Inhalation is an effective method for the treatment of many acute or chronic upper respiratory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, certain types of allergies, etc. Special equipment is used to carry out such procedures at home. Children's inhalers have certain features. It is imperative that you choose the right device responsibly. The effectiveness of treatment will depend on this. We will tell you how to choose a good inhaler for a child. Rating and reviews will also be discussed later.
Features of the procedure
Which inhaler is better for children ? This question is faced by many parents. Children often suffer from respiratory ailments. One effective method is to use an inhaler. It has many advantages over other types of therapy. The main positive effect of inhalation is the ability to deliver the medicine in the minimum required amount to the tracheobronchial tree. This procedure enhances the absorption of the drug, which greatly speeds up the process of recovery of the child.
Of course, many parents know about the method of inhalation at home. But it is worth noting that before the procedure was carried out using improvised means. This technique has many disadvantages. Modern equipment for inhalation is highly effective, easy to use, which can significantly speed up recovery. Such devices accurately dose the amount of medicine. If necessary, you can use the inhaler at any time, including in emergency situations (for example, with an allergic cough).
One of the most common varieties of the presented devices is a nebulizer. This is a portable device that is used for home treatment. Parents often ask what is best for the child: a nebulizer or a different type of inhaler? To understand this issue, you need to consider the features of the device. A nebulizer is a portable device with which a medicine is converted into cold vapor or aerosol under the influence of compressed air. Thanks to this principle, the drug is sprayed in the lower and upper respiratory tract.
The nebulizer is used in the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, for example, laryngitis, pharyngitis, as well as such serious pathologies as pneumonia, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis and others. Inadequately presented equipment in the treatment of sinusitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis and other diseases of the nasopharynx.
Parents often wonder which nebulizer inhaler is best for the baby. To do this, you need to consider the rating and reviews of such equipment. The nebulizer is a type of inhaler. The latter may include other devices, for example, cans for asthmatics.
The appointment of a nebulizer
Considering the reviews, which inhalers are better for children, it is worth noting that pediatricians are often advised to purchase nebulizers. For treatment using this equipment to be effective, you need to use it correctly. The nebulizer creates an aerosol from the drug solution. Its microparticles can have a size of 1-10 microns. The smaller their size, the further the drug will be able to penetrate the respiratory tract. So, aerosols with particles of 1-2 microns can reach the alveoli of the lungs. Large 10 micron droplets settle in the nasopharynx.
When choosing the type of aerosol, you need to consider what disease is planned to be treated with the use of a nebulizer. Manufacturer's recommendations are as follows:
- 0.5-2 microns - alveolar sections of the lungs;
- 1-3 microns - bronchioles;
- 3-5 microns - bronchi and trachea;
- 5-8 microns - nasopharynx and larynx;
- 8-10 microns - the oral cavity.
Considering which nebulizer inhaler is better for a child, it is worth giving preference to multifunctional devices. This equipment includes special nozzles. They regulate the size of the aerosol particles and the range of penetration of the drug into the respiratory tract. Modern nebulizers, which occupy the top positions of consumer ratings, perform a whole range of tasks in the treatment of inflammatory processes of the respiratory system:
- suppress spasms in the bronchi;
- enhance drainage function of the respiratory tract;
- sanitize the relevant departments of the respiratory tract;
- eliminate swelling of the mucous membrane of the larynx, bronchi and trachea;
- deliver the aerosol from the drug to even the most distant parts of the respiratory system;
- fight inflammation;
- activate local immune responses;
- restoration of proper microcirculation in the mucosa of the respiratory system;
- protection and prevention from exposure to allergens.
These are universal devices designed to treat a variety of pathologies of the respiratory system. Use this equipment strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and as directed by your doctor. There are a number of contraindications for using a nebulizer:
- hypertension of the 3rd degree;
- 3rd degree respiratory failure;
- giant cavities of the lungs;
- allergy to medication for inhalation;
- nasal, pulmonary bleeding, a tendency to such phenomena;
- post-infarction and post-stroke period;
- bullous emphysema;
- heart failure, arrhythmia;
- the temperature in the child is above 37.5 ° C;
- cerebrovascular accident.
Varieties of nebulizers
Choosing the best inhaler for children and adults, it is worth considering that there are several varieties of nebulizers. They may be as follows:
- compression;
- ultrasonic;
- membrane.
