Benefits of inhalation

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Nebulizer or inhaler: which is better for treating colds?

Inhalation is one of the most effective methods of treating respiratory diseases. It allows the drug to be delivered directly to the location of the disease - to the bronchotracheal tree - to obtain an almost instant effect.

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Inhalations are actively used to treat tracheitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis and other inflammatory processes of the respiratory tract, and special devices are used for treatment.

Inhaler and nebulizer: what are the differences?

Inhaler and nebulizer - difference and effect in treatment

Relatively recently, a new device appeared on store shelves - a nebulizer, which is, in fact, a type of conventional inhaler. It is necessary to understand the similarities and differences between these devices:

  • An inhaler is a device for delivering a drug into the respiratory tract by inhalation. Since the substance is in a vapor state, it easily reaches the problem area and has a healing effect on the inflamed area. The word “inhaler” itself is of Latin origin, its primary source is the word Inhalo - “I inhale.”
  • A nebulizer is a device that can turn a liquid medicinal substance into an aerosol. Small particles are inhaled by a person and reach the desired section of the respiratory tract.

Thus, both devices have the same purpose - they must deliver a medicinal substance in aerosol or vapor form to a certain area of ​​the respiratory canal. However, a nebulizer can be called a more modern and effective solution: it is capable of exerting a targeted effect on the respiratory tract, delivering the drug strictly to a specific area.

This depends on the size of the drug particles: for example, a steam inhaler cannot be classified as a nebulizer.

However, in general, there are not so many differences between these devices: most manufacturers use a double name - inhaler-nebulizer, which confirms their identical structure and functions. There are several varieties of each type of device.

Types of inhalers and their features

Compressor inhaler for children

Previously, inhalations were carried out by simply inhaling the vapors of a substance from a container: everyone remembers grandma’s method of treating colds by inhaling steam over hot potatoes. Modern technologies have significantly expanded the range of medical procedures: there are complex devices that deliver medicinal vapors precisely to the location of the disease.

According to the principle of operation, all inhalers are usually divided into several main types of inhalers:

  • Steam (for example, “Chamomile” inhaler). The most common devices that allow you to inhale vapor of a medicinal substance: it can be sea water, herbal infusions and much more. The main advantage of such an inhaler is ease of use and versatility; they are usually inexpensive. They allow the use of various medicinal substances, including oil-based formulations. However, they also have a disadvantage: they do not allow impact on the lower respiratory tract.
  • Compressor inhalers. These are special devices that deliver the drug to the desired part of the respiratory tract under pressure thanks to a built-in compressor. The advantage is wide possibilities for treatment, the disadvantage is significant noise during operation, it is not always convenient to use them.
  • Ultrasonic devices. They break down the drug into individual particles and turn it into an aerosol using ultrasound. The main advantage is completely silent operation; moreover, they are very small in size. The downside is that not all substances can be broken down by an ultrasonic wave; this limits the possibilities of using the device.
  • MES inhalers with an installed vibrating device. The substance turns into an aerosol due to vibration; such a device can be used with any medications, regardless of their composition.

It is difficult to determine the ideal solution; each type of inhaler has its own advantages. Modern devices are compact in size and can be used not only at home.

Nebulizers: features and varieties

Nebulizer is an effective device for treating respiratory diseases

Any nebulizer is a universal device for repeated filling with a medicinal substance; both children and adults can use it. Inhalers can also be disposable: these are, for example, canisters used by people with asthma.

The nebulizer is only reusable; it is designed for long-term use. Using such a device, you can treat a wide range of respiratory diseases; when used correctly, it gives an almost instant therapeutic effect.

The main advantage of a nebulizer, in contrast to a classic steam inhaler, is the ability to divide a substance into particles of a certain size for delivery to a separate section of the respiratory tract.

Each size corresponds to its own group of diseases:

  • 8-10 microns. With this particle size, the oral cavity is irrigated. This is convenient for the treatment of stomatitis and other inflammatory processes in the oral cavity; inhalation can be carried out with various medications.
  • 5-8 microns. Particles of this size easily penetrate the upper respiratory tract: they spread through the nasopharynx, enter the pharynx and larynx. This is the best option for the treatment of runny nose, pharyngitis, laryngitis and other inflammatory processes associated with colds.
  • 3-5 microns. The drug substance penetrates the bronchi and trachea. This allows you to treat acute and chronic bronchitis, tracheitis and other diseases. Inhalation becomes an effective remedy for dry or wet cough; various medicinal substances help separate mucus and remove it from the respiratory tract.
  • 1-3 microns and smaller. Such small particles are able to penetrate the alveoli and bronchi, providing a therapeutic effect for serious lung diseases. Inhalations are often part of complex therapy, which allows achieving good results.

Use of inhalers and nebulizers

Inhaler and nebulizer - action, purpose and contraindications for inhalation

Inhalers and nebulizers are capable of solving a number of problems in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory system in adults and children:

  1. They relieve bronchospasm and eliminate swelling of the mucous membrane. This helps prevent narrowing of the airways, which can lead to the most serious consequences. Inhalation is an ambulance for exacerbation of the disease, and in some cases it can even save a person’s life.
  2. Fighting inflammatory processes. Medicines delivered to the inflammation localization department make it possible to fight pathogens on the spot. In this case, the patient does not have to take potent pills that have a negative effect on the body.
  3. Toning the immune system. Inhalation not only helps fight the disease, but also awakens the body's defenses, which helps to avoid colds in the future. Various inhalation compositions have a general tonic effect on the body and improve overall well-being.
  4. Normalization of mucosal function. Improving blood microcirculation in the capillaries helps the respiratory system do its job better.

