What is inhalation? Simply put, inhalation is the inhalation of the smallest droplets of liquid medicinal substances. They mainly use inhalation agents for the treatment or prevention of diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
For example, cough inhalations were also used by our mothers and grandmothers, but even today they are popular among the population.
Inhalation of drugs has a number of positive properties, and is also absolutely safe for children. One of the positive qualities of inhalations is the ability to quickly penetrate the site of inflammation, and therefore, the therapeutic effect will come much faster.
It should be noted that pairs of drugs are better than tablets and medicines to dilute sputum, thereby accelerating its excretion.
Cough inhalations are also used as antibacterial therapy - for sanitation of the oral cavity and pharynx. In this case, swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa decreases - the cough is eliminated.
It should be remembered that inhalation should not be used for people with neurological symptoms, high body temperature or destructive lung diseases. For example, if a patient is diagnosed with cavernous tuberculosis, an abscess, or a bullous form of emphysema, then, of course, inhalation treatment is contraindicated.
Cough inhalation can be carried out not only in a hospital, but also at home. Today you can buy an inhalation device for home use in almost any pharmacy. All devices for inhaling particles of drugs are divided into several degrees of dispersion:
- fine
- with medium fragmentation
- low dispersion
- small and large droplets
Also, all devices for inhalation can be divided into steam, oil, wet and warm, as well as dry. But which of them is best suited for a particular disease, it is best to discuss with your doctor.
Cough inhalation in children is best done with essential oils or herbs, because they are safer and practically do not cause allergic reactions in children.
The most common are warm-humid inhalations. In principle, it is from such a combination of medicine and warm air that the positive effect comes as quickly as possible. Everything happens as follows: together with the vapors of the plant extract, warm air enters the oral cavity and pharynx, which increases blood flow at the site of the mucosal lesion and thereby accelerates the absorption of the drug.
Home inhalation with a wet cough is best done with products containing volatile - natural disinfectants and stimulants of the immune system. Ideal for this role is the juice of onions and garlic.
You can use the treatment mixture for inhalation, which consists of sea salt, soda and various oils (eucalyptus, fir, coniferous and anise). Only all components must be selected individually, taking into account preferences and portability.
Peppermint oil for colds significantly alleviates such unpleasant symptoms as nasal congestion and sore throat, so it is often used as an additional component in inhalations.
Cough inhalation with chamomile is best used in the most acute phase of inflammation, because the flowers of this plant very quickly remove swelling and redness of the mucous membrane.
Sage, calendula, succession and other herbs are natural medicines for colds and flu, which also have a calming effect.
It should be noted that inhalation with all of the above herbs and oils can be used not only as a treatment, but also as a prophylactic during the period of exacerbation of colds, in damp, cold weather.