They differ in the principle of converting the drug into an aerosol. Steam inhalers are isolated in a separate group. Their cost is an order of magnitude lower than that of nebulizers. But at the same time, the effectiveness of steam inhalation is lower.
Each type of equipment has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is not necessary to choose the most expensive nebulizer model from a well-known manufacturer. It is necessary to take into account the set of functions of the equipment, the tasks that it should solve. If the child often suffers from a certain type of respiratory infection, the device must be selected in accordance with the characteristics of the therapy of this pathology. It is also worth considering reviews, which nebulizer inhaler is better for a child. This will allow you to choose the appropriate option.
Steam models of inhalers are the very first types of therapeutic equipment that appeared on the market. Today, their principle of operation is outdated. For many centuries, people have been using the principle of steam inhalation in the treatment of respiratory diseases. With colds and inflammation, it was built from improvised means. For this, hot water (boiling water) was poured into a container. The patient bent over the steam and covered himself with a towel. Essential oils and medicinal infusions were added to the water. Their hot pairs and inhaled by the patient for 10 minutes.
This method was somewhat modernized over time. A cardboard funnel was inserted into the tip of a boiled kettle. With its help, a person inhaled hot steam of medicinal infusion. This allows you to warm the upper respiratory tract. Mucous nasopharynx and trachea soften due to this effect.
For children, this design is not suitable. Inhaling red-hot vapors, the child runs the risk of burns to the respiratory tract mucosa, as well as facial skin. Kids still do not know how to control the process of breathing with hot air. Therefore, special devices that can regulate the flow rate and temperature of the steam have appeared on sale. They have several nozzles that are suitable for children. A few decades ago it was the best inhaler for children and adults.
Features of steam inhalers
Choosing the best inhaler for children from cough and runny nose, many parents opt for steam varieties. With this device you can not only treat respiratory diseases, but also carry out preventive measures. This technique allows you to strengthen the immune system, increasing the body's resistance to harmful external influences. Steam inhaler helps speed up blood circulation. With the help of this equipment, other body systems are strengthened, for example, the nervous, urogenital, endocrine, etc. At the same time, the general tone of the body increases.
Adults also actively use such equipment. In cosmetology, steam inhalers are used to cleanse skin pores from impurities, sebum. Under the influence of this equipment, metabolic processes under the skin are activated. As a result, she rejuvenates, getting rid of a variety of defects. Hot steam stimulates regenerative processes at the cellular level.
Studying customer reviews about which inhaler is best for children and adults, it can be noted that steam varieties are called effective equipment. But such devices have a number of contraindications and disadvantages. So, for example, if a child or an adult has a temperature that has risen above 36.9 ° C, heating of any type cannot be used, including steam inhalers. Otherwise, the patient's condition may deteriorate sharply. Body temperature can increase dramatically due to heat exposure.
It is also worth noting that not all drugs retain their beneficial properties when heated. Some components are destroyed under such conditions. In other drugs, under the influence of high temperature, reactions can occur with the release of harmful substances. In this case, the impact on the patient's body will be negative, the condition may worsen.
Many children do not want to breathe hot steam, as this causes considerable discomfort. This is especially true for preschool children.
It is also worth noting that when using a steam inhaler, breathing is softened, and sputum clears its throat. But at the same time, there is a risk that the infection will advance to the farthest sections of the respiratory tract. This is fraught with the development of bronchiolitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, etc.
The advantage of steam inhalers is their relatively low cost and ease of use. But when using these devices, it is impossible to deliver medicine to the distant parts of the respiratory system.
Compression Inhalers
Compression type inhalers are also called jet inhalers. This is a fairly oversized device that is used in the treatment of respiratory infections in adults and children. The weight of the device is significant. Choosing which compression inhaler for children is best, it is worth considering that such equipment is noisy during operation. This can scare young children. The noise is caused by the operation of the compressor, which delivers a powerful stream of air.
The advantage of the presented variety of devices is a complete set. No additional accessories required. Only with time, after several years of using the inhaler, it will be necessary to purchase nebulizers and connecting hollow tubes.
The compression nebulizer system is reliable. At home, using it is simple and convenient. With it, you can spray a variety of medicines. During inhalation, the components of the solution are not destroyed.
