This old, proven tool is probably known to many since childhood. It has repeatedly helped out with tonsillitis, tonsillitis, stomatitis and other infectious diseases. The drug got its name from the name of the French doctor, who first presented his invention back in 1829. A simple tool, consisting of three components, was very popular in the Soviet Union. Therefore, how to smear the throat with “Lugol” is known in every family. Nevertheless, there are some features of this procedure that should be considered.
Composition and form of release
Of the three components presented in the composition of "Lugol", molecular iodine is active. It is he who possesses the necessary wound healing, antimicrobial and antiseptic property, without which treatment of angina is impossible. He copes well with the pathogenic flora that causes this disease. In addition to iodine, the preparation contains glycerol and potassium iodide. They soften the action of the active component and contribute to its dissolution.
The drug is presented in the form of a spray or liquid solution. It is sold in dark colored bottles with different dosages. In pharmacies, you can find a drug with a capacity of 25 g to 100 g. In plastic bottles, the amount of solution is less and ranges from 15 g to 50 g. Since this tool is produced by many pharmaceutical companies, customers are given the opportunity to choose the most convenient product for use. Packages with Lugol solution from some companies contain sticks with a brush, additional nozzles and a dispensing sprayer.
What is remarkable
The drug has several advantages that are difficult to overestimate. It is not for nothing that doctors have been recommending this drug for the treatment of children and adults for many years:
- The price of Lugol's solution is very affordable and amounts to 10 rubles. per solution and about 100 rubles. per spray. And given its economical expense, treatment with the tool is very profitable and generally available.
- Thanks to iodine, thyroid diseases are simultaneously prevented.
- It has a pleasant, slightly sweet taste and a completely non-irritating smell.
- When lubricating the throat with a solution, you can observe the remains of pus at the end of a cotton swab. Such a cleansing of the glands is popular with so many patients.
A solution of the drug is more effective than a spray, but it is problematic to use it in the treatment of small patients. Often, children do not tolerate this procedure well, and parents do not know how to smear their throats with Lugol in such cases.
When applied
The composition and useful properties of Lugol are independent of the form of release. It is used in the following cases:
- In the diagnosis.
- For the treatment of chronic tonsillitis.
- For muscle pain.
- With this tool, ulcers from varicose veins are treated, and burns are also treated.
The drug can be used for various abrasions, bruises and injuries instead of regular iodine. Due to the fact that the product contains emollients, it can be used to treat skin lesions in young children.
How to smear throat "Lugol"
After applying the solution, the active component of the drug begins to have a resorptive effect. Thanks to glycerol, the fluid in the tissues does not stagnate, and a protective film forms on the surface of the glands.
In order to conduct a medical procedure, you will need cotton wool, a stick and Lugol's drug. Cotton wool should be wound on a stick so that it does not come off. Next, the tip of the stick is dipped into the solution and carefully lubricated the larynx and pharynx. In the instructions for use of "Lugol" with glycerin it is advised to carry out the procedure 2 to 5 times a day, depending on the degree of neglect of the disease.
Adult patients can use their own finger instead of sticks. To do this, wash your hands thoroughly with soap, and then wrap a bandage on the index finger. The skin should be completely hidden under the bandage. Then they dip a finger into the solution, open the mouth as wide as possible and gently lubricate the mucous membrane of the throat, then go to the tonsils. If there is a lot of pus, then the procedure is repeated anew with a new bandage. With purulent sore throat, the throat is lubricated at least 5 times a day.
Drug shortcomings
In the instructions for use of "Lugol" with glycerin, it is recommended not to use this tool for people with ulcers and gastritis. Patients with gastrointestinal problems may experience heartburn and nausea. Many patients note the unpleasant smell of "Lugol" and its specific sweetish taste. The greatest problem is vomiting during the tonsil treatment procedure. Particularly difficult to tolerate treatment is small children. So that the child does not have vomiting, you should be careful and do not touch the back of the throat with a cotton swab. Children under 5 years old are not allowed to use this drug.
Doctors do not recommend the use of "Lugol" with purulent sore throat, since it poorly releases the lacunae. As a result, the pus remains uncleaned, which affects further treatment.
Side effects
Sometimes this drug causes a burning sensation. The instructions for the use of Lugol's solution indicate this symptom. This indicates that the tool has begun to act, and should be a little patient. If the unpleasant sensation lasts for a long time, then perhaps too much solution has been applied and a small burn may result.
Frequent use of the drug can lead to allergies. The patient appears urticaria and runny nose. In such cases, stop smearing the throat with "Lugol", as well as use the spray, and switch to other medicines.
