To treat a cough resulting from a cold, doctors often recommend inhalation, that is, the inhalation of vapors of medicinal solutions. This method of therapy has been known since ancient times. With this method, in just a few sessions, you can cure a wet cough, as well as achieve sputum separation when dry. In this article, we will analyze the most common drugs, and you decide which inhalation solution is best for coughing the kind that torments you or your child. We will also talk about special devices that facilitate inhalation - nebulizers, because it is no secret to anyone that doing inhalations according to the method of our grandmothers (putting a bowl with potato broth and covering with a cap made of a thick blanket) is not a pleasant occupation.
Inhalation action
Inhalations are the most gentle and highly effective way to get rid of all types of coughs. In addition, as a result of just a few procedures, a cold runny nose disappears, since the medicine is absorbed very quickly. Inhalations are allowed for almost everyone (we will talk about some cases of contraindications at the endarticles). Drugs inhaled through the nasopharynx bypass the main bloodstream and also do not enter the digestive tract, so they do not weaken the immune system and do not destroy the liver, kidneys and stomach.
In medical institutions, in physiotherapy rooms, inhalations are carried out using special stationary inhalers-nibulizers. Currently, such devices are sold in pharmacies and medical equipment stores. The choice is very large. This can be seen from the photos presented in our article.
For home needs, in case of colds or SARS, you can purchase a portable nebulizer. Reviews of those who have purchased such a device in their first-aid kit say that it greatly facilitates the treatment process. The instruction accompanying the device contains information on how to inhale in a nebulizer when coughing, which solutions are best used in a particular case.
Inhalation with a nebulizer
Modern nebulizer is good because it can be inhaled even at elevated temperatures. The whole procedure takes 3 minutes for children, 5-10 minutes for adults, and a cough solution for inhalation is easy to do on your own or buy ready-made at a pharmacy. Next, we will talk about the most popular formulations for inhalation.
When going to buy an inhaler, you need to familiarize yourself with the basic information about the principles of operation and other important features of these units.
Nebulizers are divided according to the method of drug delivery - compressor, ultrasonic and electronic mesh. All of themsplit inhalation solutions into tiny drops and spray them into the nasopharynx.
Compressor operates according to the pump method - it sprays an aqueous solution like an aerosol. It is considered the most reliable and easy to use. The price of a compressor nebulizer is cheaper than others. The disadvantages include relatively large dimensions, which does not allow for inhalation while lying down, as well as a rather noisy operation of the device. This is important when making a cough solution for inhalation for infants or bedridden patients.
Ultrasonic is a generator that creates high frequency waves that separate the drug into molecules, creating a fine fraction. It irrigates the nasopharynx, penetrating deeper than with compressor spraying. However, not every solution for inhalation when coughing with a nebulizer is suitable for this device. Working on the method of ultrasonic splitting, it is able to distort the properties of medicinal excipients. This does not apply to herbal solutions, but is risky when inhaled with chemical drugs. Also, oil solutions cannot be loaded into the ultrasonic nebulizer.
Electronic mesh nebulizers are compact, silent and very easy to use. Their only drawback is the higher price compared to those described above. The principle of operation of electronic mesh nebulizers is based on the vibration of a metal mesh, through the microscopic holes of which a cough solution is sieved for inhalation, then, with a pump, it is sent out - into the openings of the nasopharynx.
At the endprocedure, the inhaler should be rinsed and dried.
Next, we will introduce you to the most popular and effective home inhalation products.
Broncholytic drugs
In the case of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or in the diagnosis of bronchial asthma, a portable nebulizer is indispensable for stopping asthma attacks. A small device can be charged with anti-asthma drugs such as Salgim, Berotek, Berodual and Atrovent and Ventolin Nebula.
"Salgim" - a ready-made solution for inhalation for cough. It does not need to be diluted with saline. This also applies to Ventolin Nebula. The active ingredient in both drugs is salbutamol. For inhalation, a 0.1% solution is suitable.
Berotek's active ingredient is fenoterol.
The active ingredients of Berodual are fenoterol and ipratropium bromide.
The active substance of Atrovent is ipratropium bromide.
Berotek, Berodual and Atrovent need to be diluted with saline sodium chloride to a volume of 3-4 ml.
All of these drugs are suitable for both adults and children and, according to reviews, have proven themselves very well as a means of rapid action. There are no unwanted side effects.
Medicines that thin phlegm and expectorants
"ACC Inject" and "Fluimucil" are prescribed for the accumulation of mucus in the upper respiratory tract and in case of violationsputum discharge from the lower respiratory tract. If a doctor prescribes antibiotics with which both drugs are poorly combined, Flimucil Antibiotic is recommended. The active substance of Flimucil and ACC Injecta is acetylcysteine. It is recommended in the case of paracetamol, as it reduces its toxic effects on liver cells. According to reviews, these two drugs are considered more popular.