Choosing the best compressor inhaler for children, parents are also interested in the price of the device. The cost of this kind of nebulizer is acceptable. It is used to treat respiratory infections in children of different ages. Therefore, compression inhalers are one of the most popular types of equipment for treating respiratory infections. If the pediatrician makes the right choice of medications, a compression nebulizer can be used even for treating infants. If the child is not yet a year old, the presented type of inhaler can be used without restrictions.
A compression nebulizer is able to create a fine aerosol that, under the influence of discharged pressure, can penetrate into the farthest parts of the respiratory tract.
Activation of the device is possible with the help of a breath or a special valve that blocks the air flow. Considering which compressor inhaler is better for a child, it is worth noting that the first type of devices is convenient if expensive drugs are used during therapy. Activation by inspiration allows you to observe a strict dosage of the solution. So it is possible to control its consumption.
Compression nebulizers allow you to stop attacks of allergic cough, bronchial asthma, and are also effective in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Ultrasonic Nebulizers
Considering which inhaler is better to choose for a child, it is worth paying attention to ultrasonic nebulizers. These are effective devices that work almost silently. This quality is an advantage, as young children may be afraid of a noisy device. The size of the ultrasonic nebulizer is compact.
Often batteries are included. This allows you to use the device away from home. With the help of ultrasound, the drug is converted into an aerosol. This is a safe, comfortable to use equipment.
The disadvantage of ultrasonic nebulizers is their exactingness to medicinal compositions. Not all medications can be used during such therapy. Ultrasound destroys hormones, antibiotics, expectorant drugs. It is suitable for therapy with herbal decoctions, essential oils, mineral water, soda and alkaline solutions.
Some models have certain limitations. For example, in some ultrasonic nebulizers it is forbidden to spray decoctions of herbs, esters, oils, suspensions. Therefore, when buying, it is important to read the manufacturer's instructions. Each model of the presented inhalers is unique.
Considering the reviews, which inhalers are better for children, it is worth noting that some parents do not recommend purchasing ultrasonic nebulizers. They will need to buy many more accessories and additional tools, for example, special gels, containers for drugs. Ultrasound models cannot be called universal. But the silent operation of the device allows you to use it during a child’s sleep or during a game.
The average duration of the procedure when using this nebulizer is 15 minutes. The flow rate of the drug solution is 1 ml / min.
Membrane Nebulizer
Considering the reviews, which inhaler is better for children, it is worth noting another kind of nebulizer. These are membrane devices, which are the most modern type of equipment. They are also called mesh, electron-mesh or MES inhalers. The design provides for a special membrane. It has many very small holes. Passing through them, the drug solution turns into an aerosol.
The advantage of membrane nebulizers is the minimum consumption of the drug. Compared to other types of inhalers, this type of device determines the highest quality of atomization of the particles of the drug.
Another advantage of the presented equipment is its compactness, as well as low weight. During operation, the equipment does not make noise, which allows it to be used even for the smallest children. Membrane nebulizers economically consume the drug solution, as well as electricity. Some models have batteries.
The spraying of drugs with a membrane is done without destroying the components of the drug. Medicines do not lose their healing power, so the therapeutic effect of the use of such equipment is very high. This is one of the best inhalers for children.
But membrane nebulizers also have certain disadvantages. The cost of such equipment is high, so not every family is ready to allocate funds for the purchase of such equipment. MES inhalers require very careful care, accurate operation. The proper membrane flushing technique must be followed. It is dried, and also a whole range of relevant procedures is carried out. Otherwise, the equipment will quickly fail.
However, membrane nebulizers are effective and versatile. .
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The disadvantages of the presented model, users call loud noise, temperature instability, as well as the possibility of getting a nasopharynx burn.
Among the compression nebulizers, the Omron NE-C24 Kids model is named the best. The inhaler has an attractive look that children like. It has small funny toys on it. The design is robust and simple. The device can be used for all family members, including infants. The nebulizer works relatively quietly, consumes the drug solution sparingly.
Among the shortcomings, users call the lack of a nozzle for the nose, with sharp turns the head flies off the tube. Weak fasteners on the tank lid.
Best Ultrasonic Nebulizer - A&D UN-231. It is compact, allows you to adjust the flow direction. There is protection against overheating, nozzles for children and adults. The disadvantage is the use of solutions based on water only.
The most popular membrane nebulizer is the B.Well WN-114 model. This is a universal device that automatically turns off after 20 minutes. He has nozzles for children and adults. The device economically consumes solution and energy. The disadvantage is the frequent clogging of the spray nozzle.