Other side effects include other symptoms:
- Palpitations.
- Nervousness both during the procedure and after it.
- Skin contact may cause irritation.
- With frequent use, it provokes the appearance of diarrhea.
Iodine and other components of the drug can cause excessive sweating and even disturb sleep. However, the vast majority of people tolerate treatment with Lugol well.
Contraindications and overdose
It is highly undesirable to use this remedy for adenoma, acne and tuberculosis. Any drug with iodine can harm people with endemic goiter. Thyrotoxicosis develops from an excess of thyroid hormones. Especially dangerous is the combination of cardiovascular disease and hyperthyroidism. If in doubt, consult a doctor immediately.
Pediatrician approval is required for treating young children. Only he will give an answer to the question whether children can smear their throats with “Lugol”. You can not independently purchase drugs containing iodine, and give them to children without prior consultation. Overdose leads to tearing, some lethargy and muscle weakness.
Pregnancy and lactation
Patients often ask if pregnant women can smear their throats with Lugol. The instructions for this drug say that it should not be used by pregnant women. There are different opinions of doctors about the benefits and harms of Lugol for the health of the unborn child. Some believe that a small amount of iodine will not hurt, and, given the natural composition of the drug, treating a sore throat will be less traumatic.
It is forbidden to use this tool with an excess of iodine, which can adversely affect the baby’s thyroid gland. In any case, pregnant women with angina can smear the throat with “Lugol”, but not for long and no more than twice a day.
The trace element iodine negatively affects the quality of human milk. Despite the fact that in small doses it stimulates its appearance, the baby may not like the taste of the product. In this case, the baby will refuse milk, and the mother will need efforts so that further breastfeeding does not stop. Therefore, nursing mothers should abandon the use of Lugol's solution.
Instructions for use spray
Those patients who for some reason cannot use the solution acquire a spray. Well proved "Lugol Vialayn 45 ml". This convenient and compact form of the drug is perfect for treating children. It is imperative to hold your breath when sprayed. Therefore, they first spray on the inside of the child's cheeks, and when he is convinced that he understands the principle of holding the breath, they begin to spray the composition directly on the tonsils.
The tip of the spray "Lugol Vialine" is thrust as deep as possible into the oral cavity. Two clicks are enough to get the necessary dose of the drug.
Often, parents of children do not know at what age children can use Lugol spray. Doctors advise from the age of five, when the baby learns to hold his breath, and his body becomes more resistant to large doses of iodine.
Gargling
In addition to the traditional methods of using "Lugol", there is another - rinse. This is one of the best methods of using the drug, since the diluted composition penetrates well into all the right places and effectively affects microbes.
To enhance the therapeutic effect, mixing "Lugol" with soda or salt is allowed. So, for one glass of clean, boiled water, you need half a teaspoon of salt (soda) and a whole spoonful of Lugol solution. The composition is thoroughly mixed until the components are completely dissolved and used until it has cooled. Gargle 6-7 times a day.
When rinsing, it is important to consider some rules:
- So that the solution can treat the entire surface of the sore throat, the head should be thrown back.
- Doctors recommend pronouncing the letter “S” during rinsing. Thus, the root of the tongue is lowered, and the tool penetrates into all the right places.
- The solution in the mouth should be about 20 seconds. The same gap should be observed between new doses of the composition.
- It is not recommended to eat or drink for half an hour immediately after rinsing.
Pregnant women and children can be advised to use a strong broth of chamomile as the basis for a rinse. For one glass of prepared infusion you will need a teaspoon of Lugol. The broth should be warm. It can be prepared in advance and kept in the refrigerator. As needed, the broth is taken out and heated in the microwave.
Analogs and storage
There are several drugs of similar action, which include iodine. The price of Lugol's solution is slightly lower than its analogues and varies within 100 rubles. Among the most famous drugs, the following are distinguished:
- "Ingastreptolipt" is indicated for chronic inflammatory processes of the oral cavity and throat. It effectively treats ulcerative stomatitis and tonsillitis.
- The product based on pure iodine is "Iodixol". It can be used for the first symptoms of flu, sore throat, or stomatitis.
- "Neo-sore throat" is produced both with the addition of sage, and in pure form. The action of iodine in this drug is enhanced by the antiseptic properties of sage oil.
In addition to these funds, you can use "Septefril", tincture of eucalyptus and calendula, "Falimint", "Tamiflu", "Hexasprey" and "Agisept", grippkold lollipops with various tastes of exotic fruits, "Suprimalor" and "Traysils".
It is stored "Lugol" for 3 years in a place inaccessible to children. Storage temperature should not exceed 25 degrees.