Useful video - Nebulizer - description and use.

With all these advantages, there are conditions in which the use of inhalations is contraindicated. Such procedures are not performed in case of cardiac and pulmonary failure, hypertension, pulmonary hemorrhage, or in the post-infarction period.

In addition, if you are allergic to certain components of medications, inhalation is strictly prohibited.

Inhalation, although it has become a very common procedure, still remains one of the methods of treatment, and it should be prescribed by a doctor. It is advisable to discuss with a specialist all the drugs used, as well as the size of the particles directed by the nebulizer into the respiratory tract.

Which is better: an inhaler or a nebulizer?

There can be no clear answer to the question: which is better - an inhaler or a nebulizer. In essence, a nebulizer is an inhaler in a more modern version. It performs the same functions and works on the same principle, so the result will not be much different. The only advantage of a modern nebulizer over a classic inexpensive inhaler is its wider functionality, which allows for more precise and targeted action on a specific area of ​​the respiratory tract.

An imported nebulizer with a beautiful name will cost more, but the high price of the device does not always mean its higher efficiency. You should choose not so much by the brand and name of the inhaler, but by its characteristics and principle of operation.

There is no ideal solution; each type has its own advantages and characteristics.

If you are in doubt about your choice, it is better to consult your doctor - since different types of nebulizers are aimed at combating different diseases, when choosing, you must take into account the patient’s health condition. This is especially important when selecting an inhaler for children: it must be reliable, easy to use and safe. The choice offered by manufacturers is constantly expanding, and you can choose a completely suitable solution at a reasonable price.

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Comments (2)

05/03/2016 at 23:15 | #

It is clear that it is best to buy a nebulizer. This is of course if you have the money. I just tried this and that, I’ll be honest, the nebulizer has a lot of advantages and helps much better with treatment.

Maria

06/11/2016 at 23:15 | #

I prefer a nebulizer, it is much more effective than an inhaler, and it is easier and more convenient to use. Yes, it is more expensive, but its effectiveness is beyond doubt.

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Cough inhalations. Mixture for inhalation. Home inhalation

For many, the onset of cold weather is associated with colds and coughs, especially for adults with weakened immune systems and children. And although the respiratory disease itself is not that dangerous, its symptoms can cause significant discomfort and disrupt a lot of plans. Therefore, when the first signs of the disease appear, it is necessary to begin treatment. This can be done with the help of both medications and traditional medicine recipes. But regardless of which treatment method is chosen, cough inhalations are necessary for everyone.

This method of dealing with an unpleasant symptom is divided into two types. The first is natural inhalation. It is not entirely relevant for residents of noisy cities and consists of naturally inhaling air enriched with beneficial microelements in nature, in the forest or on the seashore. Therefore, in this article we will consider the second treatment method, which can be carried out at home. These are artificial cough inhalations. They are carried out using special devices and allow drugs to be applied directly to the source of the inflammatory process.

Methods of inhalation

Before starting such a procedure for treating cough, you should determine where the inflammation is located and at what stage of development. This can be done correctly by a doctor who will not only diagnose the disease, but also select effective drugs for inhalation. It is the specialist who will advise which of the two methods of delivering medications into the respiratory tract should be used, as well as how to carry out the procedure and what precautions to take.

The first method involves using a steam inhaler. This can be either a device purchased at a pharmacy, consisting of a closed container and attachments, or any deep bowl or pan made from kitchen utensils. Decoctions of medicinal herbs or medicinal preparations and essential oils diluted in hot water can be used as a solution for therapy.

As for the second method of cough inhalation, it involves the use of inhalers - nebulizers. These industrial machines convert liquid medicine into an aerosol. In addition, while using the device, you can independently adjust the size of microparticles. This allows you to change the direction of the drug delivery range depending on the location of the source of the disease.

Benefits of Steam Inhalation

This method of treating coughs and respiratory diseases has been used for centuries. Inhaling warm, moist steam from medicinal plants and essential oils today actively competes with drug therapy. And this is quite logical. After all, the delivery of drugs directly to the site of the inflammatory process and the moistening of the mucous membranes during steam inhalation for coughs contribute to the separation of mucus. Of course, the same expectorant effect can be achieved with the help of medications, but, as you know, almost all of them have a lot of side effects.

Another advantage of this type of impact on the source of the disease is the cost. After all, home inhalation of a decoction of medicinal herbs will cost tens of times less than the medications needed to treat the disease. Of course, it is impossible to say so categorically that inhalations are more effective than pharmaceutical drugs. After all, almost everything depends on the disease, its complexity and stage of development. So, for example, if the disease appears as a result of a bacterial infection, it is unacceptable to refuse a medicinal course of treatment. After all, the pathogen can only be defeated with the help of antibiotics. But against the background of such therapy, steam inhalations can and even should be done to relieve symptoms and improve the expectorant effect.

How to carry out the procedure at home?