If the doctor has prescribed a course of antibiotics, then for complex therapy, drugs containing Ambroxol or its analogues should be taken, in particular, Lazolvan cough solution for inhalation. The active ingredient in Lazolvan is Ambroxol. Dilute "Lazolvan" with sodium chloride (saline solution, sold in pharmacies). A solution for inhalation for cough "Ambrobene" is also suitable. with the same active ingredient. "Ambrobene" and "Lazolvan" are forbidden to be used in combination with other antitussive drugs, especially since they quickly alleviate the condition in acute and chronic respiratory diseases, accompanied by the release of viscous sputum.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Drugs with anti-inflammatory effect are prescribed for diseases of the middle and upper respiratory tract with colds, flu and injuries. The best of them are the homeopathic preparations Malavit, Rotokan and Tonsilgon N (solution for inhalation for coughs and snot), as well as alcohol tinctures of calendula, yarrow, chamomile and propolis.
Malavit is a biologically activealcohol tincture, consisting of mineral and vegetable components. It quickly relieves inflammation of the nasopharynx and relieves pain in the throat. It is enough to make 3-4 inhalations per day. It is very concentrated - 30 ml of saline is required for 1 ml of tincture. One procedure takes 3-4 ml of solution.
"Tonsilgon N" is prescribed for tonsillitis, laryngitis and pharyngitis. The drug is homeopathic. The main component is marshmallow root, plus horsetail, chamomile, walnut leaf, oak bark and dandelion. "Tonsilgon N" is prescribed even for children under one year of age who are bottle-fed. For one inhalation - 3-4 ml of Tonsilgon N solution with saline. For children up to a year, the proportion is 1:3, from one to seven - 1:2, older - 1:1.
Phytopreparations based on propolis should be checked for allergic reactions to bee products. If none are found, then inhalations with propolis can be recommended in a variety of cases of respiratory infections. They relieve pain and inflammation in the throat, upper and middle respiratory tract resulting from an infectious or traumatic injury, disinfect and heal microtraumas and relieve swelling.
Antihistamines and glucocorticosteroids
Inhalations with glucocorticosteroids and antihistamines, such as Pulmicort (the active ingredient is budesonide), Kromoheksal and Dexamethasone have anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects. They are prescribed in combination with hormonaldrugs, therefore, none of the cough inhalation solutions mentioned in this paragraph is suitable for children under 2 years of age, pregnant women and nursing mothers. In ultrasonic nebulizers, Kromhexal and Dexamethasone are used, diluted in a ratio of 1:6.
"Pulmicort" is suitable for all types of nebulizers, except for ultrasonic ones. This is one of the best glucocorticosteroids. Adults can inhale with pure Pulmicort, while children need to reduce the concentration.
Antibiotics and antiseptics
Ready-made antibacterial solutions for inhalation are sold in pharmacies, but you can also prepare them yourself, for example, a solution of furacilin, miramistin, gentamicin or dioxidine.
From furacilin, a cough solution for inhalation at home is made, adhering to the following ratio: one tablet per 100 ml of saline. Furacilin has a good disinfectant property and prevents the penetration of infection into the lower parts of the lungs. Two inhalations a day are enough.
Inhalations with Miramistin help with a variety of inflammations, including those accompanied by the formation of purulent ulcers, as is the case with follicular tonsillitis.
Inhalation with eucalyptus is effective against staph infection. If there are no dry leaves, then they can be replaced with "Chlorophyllipt" - a 1% alcohol infusion of the plant, however, it leaves indelible stains. Eucalyptus inhalations are very useful for the lungs, but they should not be done in patients with asthma or in the presence of spasms in the lungs.bronchi.
Gentamcin is prescribed when a focus of infection is detected in the upper respiratory tract, and Dioxidin has a wide spectrum of action and fights almost all types of pathogenic microorganisms that affect the respiratory system.
"Fluimucil-antibiotic" is available in powder form and is diluted according to the instructions. Suitable as an antimicrobial, thinner and expectorant.
Immune boosters
Today, Interferon and Derinat are considered the best immunomodulators. Powder "Interferon" is used for instillation into the nose, and "Derinat" is suitable for inhalation. Both drugs are prescribed for the prevention of influenza and SARS, as well as for the prevention of complications and to alleviate the course of the disease.
"Interferon" is available in pharmacies in the form of a ready-made liquid solution, and a solution for inhalation from cough and runny nose of cold origin from "Derinat" is made as follows: a 0.25% solution is taken at a time and diluted with saline in ratio 1:1. It is enough to take two inhalations during the day.
Decongestants
With stenosis of the larynx, laryngitis, laryngotracheitis and croup, 0, 1-0, 05% solution of "Naphthyzine" or "Epinephrine" ("Adrenaline"), diluted in saline, helps to relieve swelling. These drugs can be used only on the recommendation of the attending physician, since Naphthyzin (the active ingredient naphazoline) is addictive with prolonged use and contributes to the development of chronic rhinitis, and Epinephrine (the activesubstance epinephrine) can cause a malfunction in the heart rhythm.
