Autumn is the time for colds and viral attacks on the body. You can fight them different ways, and these do not have to be expensive drugs. Medicines can be easily replaced with folk remedies that are at hand in everyone’s home. One of the most useful and effective procedures for a runny nose and weakened immunity - inhalation. Let's talk on this page www.site about how to properly breathe hot steam from potatoes, soda, eucalyptus,? Is it possible to do this at all, is it harmful to breathe the steam?
How to breathe in potato vapors correctly?
In order not to spend money on expensive devices from pharmacies, you can use simple old-fashioned methods. Namely: warm up the airways using steam from boiled potatoes. Thanks to the inhalation of warm and moist steam, mucus leaves the bronchi, which, in fact, is the first step towards recovery. Potatoes need to be boiled in their skins, because it is their peel that contains the largest amount of beneficial phytoncides. They penetrate the respiratory tract with steam, relieve allergic reactions and inflammation, and moisturize the mucous membrane. The patient feels relief, breathes and coughs better, does not feel soreness in the bronchi and throat.
The procedure is not as simple as it seems. Children need to do it very carefully, as you can simply burn the respiratory tract and get a burn of the mucous membranes. It is better to use special devices. Adults need to do the following: as soon as the potatoes are boiled until tender, drain the water and wrap the pan in a towel to keep it warm. To avoid getting burned by the steam, the temperature in the pan should be within 60 degrees. Bend over it, cover your head with a warm towel, inhale gently and evenly through your mouth, and exhale through your nose. After a few minutes, change the sequence: inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth. This way you can warm up the bronchi, oral cavity and nasopharynx.
Is it possible to breathe above the steam?
Steam inhalations, if carried out incorrectly, without taking into account the person’s condition, can be harmful. At first glance, covering yourself with a towel and breathing is not at all dangerous. But in fact, if the cold is in the acute phase, there is a high temperature, and the mucous membrane of the nose and throat swells, then steam inhalation will only increase the existing swelling. It's another matter when the infection has passed. If all that remains is a sore throat and a dry cough, then you can breathe in the steam.
So this procedure is harmless only if the patient does not have a fever.
More tips
Before steam inhalation, it is better not to eat for an hour. After the procedure, refrain from smoking and inhaling cold air. The best option is to do the procedure before bed, then wrap yourself in a warm blanket and sweat well.
How to breathe soda vapor?
Soda inhalations have long been successfully used for colds and ailments. Correct implementation of the procedure eliminates many symptoms of the disease, in particular nasal congestion, sore throat, and coughing attacks. The particles and substances contained in soda have a beneficial effect on the mucous membranes, relieving inflammation and without causing harmful influence to other organ systems. She is wonderful disinfectant and actively removes phlegm when coughing.
In order not to waste money on a modern nebulizer, we will use the old method. To prepare the solution we need a liter of water and a tablespoon of soda. The temperature of the water in which the alkali needs to be dissolved should not be more than 60 degrees. Otherwise, the soda will lose its useful qualities. Children should not be allowed to breathe steam if the temperature of the composition is more than 30 degrees.
Unlike potatoes, breathing procedures with soda solutions should not last more than 10 minutes for an adult and more than 3 minutes for a child under 13 years of age. The procedure is the same as with potatoes: cover your head with a towel or warm cloth, bending over the container. Before and after inhalations, you should not eat, smoke or go out into the cold air.
The rules of inhalation are simple: when you have a runny nose, it is better to inhale through your nose, and when you have a cough or sore throat, it is better to inhale through your mouth. To strengthen healing effect, it is recommended to drop 1-2 drops of iodine into the prepared solution.
As for procedures during pregnancy, they are considered the most harmless for expectant mothers. They do not cause allergies and have a gentle healing effect.
How to breathe eucalyptus vapor?
As soon as viruses begin to attack the body, begin a response fight against them. The centuries-tested properties of inhalations will help you recover faster. As an option, you can use eucalyptus, which has bactericidal and antiviral properties. You can use the essential oil of this plant or prepare a decoction of the leaves.
Pour a tablespoon of dry raw material into a liter of boiling water and bring to a boil. Let it cool to a temperature of 60-65 degrees. We carry out the procedure according to the standard procedure, covering ourselves with a towel over the pan. Inhalations are very good for relieving prolonged cough, runny nose, and pain in the bronchi and trachea. The duration of breathing is 10-15 minutes, for children - 5-7 minutes.
This is an absolutely harmless method of treatment. By the way, for kids infancy and children under 3 years old can use the following method: fill the bathtub hot water, pour in the eucalyptus decoction, cool the water to a comfortable temperature, closing the door tightly. This creates a lot of steam in the bathroom, which will have a beneficial effect while the child is bathing. Children endure such procedures much more fun than inhalations with devices.