If you have a steam inhaler in your home medicine cabinet, you don’t need to invent anything. It is enough to pour the medicinal solution into the bowl, and you can carry out the procedure. But in situations where there is no device and no opportunity to purchase it, you need to select a suitable container from household utensils. In a deep bowl or pan that you have chosen, you need to pour a hot herbal decoction or boiled water, to which add 2-3 drops of essential oil. Next, you should take a blanket or large towel and cover your head with it, sitting comfortably over the container. It is important that steam does not escape from under the blanket, but it is worth knowing that you cannot bend over a distance below 30 cm from the container, as you can burn your facial skin and respiratory tract, so it is better to use a blanket under which you can sit comfortably and inhale the steam at a safe distance. Such cough inhalations should be given especially carefully to children and the elderly.

Having taken a comfortable position over the container with the medicine, you need to relax as much as possible and close your eyes. The steam should be inhaled measuredly and deeply through the nose, but if acute discomfort is felt, the blanket can be lifted and a few breaths taken through the mouth. After this, the procedure should be continued.

Steam inhalation for dry cough

Aromatherapy has long been one of the most effective methods of treating respiratory diseases. Today it has not lost its relevance for those people who care about their health and are not lazy to be treated with traditional methods. So there are a lot of recipes to combat dry cough. For example, if you boil several potatoes in their skins, mash them slightly and add a couple of drops of essential oil to them, and then breathe over the pan, the patient will feel much better.

Soda inhalations are also effective in treating such an unpleasant manifestation of the disease as cough. It is enough to pour 200 grams of water into a kettle, add a teaspoon of soda, and then boil the solution. When steam comes out of the spout, they should breathe for a minute.

Quite often, doctors themselves recommend that patients with a dry cough breathe over a decoction of pine buds. To prepare it, you need to take 10 g of this dry plant, a glass of water and a small saucepan in which you need to boil the mixture over low heat for minutes. This remedy will not only help you quickly cope with a dry cough, but will also strengthen your immune system.

It is also worth noting that those people who have entrusted their health to traditional medicine can purchase an inhalation mixture of medicinal herbs at the pharmacy.

Treatment of wet cough with steam inhalation

If one of the manifestations of the disease is a productive cough, you should not put off going to the doctor. Sputum and mucus can migrate from the upper respiratory tract to the middle and lower. Then a medicinal course of treatment simply cannot be avoided. Well, for now, a visit to the doctor is only in the plans, you can purchase a mixture for inhalation and begin treatment.

If your home medicine cabinet contains dry medicinal plants, such as chamomile, coltsfoot, raspberry leaves, you should not go to the pharmacy. It is enough to prepare a decoction from one or more of the above components and breathe in the steam.

Even if your health improves significantly after such procedures, your visit to the doctor cannot be cancelled. After all, a wet cough is a symptom of bronchitis, so the doctor must listen to your breathing. If necessary, he will prescribe an adequate course of therapy and answer questions about how many days to do inhalations and what products to use for the procedure in your particular case.

Peculiarities

Inhalation therapy has long lost its popular status and is now considered a purely medical procedure. That is why it requires strict adherence to certain rules.

For example, steam inhalation is strictly prohibited for patients who often develop laryngeal stenosis due to respiratory diseases. It can accelerate the development of this symptom, which will lead to the most unexpected and dangerous consequences.

The time of the procedure is clearly regulated by doctors in each individual case. Therefore, the doctor must decide how much inhalation to take, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient and the complexity of the disease.

It is not recommended to use inhalations at elevated body temperatures. And this is quite logical. After all, this procedure involves inhaling hot steam, which can increase the temperature by several more notches. The maximum allowable temperature for the use of inhalation therapy is 37.2 degrees.

Benefits of nebulizer inhalation

This method of delivering drugs to the respiratory tract is very simple. After all, drugs for inhalation are simply poured into the chamber of the device and plugged into the network. Therefore, let's talk about other advantages of using this device.

Compared to a steam inhaler, a nebulizer is safer because it converts the medicine into a cold aerosol. This means that this device can be used to perform the procedure even on newborn babies without fear of harm to health.

It is also worth noting that medications used for inhalation have no side effects, since they are practically not absorbed into the blood. This method of delivering drugs to the site of the disease is especially convenient for children and people with a tendency to allergies. In addition, due to the low absorption of medications, inhalations can be combined with other drugs.

Another convenience when using a nebulizer is the ability to regulate the size of microparticles. This allows you to change the direction of the drug delivery range and effectively treat diseases of both the upper and lower respiratory tract.

Scope of application of the nebulizer

Initially, the main purpose of this type of device was emergency treatment for exacerbations of bronchial asthma. To relieve the spasm and suffocation characteristic of this disease, the patient needs a much larger dose of the drug than with daily therapy. It is possible to quickly deliver the drug to the alveoli of the bronchi, but without harming human health, only with the help of a nebulizer.

Much has changed since the creation of the first such device: it has been modernized, and the scope of application has expanded significantly. Today, the device is widely used not only for asthma, but also for other respiratory diseases, including COPD. Inhalation for cough with a nebulizer is recommended even for the youngest patients, since this method of treating respiratory diseases is not only the safest, but also effective.

