For the treatment of cough resulting from a cold, doctors often recommend inhalation, that is, inhalation of the vapor 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, and also achieve sputum separation when dry. In this article, we will analyze the most common drugs, and you will decide which solution for inhalation is better for coughing the character that torments you or your child. We will also talk about special devices that facilitate inhalation - nebulizers, because it’s no secret that inhaling according to the method of our grandmothers (putting a bowl of potato broth and covering with a cap from 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 cough. In addition, as a result of only a few procedures, a cold rhinitis passes, since the medicine is absorbed very quickly. Inhalation is allowed for almost everyone (we will talk about some cases of contraindications at the end of the article). Medications inhaled through the nasopharynx bypass the main bloodstream, and also do not enter the digestive tract, therefore 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 nibulizer inhalers. Currently, such devices are sold in pharmacies and medical equipment stores. The choice is very large. This is also evident from the photographs presented in our article.
For home use, in case of colds or SARS, you can purchase a portable nebulizer. Reviews of those who purchased such a device in a home medicine cabinet say that it greatly facilitates the treatment process. The instructions that accompany the device contain information on how to make inhalations in a nebulizer when coughing, which solutions are best used in a particular case.
Nebulizer inhalation
A modern nebulizer is good in that inhalation with it can be done even at elevated temperatures. The whole procedure takes 3 minutes for children, 5-10 minutes for adults, and a solution for inhalation from a cough is easy to do on your own or buy one ready in a pharmacy. Next, we will talk about the most popular formulations for inhalation.
Going to buy an inhaler, you need to get acquainted with the basic information about the principles of operation and other important features of these units.
Nebulizers are divided according to the method of supplying the drug - compressor, ultrasound and electronic mesh. All of them break down inhalation solutions into tiny drops and spray them in the nasopharynx.
The compressor operates according to the pump method - it atomizes an aqueous solution as an aerosol. It is considered the most reliable and easy to use. At a price, a compressor nebulizer is cheaper than the rest. The disadvantages include relatively large dimensions, which does not allow for inhalation while lying down, as well as rather noisy operation of the device. This is important when a solution for cough inhalation is made for infants or bedridden patients.
An ultrasound is a generator that creates high frequency waves that separate the drug into molecules, creating a finely divided fraction. It irrigates the nasopharynx, penetrating deeper than with compressor nebulization. However, not every inhalation solution for coughing with a nebulizer is suitable for this device. Working by the method of ultrasonic splitting, it is able to distort the properties of drug 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.
The electronic mesh nebulizers are compact, silent and very convenient to operate. Their only drawback is a higher price compared to those described above. The principle of operation of electronically-mesh nebulizers is based on the vibration of a metal mesh, through the microscopic openings of which the solution for cough inhalation is sieved, then, with pomp, it goes out into the nasopharynx openings.
At the end of the procedure, the inhaler should be washed and dried.
Next, we will introduce you to the most popular and effective means for home inhalation.
Bronchodilator drugs
In the case of chronic obstructive respiratory disease or in the diagnosis of bronchial asthma to stop asthma attacks without a portable nebulizer can not do. 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 cough inhalation. It does not need to be diluted with saline. This also applies to "Ventolin Nebula." The active ingredient in both medicines is salbutamol. For inhalation, a 0.1% solution is suitable.
The active substance "Beroteka" is fenoterol.
The active ingredients of Berodual are fenoterol and ipratropium bromide.
The active substance of Atrovent is ipratropium bromide.
“Berotek”, “Berodual” and “Atrovent” are required to be diluted with saline solution of sodium chloride to a volume of 3-4 ml.
All of these drugs are suitable for both adults and children, and, according to reviews, very well established themselves as quick-acting agents. Undesirable side effects are absent.
Sputum-thinning and expectorant preparations
“ATSTs Inject” and “Fluimucil” are prescribed for the accumulation of mucus in the upper respiratory tract and in violation of the discharge of sputum 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 Injection is acetylcysteine. It is recommended in the case of paracetamol, as it reduces its toxic effect on liver cells. According to reviews, these two drugs are considered more popular.