Antitussives
This group of drugs is recommended if you suffer from an unproductive, dry, cough. Inhalations with a nebulizer (solutions are calculated individually at the appointment with the attending physician) stop the obsessive cough and have an anesthetic effect. Thyme-based drops, Tussamag, are suitable for adults and children over one year old. A solution for inhalation when coughing with a nebulizer for children is prepared at the rate of 1 ml of medicine - 3 ml of sodium chloride. For adults, the proportion is 1:1.
Lidocaine also stops dry and obsessive non-productive coughs. A solution for inhalation with a dry cough is prepared from 1% lidocaine hydrochloride and saline.
Do's and Don'ts during Pregnancy
If a cold or SARS is diagnosed in a pregnant woman, then self-medication is strictly contraindicated, but we can advise well-proven recipes that do not cause objections from doctors, suitable for women in such a delicate position. It's no secret that the most effective, fastest and safest way to get rid of colds and flu is inhalation in a nebulizer.
When coughing, which solutions can best and fastest relieve the condition of a pregnant woman? Of course, this is the inhalation of vapors or the spraying of warm mineral water, such as Narzan and Borjomi. This procedure instantly relieves the feeling of dryness and tickling, and also cleanses the nasopharynx. Water should be used non-carbonated. Perfectly cleans the nasopharynx frompathological microorganisms inhalation with sea water or with the addition of sea s alt. With a dry cough, you can do soda inhalation.
Even a slight nasal congestion reduces the supply of oxygen to the fetus, and this is fraught with pathologies in the development of the baby. Inhalations of mineral water and medicinal herbs should be part of the pregnant regimen, especially if the last trimesters fall on wet and cold months.
Camomile, sage, calendula, eucalyptus, coltsfoot and lavender can be herbal raw materials for inhalation with laryngitis, bronchitis and tracheitis.
If you are not allergic to essential oils of lime, rose, fir, lavender, myrtle, pine, it is good to add a few drops to hot water and breathe for 5-7 minutes.
Inhalations over steam from hot potatoes are still very popular. They are completely harmless and suitable for everyone. Now they can be done in a nebulizer - it's much more convenient than under a blanket cap, and no less effective.
To improve general well-being and prevent colds, it is useful to do inhalations with the Vietnamese Asterisk balm. It is a solid oil extract of almost 30 medicinal herbs. For one inhalation, a match head of balm is enough for a small amount of warm water (half or a little more than half a glass). The solution is placed in a nebulizer and inhaled for several minutes or 5-7 times. You can repeat as needed - no contraindications, no side effects, no painful addiction can be feared.
Ready-made solution for inhalation for coughing during pregnancy can be bought at a pharmacy. We have given a list of the best drugs above. Some of them are also suitable for pregnant women. In particular, this applies to "Furacilin", "Chlorophyllipt", "Pulmicort", "Dexamethasone" and some others. The instructions accompanying the medicine always have an accompanying leaflet that indicates whether this remedy can be used during pregnancy or not.
To strengthen immunity during seasonal epidemics of influenza and SARS, it is very important for pregnant women to prevent infection with the virus, for this purpose it is recommended to take several inhalations of Interferon prophylactically. Powder is intended for inhalation. It is sold in ampoules. It is diluted with 2 ml of distilled water and combined with saline to a volume of 4-5 ml.
But what is not allowed for pregnant women, nursing mothers and their babies:
- all prescription drugs;
- preparations containing iodine;
- preparations made on the basis of alcohol;
- herbal oils of nightshade, rosemary, coniferous trees, basil, marjoram, rosemary and dill.
Contraindications
Any solution for inhalation when coughing with a nebulizer requires compliance with certain rules.
Firstly, before proceeding with the procedure, you must obtain permission from your doctor. Only he, having studied the outpatient card and examined the patient, can prescribe the appropriate medicine and the correct ratio of the components of the solution. For some diseasesheart and lung inhalation is strictly prohibited.
Secondly, the solution for inhalation with a wet cough should be warm. Cold either will not work, or will cause deterioration. Its temperature should not be lower than 36 and not higher than 40 degrees. Immediately after a hot inhalation, you should not go outside if the weather is cold there. You need to sit indoors for 15 minutes to cool down and prevent unwanted contrast of air in the lungs and coming from outside (this is fraught with a new cold or a complication of an existing one).
Thirdly, some drugs can be addictive or provoke an allergic reaction, therefore, when buying a drug at a pharmacy, carefully read the instructions before using it.
If inhalation is aimed at treating a runny nose, then the medicine should be inhaled through the nose, and if we treat the throat and lungs, then through the mouth. After inhalation, you should not drink, eat or smoke for an hour.
