How to massage a child with bronchitis? We will deal with this issue in more detail. Massage for children is considered an effective means to alleviate conditions in bronchitis, as well as to accelerate the healing process. The fact is that in children the respiratory system is not fully formed. Such a formation occurs up to twelve years, therefore, even against the background of weak inflammation of the bronchi, stagnant processes can occur in them, due to which sputum accumulates. And it is extremely difficult to manage with drugs alone in this case. Massages perfectly complement drug treatment, but it is very important to correctly perform them.
Benefits of a child from massage with bronchitis
In the process of massaging there is an increase in blood circulation, acceleration of muscle contractions of the walls of the bronchi, as well as an improvement in the movement of bronchial epithelium. Thanks to all this, bronchial spasms are eliminated, there is an improvement in the discharge of sputum from the lungs, which prevents the development of possible complications. In other words, massages allow you to better cough up the accumulated sputum, which significantly reduces the risk of intoxication, so that the child is much faster on the mend.
In fact, such an additional treatment against bronchitis is prescribed not only for children but also for adults. But the technique that is used for children has its own characteristics, the main of which is a softer performance.
As part of the appointment of massage courses for the baby, many pediatricians advise mothers how to properly perform it. In most cases, parents can learn the technique on their own, so that they can subsequently easily massage their baby at home. True, with some procedures, correct execution is sometimes not enough, so it’s always better to trust something like that to professionals.
Massaging a child with acute bronchitis contributes to a speedy recovery. In the chronic form, such a measure will facilitate the course of the disease, becoming part of the treatment.
Bronchitis: types of massage
Massage for a child with bronchitis can be carried out in the following variations:
- Drainage massage.
- Massage on the chest.
- Vibration technology.
- Cupping massage.
- Spot type of massage.
- Honey massage for children.
Most often, the drainage option is used, since it is most effective in treating acute forms of bronchitis in children.
What you need to know before you massage?
Immediately before performing the massage, a number of the following simple rules must be observed:
- Make sure that the child does not have a fever.
- It is very important to ventilate the room before the procedure. The temperature in the room should not be more than twenty-five degrees, and the humidity should be less than sixty-five percent.
- To achieve the best effect of massage, half an hour before it should be given an expectorant to the child.
- Massage should be done one hour before meals or going to bed.
- The frequency of procedures should be a maximum of two times a day.
Drainage massage for children
As part of this type of massage, you should take a roller or pillow that you want to put on the table. The child is placed on this pillow with his chest so that the head is slightly lower than the body. This position will ensure optimal sputum discharge.
First, slightly rub the back of the baby with the fingers. Only after this, you can proceed directly to the massage. Next, you need to retreat from the spine to the sides of the body (two fingers on each side), after which twenty short pinching movements are performed. As part of the movements, you need to catch a wave, moving from the middle of the back towards the shoulders. This technique is performed twice, each time retreating with two fingers in the direction of both sides. After this, twenty stroking movements should be carried out, moving towards the shoulders.
At the end of the drainage massage procedure for children, it is necessary to diagonally hold the palm edge twenty times diagonally along the scapular region of the baby's back in the same direction. Very young should do this massage for fifteen minutes, and older children perform the procedure from twenty to thirty minutes. As a supplement, you can also massage a little and the chest.
How to do chest massage for a child? About it further.
Chest massage
To perform this massage option, it is necessary to lay the child on his back, and he should close his legs in his knees. Palms should perform rubbing movements on the baby’s chest. In this case, you need to move from the ribs to the neck. All these actions need to be repeated from ten to fifteen times. Next go to the grasping movements. In this case, it is necessary to massage the chest from the sides to the center. In conclusion, it is important to grind the intercostal muscles.
It would be ideal to complete children's massage courses.
Vibrating massage
This massage option includes patting action. It is necessary to pat on the back with a palm, which is folded in the form of a boat. The duration of this massage is, as a rule, only a few minutes, and immediately after it the child should cough.
Can massage
To perform this massage for a child with bronchitis, medical cans are used that are placed on the back. It is important immediately before starting this procedure to reassure the child so that he is not afraid of massage.
The back is pre-lubricated with baby cream. Also, olive oil or petroleum jelly is quite suitable. A cotton swab is used to apply the cans, which is moistened with alcohol. For a child, as a rule, two such cans are enough. They are placed on both sides between the spine and shoulder blades.
After installing the cans, you can start the massage. For only a few minutes, smooth movements to the sides should be performed. After the procedure, the cans are removed and the back is covered with a cloth, and on top also with a blanket. It is best to put the child to sleep in this position.
What other techniques are taught in children's massage courses?
Acupressure
This massage option is most often complemented by other types. Its essence lies in massaging special points. Massage, for example, an antitussive point, which is located in the area of convergence of the clavicle. To do this, use the middle finger, which perform circular movements. Do these movements counterclockwise.
When coughing, press on the points that are located:
- on top of the skin fold between the index and thumb;
- behind the neck - about the VII cervical vertebra;
- on both sides of the IV cervical vertebra;
- between the collarbones - above the jugular fossa;
- on the chest - three fingers below the lateral protrusion of the clavicle, in the interval between the first and second ribs;
- between the collarbone and sternum bone.
When pressing on these points with a fingertip, rotate (counterclockwise) or vibrate movements for 20-30 seconds.
Honey massage
Honey is very effective against bronchitis. But it is important to make sure that the child is not allergic to him. So, you need natural honey. The baby is laid on its back and rubbed lightly. The honey should be slightly heated, then apply a small amount to the area of the bronchi. It is necessary to perform light pats until you can feel that the skin on the back of the child is dry. At the end of the procedure, the baby is covered with a blanket.