How to breathe chamomile vapor?
This plant is one of those that has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. It does not cause allergies in adults and children, perfectly cleanses the bronchi of mucus, eliminates runny nose and other cold symptoms. This method is also recommended for pregnant women for whom potent medications are contraindicated. And yet, before steam inhalations, it is better to consult with a supervising doctor to eliminate any risk.
To prepare the decoction, you will need two tablespoons of dried flowers. Fill them with a liter of water, let them boil, and cook for another ten minutes. Remove from heat, cool slightly. To avoid getting burned by the steam, the solution temperature should be within 60 degrees. You need to breathe over the chamomile for 10-15 minutes, taking deep breaths and exhalations. After the procedure, you should not go outside; it is better to wrap yourself up and sweat well.
Any folk remedies, which can be used at home, are much safer than strong medications. However, if there is an individual intolerance to any components, it is better not to risk it and use another remedy.
Thank you
The site provides background information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!
Inhalation is a method of delivering various medicinal substances directly to the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs. During inhalation, a person simply inhales vapors or small particles of a medicinal substance concentrated in the air, and they spread along with the air throughout the entire bronchial-pulmonary tree. To obtain vapors or small particles of a medicinal substance, special devices called inhalers or various devices are used, for example, a kettle with boiling water, hot stones, etc. During inhalation, various substances very quickly appear on the mucous membrane of the respiratory organs, and begin to exert their biological and pharmacological effects immediately. That is why the speed of onset of the effect after inhalation administration of the drug is much higher compared to taking tablets or oral solutions. Considering the widespread prevalence of respiratory diseases, inhalation has become a very popular and effective method. complex therapy, which can be used both at home and in specialized hospitals.Inhalations for cough - classification, general characteristics, indications and contraindications
Clinical effects of inhalation for cough
Inhalation is an excellent method of delivering drugs to the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs. And since almost all diseases of the respiratory tract are accompanied cough, then inhalations are indicated and widely used in the presence of this symptom. Inhalation for cough has the following effects:1. Moisturizes mucous membranes, eliminating dry, irritating and painful cough;
2. Improves the formation of mucus and sputum, transforming a dry cough into a wet one;
3. With a wet cough, it causes the evacuation of sputum, accelerating the healing process and preventing the disease from becoming chronic;
4. When using special medications, it has a pronounced therapeutic effect, speeding up recovery.
Types of inhalations
Inhalations, depending on the temperature of the incoming substances, are divided into cold and hot. Inhalations are considered cold, during which a person inhales a medicinal substance at room temperature that is not heated by any means. Inhalations are considered hot, in which heated vapors of a medicinal substance are inhaled. If the temperature of the inhaled medicine is 30 o C or higher, then it is considered hot.According to the mechanism of formation of an aerosol or suspension of a medicinal substance, inhalations are divided into steam (dry and wet) and instrument inhalations. Accordingly, during steam inhalation, the medicinal substance is placed in water, and evaporating from its surface along with clouds of steam forms a suspension, which must be inhaled. Device inhalations are carried out using a special device (inhaler, nebulizer, etc.) that breaks the medicinal substance into small particles and blows them out in the form of a small cloud, which the person inhales.
Today, the most common and popular are wet steam and nebulizer inhalations. Humid steam inhalation- this is a pan of boiling water, known to almost every person since childhood, in which medicine is dissolved. In this case, you need to breathe the steam rising above the pan or kettle. Nebulizer inhalation is carried out using a device called a nebulizer. The essence of the nebulizer is that it breaks the medicine into small particles and blows them out in the form of a cloud, forming a concentrated field in a small volume of air. To prevent drug particles from scattering in the air of the room, nebulizers use attachments in the form of mouthpieces or masks, which contain a cloud of the drug. The person performing the inhalation simply puts a mask on his face or takes a mouthpiece into his mouth or nose, inhaling through them a large number of small particles of the drug, which very quickly end up on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Inhalation for cough with nebulizer
Nebulizer inhalation is better than wet steam inhalation because it allows for precise dosing medicinal product and ensures the flow of particles the right size, deposited in those parts of the respiratory tract where it is necessary, for example, in the small bronchi, alveoli of the lungs or trachea. In addition, nebulizer inhalation is cold, which means that various medications can be used for it, including those that cannot be heated, since they are destroyed. Also, nebulizer inhalation is not associated with the risk of burns respiratory tract.A nebulizer allows you to break the medicine into particles different diameters– from 10 to 0.5 microns (micrometers). Drug particles with a diameter of 5 - 10 microns are deposited on the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract - the pharynx, trachea and larynx, without reaching the underlying parts of the respiratory tract. Drug particles with a diameter of 2 - 5 microns reach and are deposited in the lower respiratory tract - bronchi and bronchioles. And the smallest particles with a diameter of 0.5 - 2 microns penetrate into the pulmonary alveoli. Thus, the flow of medication specifically to the affected areas of the respiratory tract can be regulated not by trying to breathe very deeply, but by simply adjusting the nebulizer to the required particle size.