If the doctor prescribed a course of antibiotics, then for complex therapy, drugs containing Ambroxol or its analogs, in particular, Lazolvan cough inhalation solution should be taken. The active substance of Lazolvana is Ambroxol. Lazolvan is diluted with sodium chloride (saline, sold in pharmacies). Ambrobene Cough Inhalation Solution is also suitable. With the same active substance. "Ambrobene" and "Lazolvan" are forbidden to use in combination with other antitussive drugs, especially since they so quickly alleviate the condition in acute and chronic diseases of the respiratory tract, accompanied by the release of viscous sputum.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Drugs with an anti-inflammatory effect are prescribed for diseases of the middle and upper respiratory tract with colds, flu and injuries. The best of them are homeopathic medicines Malavit, Rotokan and Tonsilgon N (solution for inhalation from cough and snot), as well as alcohol tinctures of calendula, yarrow, chamomile and propolis.
"Malavit" is a biologically active alcohol tincture, consisting of mineral and plant components. It quickly relieves inflammation of the nasopharynx and relieves sore throat. 3-4 inhalations per day are sufficient. It is very concentrated - 1 ml of tincture requires 30 ml of saline. For one procedure, 3-4 ml of solution is used.
"Tonsilgon N" is prescribed for tonsillitis, loringitis and pharyngitis. The drug is homeopathic. The main component is the marshmallow root, plus field horsetail, pharmacy chamomile, walnut leaf, oak bark and dandelion. "Tonsilgon N" is prescribed even for children under one year of age who are on artificial feeding. For one inhalation - 3-4 ml of Tonsilgon N solution with saline. For children up to a year, the proportion is 1: 3, from a year to seven - 1: 2, older - 1: 1.
Propolis-based herbal preparations should be checked for allergic reactions to beekeeping products. If none are found, then inhalation with propolis can be recommended in a wide variety of cases of respiratory infections. They relieve pain and inflammation in the throat, upper and middle airways resulting from an infectious or traumatic lesion, disinfect and heal microtraumas and relieve swelling.
Antihistamines and glucocorticosteroids
Inhalations with glucocorticosteroids and antihistamines, such as Pulmicort (the active substance is budesonide), Cromohexal and Dexamethasone, have anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and anti-asthma effects. They are prescribed in combination with hormonal drugs, so none of the cough inhalation solutions mentioned in this paragraph are suitable for children under 2 years of age, pregnant women and nursing mothers. In ultrasonic nebulizers use "Cromhexal" and "Dexamethasone", diluted in a ratio of 1: 6.
Pulmicort is suitable for all types of nebulizers except ultrasonic. This is one of the best glucocorticosteroids. Adults can inhale with pure Pulmicort, and children need to lower their concentration.
Antibiotics and Antiseptics
Ready-made antibacterial solutions for inhalation are sold in pharmacies, but they can also be prepared independently, for example, a solution of furatsilin, miramistin, gentamicin or dioxidine.
From furatsilin, a solution for cough inhalation at home is made, adhering to the following ratio: one tablet per 100 ml of saline. Furatsilin has a good disinfecting property and prevents the penetration of infection into the lower parts of the lungs. Two inhalations per 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.
Against staphylococcal infection, inhalation with eucalyptus is effective . If there are no dry leaves, then they can be replaced with “Chlorophyllipt” - a 1% alcoholic infusion of the plant, however, it leaves indelible spots. Inhalations with eucalyptus are very useful for the lungs, but they can not be made sick with asthma or in the presence of spasms in the 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 with almost all types of pathogenic microorganisms that affect the respiratory system.
"Fluimucil-antibiotic" is available in powder form and diluted according to instructions. Suitable as an antimicrobial, thinning and expectorant.
Immunity enhancing drugs
To date, the best immunomodulators are Interferon and Derinat. Interferon powder 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" happens in pharmacies in the form of a ready-made liquid solution, and a solution for inhalation from a cough and a cold of a cold origin from "Derinat" is made as follows: once a 0.25% solution is taken and diluted with saline in a ratio of 1: 1. During the day, it is enough to take two inhalations.