Inhalations for respiratory tract pathologies

If the patient is diagnosed with a mild form of the disease that does not require antibiotic therapy, the doctor will recommend alkaline inhalations. There is no need to look for recipes for preparing such medicinal solutions, since for this you can use a pharmaceutical saline solution or mineral water, after releasing the gas. Such inhalations help moisturize the mucous membranes and prevent their further irritation due to drying out.

For more complex breathing pathologies, doctors recommend using medications. The list of drugs is quite large, but the leading positions in it are occupied by the drugs Ambroxol, Lazolvan, Fluimicil and Ambrohexal. They can be used to treat respiratory problems in both children and adults. But pediatricians more often use Ambrobene for inhalation, since this medicine does not cause adverse reactions.

How to treat a wet cough with a nebulizer?

Expectoration is a natural process that allows the bronchi and lungs to cleanse themselves of phlegm and mucus. But when there is a lot of accumulated secretion, the body needs help. In such situations, it is simply impossible to do without inhalations. And if there is no special device at home, doctors recommend visiting a physiotherapy room every day.

As a medicine, specialists usually prescribe drugs to thin the sputum. To achieve the best effect, medicinal inhalations for coughs using a nebulizer should be alternated with alkaline ones. That is, for every second procedure, you need to use saline solution or mineral water as the main remedy. This alternation will not only thin out the mucus, but will also enhance the expectorant effect.

Inhalations for dry cough

A nonproductive cough is much more difficult to treat than a wet cough. After all, sputum, which is located on the mucous membranes of the throat, as well as in the bronchi and lungs, is not separated on its own. As a rule, in such a situation, patients complain of an annoying dry cough. Inhalations that moisturize the mucous membrane and relieve spasms are simply irreplaceable.

Before you start fighting the disease, you need to see a doctor. A professional will conduct a diagnosis and determine the etiology of the disease. Only after this will the patient be prescribed effective therapy, including inhalation for cough with a nebulizer. Such drugs as “Berodual”, “Ventolin”, “Berodek”, “Miramistin”, “ACC” and others can be used as a medicinal product for the procedure.

What should you know about using a nebulizer?

Everyone knows that many respiratory diseases can be accompanied by an increase in body temperature. And this is a completely natural reaction of the body, which signals the fight of the immune system against the causative agent of the disease. But is it worth refusing inhalation if such symptoms appear? Doctors give an affirmative answer, but you can’t argue with experience and practice.

Of course, it is impossible to say that one should not listen to the recommendations of doctors, because they are trying to protect patients from dangerous consequences. But is it worth so unconditionally prohibiting prescriptions for inhalation with a nebulizer at the slightest increase in temperature? After all, there are situations when a medicinal aerosol can not only improve the patient’s condition, but also save his life. For example, you can stop an attack of bronchial asthma even with an elevated temperature by inhaling the drug “Berodual”. There are many such examples, but they should not be taken as disregard for medical recommendations. The opinion of specialists should definitely be taken into account, especially when it comes to treating children, because they cannot independently decide when they need to use prescriptions for nebulizer inhalations and when they should refuse the procedure.

Thus, the use of inhalation therapy at elevated body temperature is possible only if the benefits of the procedure outweigh the possible health risks.

Source: http://www.syl.ru/article/168461/new_ingalyatsii-ot-kashlya-smes-dlya-ingalyatsiy-domashnyaya-ingalyatsiya

The main advantages of inhalations

The approach to treatment should be comprehensive, with a combination of medications and physiotherapeutic procedures. In particular, inhalations are effective for bronchitis, and they are a fairly gentle and safe method of treatment. They can be used for acute and chronic forms of the disease, including obstruction.

These procedures can be carried out for both adults and children, but as for children, inhalations should be done with caution and only as prescribed by a doctor.

There are many medications for inhalation for bronchitis, as well as various devices with which these procedures are carried out. This allows you to choose the optimal method of therapy for each patient.

Types of inhalations and inhalers

Inhalations can be carried out with aqueous solutions of ready-made drugs, herbal decoctions, oils, using special devices - inhalers, nebulizers, and at home using improvised means.

Inhalation techniques

Based on a number of parameters (the temperature of the inhaled air, the concentration of the drug substance, the principle of its penetration into the body), inhalations are divided into several types:

  • steam. Essential oils of medicinal plants are added to hot water, which evaporate easily. The main feature of this type of inhalation is the high temperature of the steam - 57-63⁰. They can be used for bronchitis in adults, but the use of essential oils for the treatment of young children is not recommended due to the high likelihood of allergic reactions. They are also contraindicated in cases of hemoptysis, high blood pressure, acute processes and complications, when thermal procedures can be harmful;
  • heat-moist. They are carried out with solutions of salt, soda, and medications (mucolytics, antibiotics, corticosteroids). Although this procedure is characterized by a lower air temperature (38-42⁰), contraindications to steam inhalations also apply to them. Such inhalation for bronchitis can help thin the mucus, stimulate its removal due to blood flow to the bronchi and activation of the cilia of the epithelium;
  • wet. They are carried out at an even lower temperature of the inhaled air, but require a high concentration of the drug in the solution. In addition to hormones and antibiotics, phytoncides, anesthetics and antihistamines can be introduced into the body using this method. Wet inhalations have fewer contraindications than steam and heat-moist inhalations, since they are better tolerated;
  • oil They are carried out using vegetable (but not mineral!) oils; it is most convenient to use a special Macholda inhaler for this procedure. They are rarely prescribed for bronchitis; they are recommended for diseases of the upper respiratory tract, accompanied by dry mucous membranes and the formation of crusts. Contraindicated for ailments caused by active contact with dust - its combination with oil causes blockage of the lumens of the bronchi;
  • ultrasonic. They require the use of a special device (ultrasonic nebulizer). Using this inhaler for bronchitis allows you to achieve good results, since the medicinal substance is sprayed into tiny particles, which better penetrate the respiratory tract.