Today there are two main types of nebulizers - ultrasonic and compression. Ultrasonic (mesh) nebulizers form drug particles due to oscillations and vibration of the piezoelectric element. The main advantages of this type of nebulizer are silent operation and small size, allowing you to carry the device with you in your purse or pocket. However, along with these advantages, the ultrasonic nebulizer also has significant disadvantages that greatly limit its scope of application. Thus, when drug particles are formed, the solution is heated, which leads to the destruction of most medications, as with wet steam inhalation with a pan of water. In addition, the ultrasonic nebulizer cannot form a suspension of viscous liquids, such as oils or suspensions, as well as herbal infusions, so the device cannot be used to inhale these products. In fact, an ultrasonic nebulizer can only be used to moisturize the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
A compressor nebulizer is the most common and popular type of device, since it can be used for inhalation of any medicinal substance necessary for the treatment of diseases of the respiratory tract, for example, antibiotics, mucolytics, antitussives, herbal medicines, immunostimulants, enzymes, mineral waters, etc. In compressor nebulizers, drug particles are formed due to air flow, supplied from a special pressure chamber. Compressor nebulizers are the gold standard for effective inhalations and they can be used both at home and in hospitals.
When using a nebulizer, everything medicinal substances dissolve in physiological solution. Moreover, physiological solution is first poured into a special chamber, and then the required amount of medicine is added. The nebulizer chamber should be filled to 2 - 4 ml, remembering that there is a volume of 0.5 - 1 ml that will never be used to create drug particles, since it is necessary for the operation of the device. This residual volume should be taken into account when filling the chamber with the drug solution required for the procedure.
Steam inhalation for cough
Steam inhalations for coughs are the simplest and most accessible to anyone, since their production requires only a saucepan or kettle with boiling water. In this case, the main active substance is water vapor and rather large particles of the substance that is added to boiling water. Moreover, the size of the particles into which the medicine is broken is quite large - at least 20 microns, so they can penetrate only into the upper parts of the respiratory tract, such as the pharynx, trachea or nasopharynx. Particles of medicine and steam formed during wet steam inhalation do not penetrate into the bronchi and bronchioles, therefore this method useless for the treatment of bronchitis, bronchiectasis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, etc. And since most drugs are destroyed when heated, a limited number of substances can be used for steam inhalation, for example, salt, soda, medicinal herbs or essential oils. Since during the process of wet steam inhalation a person inhales hot vapors, which increase blood circulation and expand blood vessels in the mucous membrane of the respiratory organs, this has a moderate analgesic and moisturizing effect, which suppress cough for a certain period of time. However, steam inhalations can only be carried out with clean water, salt, soda, medicinal herbs or essential oils. In addition, they can only be used for symptomatic treatment upper respiratory tract (laryngitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, etc.) and for moisturizing mucous membranes.
Indications for the use of inhalations for cough
Indications for the use of inhalations for cough are the following conditions:- ARVI, occurring with inflammatory damage to the respiratory tract, accompanied by cough, sore throat, swelling, spasm, etc.;
- Rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, sinusitis and tonsillitis caused by for various reasons, including acute respiratory infections, ARVI, colds or exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- Exacerbation of chronic rhinitis, sinusitis or tonsillitis;
- Pneumonia during the recovery period;
- Bronchitis is acute and chronic, especially when it occurs with a pronounced obstructive component (spasm);
- Fungal infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract;
- Pulmonary tuberculosis;
- Postoperative conditions (prevention of complications).
Contraindications to the use of inhalations
Contraindications to the use of inhalations are the following diseases or states:- Body temperature above 37.5 o C;
- Sputum with a purulent component;
- Nosebleeds or tendency to do so;
- Hemoptysis;
- Drug intolerance;
- Serious illnesses of cardio-vascular system, such as heart failure, hypertonic disease III degree a heart attack or stroke suffered less than 6 months ago, cerebral atherosclerosis with cerebrovascular accident;
- Serious illnesses respiratory system, such as respiratory failure III degree, emphysema, lung cavities, recurrent pneumothorax.