Decongestants
With stenosis of the larynx, laryngitis, laryngotracheitis and croup help to remove edema 0.1-0.05% solution of "Naphthyzine" or "Epinephrine" ("Adrenaline"), diluted in saline. These drugs can be used only on the recommendation of the attending physician, since “Naphthyzine” (the active substance naphazoline) with prolonged use is addictive and contributes to the development of chronic runny nose, and “Epinephrine” (the active substance is epinephrine) can cause a heart failure.
Antitussive drugs
This group of drugs is recommended if tormenting an unproductive, dry, cough. Inhalations with a nebulizer (solutions are calculated individually at a doctor’s appointment) stop an obsessive cough and have an anesthetic effect. Thyme-based drops, Tussamag, are suitable for adults and children over one year old. The solution for inhalation when coughing with a nebulizer is prepared for children at the rate of 3 ml of sodium chloride per 1 ml of the drug. For adults, the proportion is 1: 1.
Lidocaine also stops a dry and obsessive unproductive cough. The solution for inhalation with a dry cough is prepared from 1% lidocaine hydrochloride and saline.
What can and cannot be done during pregnancy
If a cold or acute respiratory viral infection is diagnosed in a pregnant woman, then self-medication is strictly contraindicated, but we can advise well-established and non-objectionable doctors with prescriptions suitable for women in such a delicate position. It's no secret that the most effective, fastest and safest ways to get rid of colds and flu are inhalations in a nebulizer.
When coughing, which solutions are the best and fastest to relieve a pregnant woman? Of course, this is inhalation of vapors or spraying of warm mineral water, such as Narzan and Borjomi. This procedure instantly removes the feeling of dryness and perspiration, and also cleanses the nasopharynx. Water should be used non-carbonated. Perfectly clean the nasopharynx from pathological microorganisms of inhalation with sea water or with the addition of sea salt. 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 with mineral water and medicinal herbs should be part of the pregnant regimen, especially if the last trimesters are in the wet and cold months.
The plant materials for inhalation for laryngitis, bronchitis and tracheitis can be chamomile, sage, calendula, eucalyptus, coltsfoot and lavender.
In the absence of an allergy 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 absolutely harmless and suitable for everyone. Now they can be done in a nebulizer - it is much more convenient than under the hood from a blanket, and no less effective.
To improve overall health and prevent colds, it is useful to make inhalations with the Vietnamese Zvezdochka balm. It is a solid oil extract of almost 30 medicinal herbs. For one inhalation, the match head of the 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 necessary - no contraindications, no side effects, or painful addiction, you can not be afraid.
A ready-made solution for inhalation from coughing during pregnancy can be bought at the pharmacy. The list of the best drugs we gave above. Some of them are suitable for pregnant women. In particular, this applies to “Furacilin”, “Chlorophyllipt”, “Pulmicort”, “Dexamethasone” and some others. In the instructions that accompany the medicine, there is always a accompanying leaflet that indicates whether you can use this drug during pregnancy or not.
To strengthen immunity during seasonal epidemics of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections, it is very important for pregnant women to prevent infection with the virus, for this purpose it is recommended that several interferon inhalations be prophylactically taken. For inhalation powder is intended. 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.
And here's what pregnant women, lactating mothers and their babies cannot:
- all prescription drugs;
- preparations containing iodine;
- drugs based on alcohol;
- herbal oil of nightshade, rosemary, conifers, 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 chart and examined the patient, can prescribe a suitable medicine and the correct ratio of solution components. In some diseases of the heart and lungs, inhalation is strictly prohibited.
Secondly, the solution for inhalation with a wet cough should be warm. Cold either will not work, or cause deterioration. Its temperature should not be lower than 36 and not higher than 40 degrees. Immediately after hot inhalation, you cannot go outside if the weather is cold. It takes about 15 minutes to sit in the room in order to cool down and prevent an undesirable contrast of the air in the lungs and from outside (this is fraught with a new cold or a complication already existing).
Thirdly, some drugs can be addictive or provoke an allergic reaction, therefore, when buying a drug in a pharmacy, before using, carefully read the instructions.
If inhalation is aimed at treating a cold, 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.