The doctor determines which inhalation treatment for bronchitis is best, taking into account the stage, form, severity of the disease, and the patient’s age. He also selects medications, treatment regimen, number of sessions and their duration.

Types of inhalers

Steam and oil procedures have been used in medicine for quite a long time, and a nebulizer is a more modern type of inhaler that allows you to create a fine suspension of medicine.

There are 3 types of nebulizers:

An electronic mesh nebulizer is considered a powerful, effective nebulizer, providing the deepest penetration of inhalation solutions. It is compatible with a wide range of medicines of various effects; it cannot be used only with oil-based preparations and herbal decoctions.

The ultrasonic nebulizer is slightly inferior to the previous version, however, it is incompatible not only with oils, but also with antibacterial, hormonal and other drugs, the structure of which is destroyed under the influence of ultrasound.

Inhalations by almost any means can be carried out using a compressor-type inhaler-nebulizer, in which a stream of air escaping under pressure is created. The use of such an inhaler for bronchitis is usually carried out in medical institutions, since it is quite large in size.

At home, portable models are more often used:

You can use available means, for example, breathing over a saucepan, putting a paper funnel on the spout of a regular teapot, or placing a teapot filled with a medicinal solution in a bowl of hot water.

Efficiency of inhalations

Inhalation therapy is more effective in comparison with other treatment methods, since it provides a direct effect of drugs on the bronchial mucosa, where inflammation is localized. At the same time, the negative impact of medications on the gastrointestinal tract is minimized.

Inhalations for bronchitis using ultrasonic and electronic mesh inhalers are especially effective, since the smaller the particles, the deeper they penetrate.

Depending on the drugs used, inhalation can have a varied effect on the bronchi and the body as a whole:

  • relieves inflammation, pain, swelling (hormonal, antihistamines, anesthetics, saline solutions);
  • suppresses the reproduction of pathogenic organisms, produces an antiseptic effect (medicinal herbs, essential oils, phytoncides, antibiotics);
  • promotes liquefaction of sputum, its removal from the bronchi (plant and synthetic mucolytics, soda solutions);
  • relieves bronchospasm, expands the airways, improves gas exchange (bronchodilators).

Families where there are frequent cases of bronchitis and other respiratory diseases in adults and children should get a modern nebulizer or at least a steam inhaler.

Features of inhalation in children

Despite its effectiveness, inhalations for bronchitis in children should be carried out with extreme caution and must be preceded by consultation with a pediatrician. It is best to do this procedure using a nebulizer or cold inhalations. The advantages of this inhaler for bronchitis in children include safety combined with higher efficiency compared to steam and oil inhalers, where the risk of burns is high.

When using any medications (especially herbs, herbal remedies, essential oils), you must make sure that your baby is not allergic to them. In adults, as a rule, such reactions have already been studied, the allergens are known.

You must adhere to the following rules when performing inhalations:

  • thermal inhalations are contraindicated at elevated body temperatures;
  • inhalations should be carried out between meals, no earlier than 1-2 hours after a meal. For an hour after the procedure, you should refrain not only from eating and drinking, but also from talking;
  • The duration of the sessions should be proportional to the age of the child; up to 7 years, it is best to add one minute for each year of life; for schoolchildren, the procedure can last 5-10 minutes.

Inhalations are a highly effective procedure in the treatment of bronchitis in adults and children. For bronchitis and other diseases of the lower respiratory tract, medications are inhaled through the mouth. For inhalations, you can use alkaline mineral waters, solutions of ordinary and sea salt, herbal decoctions, essential oils, solutions of ready-made pharmaceutical preparations.

It is important to follow the dosage when preparing nebulizer formulations yourself. The choice of inhaler for bronchitis is often determined by the conditions in which inhalation is carried out. In physiotherapy departments of hospitals and clinics, the possibilities for such choice are wider. For the home, the most affordable option is a steam inhaler, although nebulizers are more effective.

Author: infectious disease doctor, Memeshev Shaban Yusufovich

All information provided on this site is for reference only. Do not self-medicate. At the first sign of disease, consult a doctor. An active link is required when quoting.

Source: http://prolegkie.ru/lechenie-bronhita/ingaljacii-pri-bronhite-vzroslyh-detej.html

The benefits and harms of inhalation with a nebulizer

Inhalation is a treatment method in which medicinal substances enter the body by inhaling steam, smoke or gas. When and who first used it, historians do not know. But some semblance of this method was described by the Ancient Roman physician Galen. It was he who first studied the healing effect of salt particles contained in sea air.