How to do inhalation when coughing - general rules for the procedure
Inhalation of any medications, water vapor, mineral water or saline solution must be done according to the following rules:1. Inhalation with a nebulizer should be carried out strictly in a sitting position;
2. Steam inhalation should be carried out in a sitting position (preferably) or standing;
3. Do not talk during inhalation;
4. Use only fresh drug for inhalation. It is advisable to prepare a solution for inhalation or open the ampoule with the drug immediately before inhalation. The maximum permissible shelf life of inhalation drugs in the refrigerator is two weeks;
5. For the nebulizer, use only sterile saline solution or distilled water as a solvent. You cannot use tap water, even if it has been filtered and boiled;
6. To fill the inhalation solution into the nebulizer, use sterile syringes and needles;
7. For steam inhalation, use clean water (preferably distilled) or saline solution;
8. When treating cough caused by diseases of the upper respiratory tract (laryngitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, etc.), it is necessary to breathe slowly and deeply through the mouth;
9.
When treating a cough caused by diseases of the lower respiratory tract (bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia), it is necessary to inhale deeply through the mouth, holding the air in chest for 1 - 2 seconds, then exhale evenly through the nose;
10.
For diseases of the nasal sinuses and nasopharynx, it is necessary to inhale through the nose calmly and superficially, without straining;
11.
Inhalation must be carried out for 5 – 10 minutes;
12.
Inhalation should be done no earlier than 1 - 1.5 hours after eating or exercising;
13.
After inhalation, rinse your mouth, nose and face thoroughly with clean water. Do not rinse your mouth and nose with antiseptic solutions;
14.
After inhalation, you should not smoke for at least 1 hour;
15.
After inhalation, do not drink or eat food for at least 30 minutes;
16.
If inhalation of various medications is used, they should be performed in a certain sequence - first bronchodilators (bronchodilators), then after 15 - 20 minutes - expectorants or mucolytic drugs, and after sputum is discharged with cough - antiseptics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
The above rules must be followed for any type of inhalation (steam or nebulizer).
When using a nebulizer for inhalation, you must follow the operating rules described in the instructions for the device. This is especially true for washing the device and removing drug residues from the chamber.
When inhaling steam, you should not breathe over boiling water, as this will lead to burns of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, tissue death and the addition of a bacterial infection to the existing one. inflammatory process. For steam inhalations, the water temperature should not exceed 55 - 60 o C. The most effective way steam inhalation is as follows: put a piece of paper at least 5–6 cm long rolled into a cone on the spout of a kettle with hot water or a medicinal solution and inhale steam through it through your mouth or nose.
Inhalations for coughs in children
Inhalations for coughs in children can be performed from birth, since the method is safe and well tolerated. However, in children it is better to carry out inhalations using a nebulizer, since they are more effective and safer than steam ones. For inhalation administration for cough in children, the same drugs are used as in adults. Moreover, the rules for their use and dosage are almost the same.How to perform steam inhalations for a child - video
Inhalations during pregnancy for cough
During pregnancy, you can inhale only those medications that are not contraindicated, for example, some herbs, antiseptics, mucolytic or expectorant drugs. It is better to use a nebulizer rather than steam inhalers, since their effectiveness and safety are significantly higher. Pregnant women can do the following inhalations on their own:- Alkaline mineral waters, for example, Borjomi, Narzan, Essentuki-17, etc.;
- Saline;
- Brine;
- Soda solution without iodine;
- Expectorant Lazolvan;
- Boiled potatoes or peels from tubers;
- Infusions of linden flowers, plantain, marshmallow or thyme for dry cough;
- Infusions of eucalyptus, string and lingonberry leaves for wet cough to accelerate the removal of sputum;
- Honey water for any cough.
What kind of cough is inhaled for?
In principle, inhalations are done for almost any type of cough, it’s just that different medications are used for the procedure, which have the effects necessary for a specific clinical situation. Do not do inhalation only when coughing with purulent sputum or against a background of body temperature above 37.5 o C. The ban on inhalation when coughing with purulent sputum is due to the fact that thermal procedure will dilate blood vessels, provoke expansion of the lesion and worsen the course of the disease. Below are schemes and rules for choosing drugs for inhalation for various types cough. All these drugs can only be inhaled using a nebulizer. Steam inhalations with these substances cannot be done, since the drugs disintegrate when heated and their activity is lost.
