Pneumonia is pneumonia. Inhalation is one of the methods of physiotherapeutic therapy, which is actively used in diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Let's analyze? is it possible to do inhalation with pneumonia, is such therapy appropriate. What do pulmonologists say about this and are there any contraindications to the procedure?
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia, or pneumonia, refers to an infectious disease during which certain parts of the lungs are affected. The disease is characterized by the fact that inflammatory exudate accumulates in the alveoli. Most often, the pathology occurs against the background of the effects of bacteria (hemophilic bacillus, pneumococcus, staphylococcus).
Any viral infection that enters the respiratory tract creates certain conditions in the upper respiratory tract for the development of pathogenic bacteria.
The likelihood of developing pneumonia is high with the following factors:
- oncology;
- reduced immunity;
- disturbances in the central nervous system;
- diseases of the lungs, kidneys, or heart in remission;
- age - more than 60 years.
Pneumonia can be recognized by x-ray, listening in the chest area, as well as certain symptoms. The patient suffers from shortness of breath, weakness, cough, loss of appetite, excessive sweating, regardless of weather and chest pain. The disease can be accompanied by a slight increase in body temperature or, conversely, its critically low value.
Inhalations and features of their use
Before you figure out whether inhalation can be done with pneumonia, it is worth understanding what this therapeutic method consists in. In general, we can say that this is inhalation of steam. But if you used to breathe, bending over a pan with boiled potatoes or boiling water, now modern devices (nebulizers) with the addition of medicines are used for this.
What are inhalations:
- alkaline - mineral water is used in therapy (Borjomi is best, which helps with expectoration of sputum);
- with mucolytics - it can be Ambrobene, Lazolvan or Ambroxol (the therapeutic effect is to thin the sputum and eliminate it naturally);
- with antiseptics ("Dioxidin") - kill pathogenic microorganisms that become pathogens;
- with essential oils - most often used in home therapy (using a nebulizer is not recommended, since oil can ruin the device).
The benefits of inhalation are that the drugs are delivered to the breeding site of the infections, thereby effectively killing them and contributing to a speedy recovery. At the same time, medications do not affect the digestive tract, as it can be with pill therapy. The painlessness of the procedure is considered a big plus, since it does not violate either the mucous membrane or the skin. Most often, therapy is used in children.
Do inhalations do with pneumonia?
Since tissue inflammation occurs during lung inflammation, the basis of therapy is precisely antibiotics that actively affect pathogenic microorganisms. But in order to achieve a speedy recovery, physiotherapeutic procedures are also used, including inhalation.
According to many pulmonologists, steam inhalation therapy is effective in diseases of the upper respiratory tract. But it should be used with caution in each case. In addition, the drugs used in therapy should be directed exclusively to the respiratory system and not have an effect on other systems in the body.
You still doubt whether inhalation is possible with pneumonia? Pulmonologists are unanimous in their opinion: they even need to, they say. Moreover, the effectiveness of inhalation for pneumonia is proved, which consists in the following:
- manifestations of the inflammatory process are reduced;
- the mucous membrane is restored faster after exposure to pathogenic microorganisms and moistened;
- sputum leaves much faster and better;
- cramping and swelling.
The main advantage is that these therapeutic procedures can be carried out not only in a hospital, but also at home.
Inhalation with pneumonia with a nebulizer
Inhalations, which are indicated for various lung diseases, are done using a special device called a nebulizer. The principle of operation of the device is the dispersed dispersion of the drug, which the patient receives through a tube or mask.
There are three groups of nebulizers:
- ultrasonic - aerosol is driven by ultrasonic vibration;
- compressor - the liquid becomes steam using the pressure of compressed air (they are universal devices, and, according to pulmonologists, these are the most convenient devices);
- electron-mesh - the drug is sieved through a mesh-membrane that vibrates.
Pulmonologists note that with the help of inhalations, pneumonia can be cured even in infants, using a nebulizer during the baby’s sleep. But for children, a small and gentle dosage is used, which is prescribed only by a specialist. Ultrasonic devices are considered to be the simplest, most silent, safe and highly effective ones, but compressor ones are universal.
Preparations
Having decided on whether inhalation can be done with pneumonia with a nebulizer, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the drugs that are usually treated for upper respiratory tract diseases. It is worth noting that such physiotherapeutic procedures are performed when there is no elevated body temperature. Pulmonologists advise to monitor not only the patient's condition, but also the dosage of drugs that are used for inhalation.
Medicines that can be used in pneumonia as inhalations are divided into the following groups:
- bronchodilators - are prescribed to relieve spasms and improve lung drainage;
- anti-inflammatory - this group includes antibiotics, the treatment of which is aimed directly at the site of reproduction of pathogenic bacteria, their use does not allow the development of complications and carries out the rehabilitation of the entire respiratory system;
- expectorant - used to liquefy sputum.
Saline is used to dissolve drugs in inhalations.
Rules for inhalation
Many people know that with bronchitis, treatment is indicated in the form of inhalation of steam, but can inhalations be done with pneumonia? Pulmonologists note that it is necessary for a speedy recovery, but only when there is no high temperature and in compliance with certain rules.
What rules should be followed when carrying out inhalation?
- The last meal should be a couple of hours before the procedure.
- Breathing should be even and calm.
- Clothing during manipulation should not hamper movement.
- Knowing whether it is possible to make inhalations with pneumonia for an adult, it is worth specifying the duration of the procedure with a doctor. For children, steam treatment should last no more than 4 minutes, for an adult - 12 minutes.
- Within an hour after the procedure, do not go out, eat, smoke or engage in physical activity.
Inhalation at home
With pneumonia, inhalation can be carried out at home, even in the absence of a nebulizer. A kettle or a small pan is used for these products, and natural preparations are used instead of medicines.
Folk remedies for inhalation with pneumonia at home:
- Essential oils. It can be juniper or coriander, which have anti-inflammatory properties. A glass of water will need 10 drops. It is possible to carry out therapy twice a day, lasting about 10 minutes per session for two weeks.
- Calendula. The flowers of this plant have expectorant and bactericidal properties. 2 tsp goes to 250 ml of water The flowers, which are brought to a boil, are removed from the fire and used as therapy. Apply twice a day for 10 days. Breathing is not more than eight minutes.
- Honey. An excellent anti-inflammatory agent if the patient does not have an individual intolerance to the product. It relieves inflammation in a week. 1 tablespoon is dissolved in boiling water honey, therapy should not last more than eight minutes.
- Soda and sea salt. This mix helps to dilute sputum and its elimination. For 300 ml of water - 2 tbsp. soda and salt, the duration of the procedure should not exceed 8 minutes.
Contraindications to the use of a nebulizer for pneumonia
So, we found out whether inhalation can be done with pneumonia. However, the doctor must check whether the patient has contraindications to the procedure. Since the disease is infectious, it is often accompanied by fever. If it is above 38 degrees, it is better to refuse from physiotherapy of inhalation by steam. It can lead to a worsening of the patient's condition.
What other contraindications are there for using a nebulizer for pneumonia?
- Cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, chronic failure, arrhythmia).
- In the sputum there are impurities of pus or blood.
- Nose bleed.
- Labored breathing.
- An allergic reaction to the drug used for inhalation.
Conclusion
Physiotherapeutic procedures, namely inhalations, for pneumonia are prescribed only by a doctor. In general, they contribute to the speedy recovery of the patient. But the procedure should be applied, adhering to certain rules, as well as in the absence of contraindications.