And today many people prefer to go to the sea coast, breathe in the healing air and stock up on health. But these are not all types of inhalations that are available to you. Thanks to the advent of special devices - nebulizers - they can be carried out using various medicinal substances, essential oils and decoctions of medicinal plants. However, as with any treatment method, inhalation has both benefits and harms.

Types of inhalers

You can go to a pine forest and breathe in plenty of resinous air, you can visit a salt cave, you can drip eucalyptus oil into hot water at home and inhale the steam. All this is inhalation. You can also purchase a special device for this purpose.

But first, let’s figure out how a nebulizer differs from just an inhaler? Most believe that this is a designation for the same device. In fact, this is the case, because both the inhaler and the nebulizer deliver medications using steam.

However, an inhaler is considered to be an ordinary steam device, which simply turns liquid into steam and does not in any way affect the particles of the substance contained in it.

A nebulizer is a device capable of breaking down drug molecules into smaller ones and delivering them not only to the upper but also to the lower respiratory tract.

Depending on the mechanism that underlies the operation of the nebulizer, they are divided into:

  • Compression - splitting a substance using pressure and delivering it in the form of an aerosol. This inhaler is based on a compressor that supplies a stream of air through a narrow opening. As a result, increased pressure occurs, under the influence of which substances disintegrate into particles ranging in size from 1 to 7–10 microns.
  • Ultrasonic, which destroy substances using ultrasonic waves. The advantage of such nebulizers is that the medication particles are smaller and penetrate deeper.
  • MESH inhalers are the most modern devices today that destroy substances using a special vibration plate. They are compact in size, making them very convenient to take with you. And thanks to the ability to use lying down and silent operation, it can be used even by small children.

Inhalation treatment

Inhalations can be done using many medicines, essential oils, and even without them at all, for example, with alkaline mineral water. However, before this you need to find out whether these solutions can be added to the device.

You cannot add essential oils or decoctions of medicinal plants to compression and ultrasonic nebulizers; only a steam inhaler is suitable for them.

At the pharmacy you can buy special solutions that can help with a runny nose, including allergies, cough or inflammation of the respiratory tract. In addition, to moisturize the mucous membranes, inhalations can be done with a regular 0.9% sodium chloride solution. However, is a nebulizer harmful or beneficial?

Benefit

The undeniable advantage and benefit of a nebulizer is that with its help the medicine enters directly into the respiratory tract, bypassing the stomach, intestines and liver. Despite the fact that the medicinal substances used are able to enter the bloodstream and have systemic effects, their main effect is still local. But this is not the only advantage of this treatment method:

  • Small particles of the substance, falling on the mucous membrane, are distributed evenly over it and have an effect much faster than tablets.
  • Direct impact on the mucous membrane of the trachea and bronchi allows you to obtain a therapeutic effect using smaller doses of drugs, which means that the severity of side effects will also be less.
  • Due to the steam from the nebulizer, the mucous membrane is moistened, which, in turn, helps to liquefy and facilitate the removal of sputum.
  • Thanks to the direct effect of inhalation, swelling and spasm of the bronchi are quickly relieved, which, for example, is very important for patients suffering from bronchial asthma.

For treatment, you can use various medications that are produced in the form of special solutions. However, most of them are released only with a doctor's prescription. You should not use them yourself.

Recently, an opinion has emerged that this method of treatment does more harm than good. However, this is not quite true. The harm of inhalation is still exaggerated. The treatment method itself is quite safe. Of course, subject to proper use and careful handling of the nebulizer. Not everyone can use it:

  • Inhalations are contraindicated for certain diseases of the heart and blood vessels, after a heart attack or stroke.
  • Some types of inhalations are contraindicated for people with diabetes and children under two years of age.
  • Procedures with essential oils should be carried out with caution and in small portions so as not to provoke allergies.
  • You should not use a steam device if you are prone to swelling of the mucous membrane of the trachea and bronchi or if there are purulent processes in them.
  • Inhalations should not be carried out at body temperatures above 37.5 C, or with pulmonary or nasal bleeding.

Before purchasing a nebulizer at a pharmacy, be sure to consult your doctor, especially if you want to buy this device for a child.

How to do inhalations correctly?

So, are inhalations harmful or beneficial? The answer to this question will be different for everyone. Whether you need inhalation or not is up to your doctor to decide. And in order for the treatment not to harm and to be as effective as possible, you need to follow several rules:

  • Inhalations are performed while sitting, with the exception of procedures using MESH devices for bedridden patients or small children.
  • After eating or exercising, at least one hour should pass before the procedure.
  • After inhalation, you should not eat, drink or engage in physical activity for three hours.
  • Upon completion, you should not get up suddenly, it is better to sit and rest for about 15 minutes.
  • Remember that the nebulizer is an electric device; be sure to read the instructions before using it for the first time.

Inhalations are a simple and effective method that helps cope with many diseases. But you should use it only when it is really necessary and not to violate safety rules. Then such treatment will only be beneficial.

Source: http://elaxsir.ru/lekarstva/ot-kashlya/ingalyacii-polza-i-vred.html

How to use a nebulizer and inhaler?

Inhalation systems provide the optimal opportunity for delivering pharmacological drugs for various acute and chronic bronchopulmonary diseases directly into the patient’s lungs. The modern strategy for treating diseases with the leading clinical syndrome of airway obstruction is based on the maximum use of inhalation methods of treatment.