Inhalations for dry coughs for children and adults
Inhalations are absolutely indicated for dry coughs that develop with laryngitis, pharyngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, acute respiratory infections or in the final stages of pneumonia. Inhalation for dry cough eliminates swelling of the mucous membranes, moisturizes them and accelerates the formation of sputum, turning the cough into a productive one. In addition, inhalation eliminates the narrowing of the larynx, which is potentially dangerous due to complete blockage of the airways.For dry cough, inhalation of bronchodilators, mucolytics, antiseptics or moisturizers of the mucous membrane of the respiratory organs is indicated. Bronchodilators (for example, Berodual, Atrovent, etc.) relieve bronchospasm, which is especially important when obstructive bronchitis, laryngitis or tracheitis. Mucolytics (ACC, Lazolvan, Ambrobene, etc.) thin the sputum and facilitate its release. And mucous membrane moisturizers (saline solution, salty water, mineral water) soften it and improve it general state. Antiseptics destroy pathogenic microorganisms present on the mucous membrane of the respiratory organs. In this case, the sequence of inhaled drugs should be observed - first bronchodilators, after 15 minutes mucolytics, and after coughing with sputum discharge - antiseptics. Moisturizers can be inhaled at any time.
Barking cough - inhalation
For a dry, barking cough, you can take inhalations with antitussive drugs (Lidocaine, Tussamag) and at the same time bronchodilators for 1 to 2 days. In such a situation, Berodual or Atrovent should be used as bronchodilators. In addition, it is necessary to inhale moisturizing solutions (saline solution, mineral water or soda solution). After two days or after the appearance of sputum, it is necessary to stop using antitussives and continue inhalation of mucolytics (ACC, Ambrobene, Lazolvan, etc.) and moisturizing solutions. Every time after a cough with a large amount of sputum, you can inhale anti-inflammatory drugs (Romazulan, Cromohexal, etc.) and antiseptics(Dioxidin, Chlorophyllipt, etc.).Inhalations for allergic cough
Inhalation at allergic cough are produced by bronchodilators to eliminate spasms of the bronchi, trachea and larynx, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce tissue swelling. Moreover, for allergic coughs, bronchodilators based on salbutamol (Ventolin) or fenoterol (Berotec) are recommended, and anti-inflammatory drugs containing glucocorticoid hormones (for example, Dexamethasone, Budesonide, etc.).Inhalations for wet coughs in children and adults
Inhalation for adults is indicated for a wet, productive cough, which produces a small amount of thick, viscous and dense sputum. In this case, it is recommended to use mucolytics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Moreover, mucolytics are inhaled first, and only after a cough with sputum discharge - anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, Cromohexal. In combination with anti-inflammatory drugs, you can use antiseptics (Dioxidin, Furacilin, Chlorophyllipt, etc.) or antibiotics (Fluimucil-antibiotic IT, Gentamicin, etc.).Children can undergo inhalation with a wet cough with any amount of sputum. At the same time, all children and adolescents under 18 years of age should definitely take inhaled bronchodilators, since this is necessary to increase the lumen of the airways, which always sharply narrows when they cough with sputum. In addition to bronchodilators, it is necessary to inhale mucolytics, anti-inflammatory drugs, antiseptics or antibiotics. Moreover, it is first recommended to inhale bronchodilators, then wait 15–20 minutes and carry out the next procedure with a mucolytic. After this, wait for a cough with sputum discharge, and then take a third inhalation with an antiseptic or anti-inflammatory agent.
Inhalations for cough and runny nose
Inhalations for coughs and runny noses are carried out according to the rules for various types of cough. It’s just that during inhalation you need to breathe through your nose in addition to your mouth.Steam inhalation for dry cough
Steam inhalation for a dry cough can be carried out with a soda solution, saline solution, infusions of medicinal herbs or essential oils. In this case, salt or soda is added to the water for inhalation (a spoon per liter of water) or an infusion of medicinal herbs is used. You can also add essential oil to the water (8 - 12 drops per 1 liter). You can use infusions of chamomile, thyme, linden flowers, lingonberry leaves, etc. Eucalyptus, peach, pine, mint, sea buckthorn, and almond oils also have a beneficial effect. To perform inhalation, you need to heat the water to 50 o C, then bend over the container and inhale the vapor through your nose or mouth. Inhalation should last from 5 to 10 minutes.How to inhale when coughing
General list of drugs used for inhalation for cough
For various types of cough, the following medications and agents are used for inhalation: 1. Bronchodilators (drugs that dilate the bronchi, trachea and larynx):
- Ventolin;
- Berotek;
- Atrovent;
- Berodual.
- Acetylcysteine;
- Ambrobene;
- Lazolvan;
- Bronchipret;
- Pertussin.
- Cromohexal;
- Budesonide;
- Propolis;
- Tonsilgon N;
- Pulmicort.
- Lidocaine;
- Tussamag.
- Dioxidine;
- Furacilin;
- Chlorophyllipt.
- Fluimucil-antibiotic IT;
- Isoniazid;
- Gentamicin.
- Interferon human leukocyte dry;
- Sodium deoxyribonucleinate.
- Saline;
- Alkaline mineral waters;
- Sodium bicarbonate solution (baking soda).
