Inhalations with “Chlorhexidine” are commonly used in combination therapy for inflammation of the nasal mucosa, throat and lymphoid pharyngeal ring. Such treatment is based on inhaling moist heated air or medicines. Therapy is carried out in order to eliminate the inflammatory process, relieve pain, cleanse the respiratory tract of dust particles and harmful microorganisms. A large number of medicines in the pharmacy gives patients the opportunity to choose the best for themselves, based on the mechanism of its action. "Chlorhexidine" is considered the most effective and high-quality in the treatment of inflammation. It can be used by both adults and children. It should be determined whether inhalation with “Chlorhexidine” can be done through a nebulizer.
Description of the drug
Chlorhexidine continues to be used extensively over the past 60 years and is manufactured by more than 60 pharmaceutical companies. Over this period of time, the drug has established itself as a high-quality antiseptic that helps get rid of viral, fungal, bacterial microflora.
The drug is available in the form of "Chlorhexidine Bigluconate" and contains chlorine derivatives of biguanide. The tool is used not only for application to the skin. In addition to the solution, it is also available in the form of a gel, cream and patch.
Experts note the following properties of solutions prepared on the basis of chlorhexidine:
- Bacteriostatic (prevents bacteria from actively multiplying in the microflora that is comfortable for them). It manifests itself in any concentration of the created solution.
- Bactericidal (leads to the active death of microorganisms). The created product should have a concentration above 0.01%, room temperature and act on the affected area for at least a minute.
- Fungicidal property (leads to the death of fungi). The created product should have a concentration of not less than 0.05%, differ at room temperature and affect microorganisms for 10 minutes.
- Virucidal (actively fights viruses). The concentration of the solution should be from 0.01 to 1 percent. To destroy bacteria and harmful microorganisms, the solution should be preheated.
When is a remedy effective?
Inhalation with "Chlorhexidine" in a nebulizer is effective in combating such harmful microorganisms as:
- treponema;
- chlamydia
- herpes virus;
- flu virus;
- fungus;
- respiratory syncytial virus;
- ureaplasma;
- gardnerella;
- ureaplasma;
- cytomegalovirus.
"Chlorhexidine" begins to interact with phosphate groups that are located on the surface of the pathogenic cell. This leads to problems with osmotic equilibrium, deforms pathogenic cells and actively destroys them. As a result of this action, the patient’s condition is restored over time.
When should I use in the form of inhalation?
When do inhalations with chlorhexidine? The instructions for the drug do not provide for its inhalation administration, but long-term medical practice has shown how effective this method of using the drug is. Many doctors even prescribe inhalation with "Chlorhexidine" to children. Particles of the active component during inhalation fall on the infected mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and settle in this place.
Inhalation with "Chlorhexidine" in a nebulizer for children and adults is recommended to be used in the following conditions:
- rhinitis - inflammation of the nasal mucosa;
- rhinopharyngitis - an inflammatory process that extends to the sinus sinuses;
- laryngitis - a painful condition characterized by inflammation of the larynx;
- tonsillitis (tonsillitis) - an inflammatory type of disease that forms in the lymphoid pharyngeal ring and spreads to the tonsils;
- tracheitis - pharyngeal disease;
- for the prevention of inflammation in the nose, upper respiratory tract, pneumonia and bronchitis.
How does the remedy work?
Do inhalations with chlorhexidine? A nebulizer is a modern device for inhalation, which is distinguished by its ability to split liquid solutions into an aerosol state, dividing them into separate dispersed particles. Such a device can be used at home, it is well suited for both children and adults.
The most effective and convenient to use is considered a compression nebulizer. It is easy to operate, does not need any application skills, and easily processes the nasal cavity. The device has a special compression device, under the action of which a liquid medicine, poured into the receiving chamber, passes into an aerosol, without being heated.
The product does not heat up, which is very important for a nebulizer. With this feature, inhalation can be carried out for an adult and a child even in the presence of elevated body temperature. At the same time, it is important to remember that hyperthermia is considered a contraindication to carrying out warm-humid inhalations.
How is inhalation performed?
Before inhalation, the nose should be thoroughly cleaned of mucus and dry crusts accumulated in it, as this will prevent the active components in the agent from spreading normally through the respiratory tract and settling on the affected mucous membrane.
If necessary, it is allowed to use special vasoconstrictor drops or rinse the nose with a weak solution of sea salt.
What to do with rhinitis?
