchodilators, which dilate the bronchi, and only then, after 20 minutes, mucolytics are used, and then antibiotics. All solutions for inhalation for the treatment of cough must be sterile, prepared on the basis of distilled water or saline. Use tap water boiled water not for inhalation.

Features of inhalation treatment for dry and wet cough

Many are faced with the choice of which drug to choose and which cough inhalations will be effective, depending on whether sputum is being released or a dry hacking cough is tormented.

One can imagine the condition of a patient who is overcome by dry nonproductive cough. There is no sputum production, and coughing attacks deprive sleep and rest. With such a cough, the inflammatory process in the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract does not stop, against the background of which pathogenic microorganisms actively multiply. At the same time, they are not eliminated from the body, as a result of which the cells of the surface layer of the mucous membranes are destroyed, and only then does exudation begin with the release of tissue decay and inflammation products from the bronchi.

But until this process begins, it is necessary to carry out anti-inflammatory therapy and soften and even temporarily stop the dry cough. Using a nebulizer for dry coughs, lidocaine is inhaled, which has a local anesthetic effect and has a mild anti-inflammatory effect. To stimulate the formation of sputum, the mucolytic drug Ambroxol is indicated. Inhalation of saline solution for dry coughs or alkaline inhalations will help soften the inflammatory process in the mucous membranes. According to their type of inhalation, they should be moist with low temperature aerosol so as not to cause increased hyperemia of already inflamed mucous membranes.

If you use a steam inhaler, you can resort to oil inhalations, which have a protective effect by covering the mucous membranes with a thin layer of oil particles. Oil inhalations help soothe dry cough, reduce swelling and irritation of mucous membranes. At the same time, inhalations of antibiotics and antiseptics are prescribed.

If it is possible to cause a wet cough, then inhalations for a wet cough are started first with bronchodilators, for example, Atrovent or Magnesium Sulfate, then mucolytics are used - Lazolvan, and only then antiseptics and antibiotics are prescribed. The main thing is to create the opportunity for sputum to freely and easily exit the respiratory tract.

The most popular and effective folk remedies for treating cough by inhalation

To treat wet or dry cough using inhalation, you must definitely use herbal preparations, which are very effective in nature and are an integral component of the entire treatment. These include eucalyptus leaves, sage, calendula and chamomile flowers, St. John's wort herb, as well as tinctures of St. John's wort, romasulone and salvin. You can use phytoncides in steam inhalations - onions and garlic in a concentration of 1 to 50. There is an alcohol tincture of onions on sale, 20-30 drops of which are used per 100 ml of water.

An excellent remedy for inhalation for wet and dry coughs would be the following products, which are diluted in 500 ml of warm water:

• a teaspoon of salt or soda;
• up to 10 drops of eucalyptus, mint, peach, pine or anise oil;
• droplet Vietnamese balm"Star".

For 100 ml of water, prepare a solution from:

• gram of chamomile flowers and 5 drops of menthol oil;
• gram of Romazulone;
• 10-20 drops Calendula tincture.

In general, the choice of oils for inhalation is very large, in addition to those listed, these are sea buckthorn, olive, rosehip, turpentine, vaseline, almond, rosemary, camphor or mixtures of oils. A 10% alcohol solution of propolis is often used.

The main condition for successful treatment is to always consult a doctor to avoid mistakes when choosing a medicine for inhalation for cough.

Inhalations can be done independently at home without daily visits to the clinic, with the same effectiveness. But first, take your child to the pediatrician so that he can diagnose accurate diagnosis and said whether inhalation treatment would be suitable for him. The doctor will also select the right medicine and its dosage, tell you how many days to do the procedure and how often.

Inhalations with a nebulizer will easily and quickly help in treatment

A nebulizer is convenient because it turns the drug into a light aerosol, ensuring its continuous supply to the human lungs. This treatment helps with dry and wet cough. The device itself is simple and easy to use. You just need to know a few simple rules.

First, carefully study the instructions, since different devices have many nuances in use. Wash your hands before the procedure. Assemble the device and fill the medicine into a special container.

After inhalation, rinse the device thoroughly. Also disinfect the parts of the device where the medicine is poured once every 7 days by boiling for at least 10 minutes.

This type of inhalation should be carried out only strictly as prescribed by the attending physician. Besides everyone positive factors, they also have a number of contraindications:

• diseases of the heart or cardiovascular system;
• pathological changes in the respiratory system;
• if the child has a tendency to lung or nosebleeds.

There are a number of other conditions that only a competent doctor can point out. Therefore, despite the simplicity of the device, you should not use it at your own discretion.

How many times can a child be inhaled?

The duration of the procedure depends on the age of the child and the type of disease. Typically one procedure lasts about 10 minutes. But children under 5 years old can do inhalations for no longer than 3 minutes. for one procedure and no more than 1-2 times a day.

Perform the procedure only on empty stomach or 2 hours after eating. Before the procedures, the child should not run or move actively at all.

Usually 5-7 days are enough for treatment. But a more precise date should still be given by the pediatrician who is observing your baby.

Inhalations – effective remedy, which will help your child cope with almost any type of cough in just a few days. But despite the ease of use, do not forget that you do not need to self-medicate, use medications only as prescribed by a doctor.