- Trypsin;
- Chymotrypsin;
- Ribonuclease;
- Deoxyribonuclease.
Thus, bronchodilators must be used for any cough in order to eliminate spasm of the respiratory tract, expand their lumen and, therefore, clear the way for the evacuation of sputum. For a dry, debilitating cough, it is necessary a short time(1 - 2 days) use antitussives in combination with moisturizing solutions, and then mucolytic and antiseptic or antibacterial drugs. After inhalation and sputum discharge, anti-inflammatory drugs can be used.
For a wet cough with sputum discharge after bronchodilators, it is necessary to inhale moisturizing solutions, mucolytics, antiseptics or antibiotics. It is recommended to inhale immunomodulators only for long-term persistent cough (more than three weeks).
That is, when treating a cough if its character changes, it is necessary to switch to the use of other inhalation drugs indicated in this situation. For example, at the beginning of the disease, when the cough is dry, you can do a moisturizing inhalation, then use bronchodilators and antitussives. When the cough subsides a little, you should switch to mucolytic agents, while leaving moisturizing solutions. After the sputum begins to be discharged, inhalation is done as follows:
1.
Inhaled mucolytics;
2.
After inhalation, expect a cough with sputum discharge;
3.
After the sputum is discharged, they are inhaled again with antiseptics or antibiotics and after 15 minutes with anti-inflammatory drugs.
Such inhalations are continued until recovery and complete cessation of coughing. If the cough does not go away for a long time (more than 3 weeks), then inhaled anti-inflammatory drugs and immunostimulants.
Infusions of medicinal herbs and essential oils can only be used through steam inhalation; they cannot be poured into a nebulizer, as this will lead to damage to the device. Herbs can be used for any cough. Essential oils are best used for dry coughs caused by inflammation of the upper respiratory tract (laryngitis, tracheitis or pharyngitis), since they have the property of enveloping the mucous membrane, softening and moisturizing it, stopping the painful symptom for a while.
These are general recommendations on the use of inhalation drugs for cough. However, medications should be selected by a doctor on a case-by-case basis. You can independently inhale with moisturizing liquids (saline solution, mineral water, soda solution), which soften dry cough, eliminate discomfort, improve general condition and shorten the duration of the disease.
Inhalation of essential oils for cough
For inhalation use eucalyptus, peach, pine, mint, sea buckthorn, almond and other oils, which are added 2 - 3 drops per glass hot water, after which its vapor is inhaled. Oils are recommended for use in dry coughs to soften them and stop the inflammatory process.Preparations for inhalation for cough - indications, dosages and duration of use
Let's consider the characteristics of inhalations with the most commonly used medications.Lazolvan
Cough inhalations with Lazolvan are used for bronchitis to thin and improve expectoration of mucus in children and adults. The dosage of Lazolvan per inhalation depends on age:- Children under one year of age – 1 ml of Lazolvan per inhalation;
- Children 2 – 6 years old – 2 ml Lazolvan;
- Children over 6 years of age and adults – 3 ml of Lazolvan.
Lazolvan cannot be used simultaneously with antitussive drugs, for example, Codeine, Libexin, Sinekod, etc.
Berodual
Inhalation for cough with Berodual is used for obstructive bronchitis and any diseases accompanied by spasm of the respiratory tract. The dosage of Berodual per inhalation depends on age:- Children under 6 years old – 10 drops;
- Children 6 – 12 years old – 20 drops;
- Children over 12 years old and adults – 40 drops.
Inhalation with saline solution for coughing in children and adults
Inhalation with saline solution for coughing can be used by children and adults independently without consulting a doctor. The saline solution effectively moisturizes the airways, reduces the severity of inflammation, thins and facilitates the removal of mucus, eliminating and softening a dry and painful cough. For inhalation, it is recommended to use a sterile saline solution purchased at a pharmacy, since it does not contain any pathogenic microorganisms or potentially harmful impurities. Saline solution for inhalation must be used in a nebulizer. Steam inhalation with saline solution will not be effective. Inhalations should be performed every 3 to 4 hours until recovery.Inhalation with soda
Inhalation with soda for coughing is used in the treatment of bronchitis. Soda effectively dilutes mucus and removes it from the bronchi and lungs. To prepare a solution for inhalation, a teaspoon of soda is diluted in 1 liter of water and heated to 40 - 50 o C, then lean over the container and inhale the vapors for 5 - 10 minutes. Soda inhalation can be done for dry and wet coughs, since, on the one hand, it thins sputum, and on the other, it improves its elimination. During the day, you can carry out up to 4 soda inhalations. Inhalations for coughs with mineral water
Cough inhalations with mineral water are used in the treatment of bronchitis, bronchiolitis and the final stages of pneumonia. The fact is that alkaline mineral water moisturizes the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and thins mucus, improving its removal from the smallest bronchioles. For inhalations, you should use alkaline mineral water, for example, Borjomi, Narzan, Essentuki-17, etc. One inhalation requires 4 ml of water. 3-4 inhalations can be performed per day. Before use, you should consult a specialist.Dry and moist cough accompanies viral diseases. A common and convenient method of treating cough is inhalation. With this method, drugs are broken down into small particles and inhaled by the person. This helps to cure a cold faster and remove phlegm. How to breathe when you cough? Which inhalation method is more effective? Recommendations for treating colds and accompanying coughs are presented below.