Inhalation with "Chlorhexidine" through a nebulizer in the presence of rhinitis should be accompanied by inhalation of the contents of the vial through the nose. Exhalation can be carried out both by the nose and mouth. The volume of the used product should not be more than 10 milliliters for an adult and 5-7 milliliters for children.
Particular attention should be paid to the proportion of inhalation with Chlorhexidine. Since the drug is produced in a concentration of 0.05%, the proportions for the treatment should be determined by the attending specialist himself. Adults can use an undiluted drug, for children, the drug should be divorced depending on the age and severity of the disease.
Fungal infections do not need a change in concentration. For an effective fight against microorganisms, a ratio of 1: 5 can be used (5 milliliters of physiological saline are taken per 1 milliliter of the drug).
Inhalations through a nebulizer can be carried out from 2 to 3 times a day for an adult. For children, the dosage is determined by the pediatrician.
In the presence of sinusitis
Inflammation in the paranasal sinuses most often begins as a result of damage by bacteria. When carrying out inhalations through a nebulizer, certain rules should be followed:
- exhale and inhale only through the nose;
- apply the diluted agent in a ratio of 1: 5 with a physical solution;
- every day it is allowed to carry out inhalation no more than 3 times;
- if desired, the patient can replace one inhalation with a rinse of the respiratory tract;
- if otitis media or perforation of the tympanic membrane is additionally added to the disease, then treatment is contraindicated because of the high risk of adverse reactions and complications.
Cough and inflammation
How can inhalation with "Chlorhexidine" in this condition? To combat the inflammatory process of the upper respiratory tract, undiluted "Chlorhexidine" (pharmacy concentration of 0.05%) should be used. Inhalation and exhalation is carried out through the nose or through the mouth, which directly depends on the level at which the inflammatory process began. The drug can be used not only to treat the disease itself, but also to prevent the onset of pathology.
The main contraindications for use
The treating specialists identify a number of conditions during which the described drug, even using inhalation with a nebulizer, is prohibited.
The main contraindications include:
- individual hypersensitivity to the active components of the drug;
- children under one year old;
- perforation of the eardrum;
- the presence of traumatic brain injury;
- complicated otitis media;
- bearing a child;
With lactation, as well as when carrying a child, the possibility of using the drug should be discussed with the doctor. Inhalation is prohibited for patients with asthma.
What adverse reactions exist?
When conducting self-treatment and using the wrong dosage, the patient risks making problems, adverse reactions and complications. The patient may feel discomfort and burning sensation on the nasal mucosa and pharynx. Minor discomfort does not need treatment and passes by itself after 15-30 minutes after the end of the procedure.
More persistent reactions require complete drug withdrawal and a visit to a treating specialist to review the condition.
An additional adverse reaction may be the appearance of a dark shade on the teeth. This most often occurs with an incorrectly set program on the nebulizer, as a result of which dispersed particles enter the oral cavity and settle on its mucosa. A plaque of this type can be eliminated if you visit a dentist, or rinse your mouth with a chelated zinc.
When applying the drug through a nebulizer, you can provoke severe dryness of the mucous membranes. It will be possible to get rid of this condition by instillation of the nose with saline or sea water.
It is important to remember that Chlorhexidine, like any other medicine, can provoke a severe allergic reaction. Allergies can be characterized by the following symptoms:
- rashes on the skin, redness, accompanied by unpleasant itching and hyperemia;
- severe runny nose and nasal congestion, redness of the eyes;
- sneezing.
Before you begin treatment with inhalation, you should check the individual sensitivity to the active components of the drug. If necessary, the check can be carried out not at home, but in a medical facility.
At home, a drop of the drug should be applied to the skin of the wrists (here the skin is thinner and more sensitive), in the clinic the product is applied to the skin after the medical professional makes minor scratches on it with a scarifier. After 10-15 minutes, you can evaluate the result. If red rashes appear on the skin, the patient feels a burning sensation and itching, then this remedy should not be used.
While carrying a child
The drug belongs to group B. This indicates that it is allowed to be used during pregnancy, but only after consulting a doctor and under his strict control. During breastfeeding, use of "Chlorhexidine" should not be, as it can adversely affect the quality and quantity of milk.
When using the drug by inhalation, a special physiological solution is required, which can be bought at any pharmacy. It is impossible to dilute the product with water, since it worsens the bactericidal properties of the drug.
It is important to store the medicine out of the reach of the child. With its internal intake should immediately wash the stomach and take a few tablets of activated carbon.