In diseases of the upper respiratory tract, such as bronchitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, warming compresses are often used. The effectiveness of their action is due to increased blood flow to the site of inflammation. This procedure gives excellent results, but the compress should be recommended by the attending physician, since in some cases its use can lead to a worsening of the patient's condition.
Correctly making a compress for cough or sore throat is not so difficult. To do this, you will need a piece of fabric, preferably cotton, which absorbs moisture well. You will also need a piece of film or wax paper, which can be covered with a compress on top. To preserve heat, a warming compress is covered with any warm cloth. A woolen shawl, a flannel diaper, a scarf will do.
The duration of the water compress is up to ten hours, alcohol lotions must be changed more often. Alcohol evaporates quickly, and also irritates the skin. Keep in mind that children need to be careful about cough alcohol compresses , because the skin of a child is much more sensitive than the epithelium of an adult.
The resulting sweat mixed with the components of the lotion can cause irritation on the skin, so wipe the skin in between and pat it dry with a towel. At least two hours should elapse between the two procedures.
Warming compresses are not used if the patient's body temperature is above 37.5 degrees.
Honey-based cough compress
Honey applications are a rather effective folk remedy for the treatment of bronchitis. Honey is used in pure form or diluted with vodka (if the compress is intended for an adult). A layer of cotton wool is pre-wetted with liquid, which is placed between two layers of cotton cloth. A piece of dense plastic film is placed on top of the application, which will prevent the rapid evaporation of alcohol and retain heat.
For a non-alcohol compress, honey is best mixed with butter to reduce the risk of skin irritation. The resulting mixture is lubricated to the patient's chest, leaving the heart region free, cover this area with parchment or cloth, cover with a warm blanket. For better sweating, you can offer the patient tea with raspberry or apricot jam. The compress is kept on the body for up to three hours, after which the skin is washed, dried and rubbed with eucalyptus or fir oil.
Honey and aloe for tonsillitis and bronchitis
A compress of aloe juice, vodka and honey in a ratio of 1: 3: 2 perfectly helps with severe tonsillitis and bronchitis. It eases coughing, reduces pain when swallowing, and has an anti-inflammatory effect. All components intended for the compress are mixed until a homogeneous mass is obtained, the gauze is moistened with a composition and applied to the throat or chest. Cover the top with a film or paper (tracing paper is also suitable for this purpose) and cover with a warm scarf, woolen or flannelette fabric.
Potato cough compress
The simplest warming compress can be made from ordinary boiled potatoes. This method is especially good for tracheitis and bronchitis, since potato broth is still hot for inhalation. This means of traditional medicine has been tested by more than one generation. Inhalations in combination with a compress greatly facilitate the discharge of sputum, help soften breathing.
Preparing a cough compress from potatoes is very simple. Tubers are kneaded with a fork and spread in a thick layer on the fabric. Then a compress is applied to the upper chest and covered with a warm cloth.
When choosing a compress for bronchitis or tonsillitis, consider the individual reaction of the human body to all its components. Honey, alcohol, essential oils - the substances are quite aggressive and can cause allergies. If your grandmothers, girlfriends or neighbors recommend a “super effective” compress of turpentine, kerosene, mustard, think carefully before trying it all on yourself or your child. There will be much more harm from such treatment than benefit. In addition, compresses, lotions, rubbing and inhalation should complement the treatment, and not replace it.