How to breathe when coughing: effective methods inhalation
How to breathe potatoes when you cough?
Inhalation over steam from hot boiled potatoes is popular. However, this method is ineffective in cases of damage to the lower respiratory tract (bronchitis, pneumonia). This is due to the fact that the vapor particles are too large and settle on the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract.
You can breathe either over a pan of boiled potatoes or over hot potatoes laid out on a towel. The patient is seated over boiled potatoes and covered with a towel. In this case, you need to breathe smoothly, without taking deep breaths, otherwise the risk of getting burned by hot steam increases.
If there is severe nasal congestion or a predisposition to bleeding, inhalation should not be performed.
How to breathe over steam correctly when coughing: using a steam inhaler and nebulizer
Steam devices use essential oils and herbal infusions. Application principle steam inhaler simple: pour into a tank with hot water medicine and inhalation is performed. During the procedure, steam is inhaled through the mouth and exhaled through the nose. With sinusitis, nasal breathing is performed (inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth).
Nebulizer therapy is considered the most effective method in the treatment of bronchial asthma, ARVI, and pneumonia. Inhalation with a nebulizer softens dry cough and helps remove phlegm. The device splits the drug into 3 types of particles. The largest particles settle in the upper respiratory tract, medium-sized particles enter the lungs, and the smallest particles enter the alveoli. Thanks to this distribution of the medication, recovery occurs faster.
For inhalation with a nebulizer, mucolytic and expectorant drugs prescribed by a doctor are used, as well as still mineral water and saline solution. The breathing technique is the same as when using a steam inhaler.
Oil preparations and herbal decoctions cannot be used in the nebulizer. Application essential oils may cause lipoid pneumonia. At the first symptoms of a cold, you should consult a physician. According to the diagnosis, he will select the appropriate treatment.
At the first signs of a cold, people increasingly began to use old grandmother’s methods of treatment, since many medicines do not give desired result. One of my grandmother’s effective methods is inhalation of hot potato steam.
When inhaling potato steam, a person increases blood flow to the nasopharynx, thins sputum, and eliminates congestion in the respiratory tract. Potato inhalations help with many diseases in a short period of time.
Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to breathe correctly and this procedure brings not so much benefit as harm. To prevent this from happening, you need to carefully consider this issue and then begin to practice.
Beneficial properties of hot potato steam
Inhalations over potatoes help with a runny nose, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, hoarse voice, bronchial asthma, bronchitis, cough and other diseases. In the absence of fever, this procedure easily replaces medications and speeds up the healing process. When you have a cold, only the mucus that appears is removed without medication.
Potato steam contains dipropylene glycol, tetradecane, ethanol, which allows you to warm up even remote areas of the respiratory tract.
These substances also enhance metabolic processes, remove inflammation, stagnation, normalize blood flow, remove swelling from the nasopharyngeal mucosa.
Potato steam covers a large surface and has an enveloping effect. At the same time, the sputum thins out, and blood flows to the mucous membranes.
Vapor particles have a larger structure than particles when breathing with stationary inhalers (nebulizers) and this guarantees protection against penetration of moisture into the bronchi and bronchioles.
The moisture that forms in droplets settles on the mucous membranes of the pharynx and larynx, and this softens the cough.
With this heating, microbes and accumulated dirt particles from the nasopharynx and bronchi come out with sputum.
- For bronchial asthma such inhalation helps to stop attacks and prevent their manifestation.
- For runny nose and sinusitis(beyond the acute stage) steam inhalation helps draw out mucus from the nasal passages and sinuses.
- For laryngitis, bronchitis, cough, sore throat you need to breathe through your mouth.
- For a cold with cough and runny nose without fever You need to breathe through both your mouth and nose, alternating them.
When inhaled, the respiratory tract warms up, the cough softens and moisturizes, hoarseness and tickling disappear.
How to do the procedure correctly
Inhalation can be done:
- from boiled potatoes “in their jackets” followed by kneading;
- inhaling steam from peeled potatoes with the addition of salt, soda, essential oils;
- inhalation of vapors from boiled peelings or small potatoes.