The introduction of nebulizers into clinical practice, along with individual metered-dose inhalers, has dramatically expanded the scope of application of this method. It has become possible to use inhalation therapy in patients of all ages (from early childhood to old age), during severe exacerbations of COPD and bronchial asthma, as well as in all situations associated with a significant drop in inspiratory flow rate (postoperative patients, patients with severe somatic diseases). Nebulizers have opened up the possibility of using medications whose aerosol can only be obtained in this way (antibiotics, surfactant preparations, motolytics, etc.). And finally, patients themselves highly appreciate inhalation therapy using nebulizers.

The word nebulizer comes from the Latin "nebula" - mist and was first used in 1872. for the name of a device in which a liquid was converted into a fine aerosol for inhalation. At the end of the 19th century, a glass nebulizer was invented, which was a large glass vessel with tubes extending from it, in which an aerosol was obtained by converting the medicinal substance into vapor by heating. In 1938 a manual balloon inhaler appeared, similar to a perfume atomizer. Nebulizers began to be used to treat bronchial asthma in the 1930s. During the same period, two main directions in the development of inhalation technology emerged: the first was the improvement of nebulizers, and the second was the creation of individual metered-dose inhalers.

Currently, there are two main types of nebulizers: continuous jet and ultrasonic. The principle of using compressed air, which is used in jet nebulizers, is the “gold standard” of inhalation therapy. The formation of an aerosol is based on the “Bernoulli effect”, resulting in the formation of a cone-shaped flow of polydisperse aerosol containing particles that have an optimal size for entering the lungs.

For what diseases are nebulizers and inhalers used?

In medicine, there is a whole class of respiratory diseases, so-called respiratory diseases. Their sources are both viral infections and exposure to airborne substances, as well as structural features of the respiratory tract. Such diseases include rhinitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, asthma, bronchitis, adenoids, etc. Some diseases occur with minimal impact on the body and mild symptoms. Some diseases, which include asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, which occur with breathing complications, cough, shortness of breath. There are drug and non-drug treatment options. A special place in the treatment of respiratory diseases is occupied by inhalers and nebulizers, which allow them to directly influence the source of the disease and relieve symptoms.

With drug treatment, it is very important to directly influence the site of the disease. The specificity of drug treatment of respiratory diseases requires the use of physiotherapeutic devices capable of administering medication directly to the affected area by inhalation into the respiratory tract. In the treatment of respiratory diseases, inhalers and nebulizers have shown their high effectiveness, which are widely used in the treatment of asthma, acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, bronchitis, etc.

Using a nebulizer.

For example, in case of bronchial asthma, the most important is the use of nebulizers, which allow the drug to be delivered to the source of inflammation in the bronchi. A nebulizer allows you to obtain an aerosol of the drug of the required dispersion. Essentially, a nebulizer is the same inhaler that produces an aerosol with the specified parameters of drug particles. Penetration of the drug into the smallest bronchi is difficult when using conventional treatment methods, which is why there is a need to prepare an aerosol with a minimum particle size.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a nebulizer and inhalers?

Both inhalers and nebulizers have different ways of producing aerosols. There are inhalers and nebulizers, ultrasonic and compressor. Both have their own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. Models differ in cost and method of obtaining the aerosol. Ultrasonic ones are smaller in size and operate quieter, but cannot be used for spraying oil solutions and suspensions. Compressor inhalers and nebulizers are cheaper than ultrasonic ones and have no restrictions on the drugs used. But at the same time, they are much larger in size, require stationary power supply from the network and are noisier than ultrasonic ones.

How to use a nebulizer and inhalers?

The principle of operation of inhalers and nebulizers is quite simple. The drug in the form of a solution or suspension is placed in a container for inhalation (inhalers) or the drug is already contained in a pressure cylinder. When inhaled, the patient needs to spray a certain amount of the drug and inhale in the usual way through the nasopharynx.

Inhalers are usually used for inhalation procedures of some duration during physiotherapeutic procedures at home and in clinical settings. There are nebulizers and inhalers that allow you to relieve symptoms of the disease or stop attacks at any time the patient needs. Such devices have a compact structure and consist of a canister with a medicinal product, enclosed under pressure in a cylinder or without pressure, and the nebulizer device itself. The parameters of the aerosol, its quantity and dosage are clearly verified by the sprayers, and all the patient needs to do is spray the drug into the nasopharynx while inhaling.

Basic requirements for nebulizer therapy:

— the optimal particle size is less than 5 microns, the inhalable fraction of the aerosol should be at least 50%;

— the residual volume of the medicinal substance after inhalation is no more than 50%;

— inhalation time no more than 15 minutes;

— recommended flow 6-10 liters per minute;

— The nebulizer must be tested and certified in accordance with the European standards for nebulizer therapy prEN (using the low-flow cascade impactor method, at the present stage the most accurate method for studying the aerodynamic sizes of aerosol particles).

Indications for the use of nebulizers:

1. the medicinal substance cannot be delivered to the respiratory tract using other inhalers;

2. delivery of the drug to the alveoli is necessary;

3. inspiratory flow less than 30 liters per minute;

4. inability to hold your breath for more than 4 seconds;

5. disturbance of consciousness;

6. the need to use a large dose of the drug;

7. patient preference;

Advantages of nebulizers:

- possibility of using high doses of the drug;

— possibility of connection to the oxygen supply circuit;

— possibility of inclusion in the ventilator circuit;

- does not require forced breathing maneuvers;

- Possibility of use in children, elderly and debilitated patients.