For inhalation you will need 5 - 10 medium (equal in size) potatoes, water, a 3 - 4 liter saucepan, a towel, a blanket, a chair.
The potatoes are washed and placed in a pan. Fill with water and cook for 20 minutes.
When ready (the potatoes should not fall apart or be half-cooked), cover the pan with a lid, turn on high heat for 10 seconds and turn off. The water is drained. The pan is wrapped in a towel.
To carry out the procedure:
- The pan with potatoes should be placed on a chair.
- If you have long hair, you need to pull it back into a ponytail.
- Then you need to sit in a chair.
- Cover your head with a blanket.
- You need to breathe the steam for 5 - 10 minutes.
If there is excess steam, you can raise the blanket. During cooking, the steam will cool slightly and will not be scalding hot.
To maintain safety, your head should be kept a short distance from the pan. In case of strong proximity, there is a possibility of burns to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
You need to breathe measuredly, calmly, without sudden sighs. Inhalation should be done through the nose, and exhalation must be done through the mouth. After 10 repetitions, inhaling through the mouth and exhaling through the nose, this alternation will warm up the throat, nose and sinuses.
For sinusitis or severe runny nose You can inhale through each nostril in turn 5 times in a row. After inhalation, potatoes can be used as a warm compress. The water is drained from the pan, the potatoes are kneaded, mixed with a spoonful of alcohol and transferred to thick fabric. The resulting pouch is placed in the bronchi area. The compress lasts about ten minutes.
For greater inhalation effect, you can add two pinches of soda and mash the potatoes with a fork.
For a dry cough, in addition to soda, add two pinches of coarse salt. Soda and salt are added at the beginning of cooking.
To enhance the effect, you can add eucalyptus, pine, menthol, juniper, and peppermint essential oils to the water.. 2 - 3 drops are enough. In addition to essential oils, you can use ready-made anti-cold oil mixtures.
Potatoes cooked together with unpeeled oats speed up the healing process. This mixture helps soften coughs and relieve sore throats.
How long should you breathe?
Inhalation of potato vapor is done an hour and a half before meals. If possible, this procedure is carried out in the morning and in the evening.
For an adult, the procedure can take up to 10 minutes. At feeling good and regularly lifting the blanket to inhale fresh air, the procedure can be extended to 15 minutes.
A longer procedure may place stress on the heart.
For children before school age The procedure should last no more than 4 minutes; if necessary, the time can be reduced.
For school-age children, the procedure can be performed for no more than 7 minutes.
Inhalation is carried out only under adult supervision and if a complaint occurs, inhalation is stopped.
After inhalation, you need to lie down in bed under a blanket and lie down for at least half an hour, this will consolidate the result and speed up the healing process.
At what age can children be given inhalation?
Kids up to three years Potato steam is contraindicated. In young children, steam can enter the bronchioles and cause obstruction and serious harm, including suffocation. When sputum swells, it fills the bronchi, enters the bronchioles and blocks the airways.
For children of kindergarten age, this procedure can be used only after consultation with a doctor.
From the age of seven, the procedure can be performed under adult supervision. In any case, when carrying out such a procedure for children, the time should be reduced to 4 minutes, and the temperature of the potato steam should be less than 45 degrees.
Children, even at an older age, even with low temperature You can’t breathe over potato fumes!
For pregnant
For pregnant women, such inhalation is completely safe if there are no other health contraindications. This inhalation allows you to cure a cold practically without the use of drugs, which is quite important when carrying a child.
You can breathe over a saucepan or use a simple inhaler or a paper cone placed in the spout of a kettle for these purposes.
Potato vapor has a soothing, antitussive, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antiallergic property.
During pregnancy, inhalation of potato steam has no contraindications, but the addition of other impurities should be monitored by a doctor. Some supplements may cause a negative reaction.
The steam temperature for pregnant women should be no more than 45 degrees. The duration of warming up the respiratory tract for pregnant women lasts no more than ten minutes.
Contraindications
- You cannot breathe hot steam, as this can lead to burns to the mucous membranes.
- The temperature of the potato steam should not be more than 50 degrees.
- At elevated temperature potato inhalations are contraindicated.
- If a person has heart disease, vascular problems, circulatory system, frequent nosebleeds occur, high pressure, pneumonia is diagnosed, there are any purulent processes, such a procedure is under no circumstances carried out.
- If there is pus in the nasopharynx or maxillary sinuses such a procedure is not carried out.
Video about the benefits of potatoes
Inhalation of potato steam helps with many diseases and allows you to reduce the use of medications and avoid possible allergic reactions on drug components.