When inhaling medicinal substances through a nebulizer, it is necessary to take into account some features: - the optimal filling volume of the nebulizer chamber is 5 ml;

— throughout the entire inhalation, the position of the nebulizer chamber must be strictly vertical;

— to reduce the loss of the drug (deposition of the drug on the walls of the nebulizer chamber), at the end of inhalation, 1 ml of saline solution can be added to the chamber, after which it is necessary to shake the nebulizer and continue inhalation;

When using inexpensive and accessible drugs, all types of nebulizers can be used, but when using more expensive drugs, the maximum effectiveness of inhalation therapy is provided by nebulizers activated by the patient's inhalation and equipped with a flow interrupter valve.

Not recommended for nebulizers:

All solutions containing oils (since they dissolve and are absorbed very slowly in the lungs). Suspensions and solutions containing suspended particles, incl. decoctions and infusions of herbs prepared at home. Eufillin, papaverine, platyphylline, diphenhydramine and similar drugs, as having no substrate effect on the mucous membrane.

When preparing solutions for inhalation, you must follow a number of rules:

Solutions for inhalation must be prepared under sterile conditions using 0.9% sodium chloride as a solvent. Do not use tap (even boiled) water. The containers in which the solution is prepared are pre-disinfected by boiling.

The prepared solution should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than a day. Before use, be sure to heat it in a water bath to a temperature of at least 20 degrees C.

Drugs used for inhalation using nebulizers

1. Bronchial dilators

a) B-2 agonists. Fenoterol in the form of a ready-made solution under the trade name Berotek (Austria) in 20 ml bottles at a dose of 1 mg/ml. Indications for the use of Berotek are: bronchial asthma and obstructive bronchitis, especially in the acute stage, as well as acute bronchitis accompanied by bronchospasm. The dose per inhalation is 1-2 mg (1-2 ml), peak action is 30 minutes, duration of action is 2-3 hours. The number of inhalations per day depends on the severity of bronchospasm. During an exacerbation, as a rule, the patient inhales the medicine 3-4 times a day, during a period of remission, 1-2 times a day or as needed. For severe attacks of asthma, frequent inhalations are recommended (every 20 minutes in the first hour, then at intervals of 1 hour until the condition improves, after that every 4 hours). In terms of bronchodilating effect, Berotec is approximately 4 times superior to salbutamol. The advantage of a nebulized B-2 agonist over a conventional one dosed in aerosol cans is that the first creates significantly higher concentrations in the small bronchi, while the main dose of the second settles in the oral cavity and, being absorbed into the blood, causes palpitations and interruptions in work heart rate, hand tremors and increases blood pressure. In addition, for the balloon inhaler to work effectively, it is necessary to hold your breath for 10 seconds after inhalation, which is almost impossible during an attack. When using a nebulizer, this is no longer necessary due to the creation of a continuous flow of aerosol with an inhalation duration of 5-7 minutes. This property is especially important in the treatment of childhood asthma, when it is impossible to force the child to correctly perform the technique of inhalation of a metered-dose aerosol.

For children, compressor nebulizers come with masks.

Salbutamol in the form of a ready-made solution under the trade names Steri-Neb Salamol or Gen-salbutamol in ampoules of 2.5 ml. Indications for the use of liquid Salbutamol are the same as for Berotec. The dose per 1 inhalation is usually 2.5 mg (1 ampoule), but can vary: from 1 ampoule in mild cases, to 2 ampoules (5 mg) for severe attacks of shortness of breath (peak action, duration of action - 4-6 hours). The number of inhalations per day depends on the severity of the symptoms of the disease. During an exacerbation, as a rule, the patient inhales the medicine 3-4 times a day, during a period of remission - 1-2 times or as needed. For severe exacerbations of bronchial asthma, private inhalations of Salbutamol are recommended - every 20 minutes in the first hour (up to constant nebulization), then at intervals of 1 hour until the attack ends against the background of basic treatment of the underlying disease.

b) Combined drugs. Fenoterol combined with ipratropium bromide - trade name Berodual (Austria). Available in 20 ml bottles, 1 ml of solution contains 250 mcg of ipratropium bromide and 500 mcg of fenoterol. Many studies have proven the advantage of combination therapy over monotherapy with sympathomimetics, especially in individuals with very severe bronchial obstruction, suffering from chronic obstructive bronchitis in combination with bronchial asthma. For inhalation, take 2-4 ml of Berodual solution, to which 1-1.5 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride solution is added. The frequency of use is the same as for Salbutamol.

c) M-anticholinergics. Ipratropium bromide is a ready-made solution for inhalation, trade name - Atrovent (Austria), in 20 ml bottles, 1 ml of solution contains 250 mcg of ipratropium bromide. Single dose via nebulizer 0 mcg, peak action min. The bronchodilator effect lasts 5-6 hours. The main indication for prescribing Atrovent is chronic obstructive bronchitis. In terms of bronchodilator effect, it is somewhat inferior to Berotek and Salbutamol, but the main advantage of Atrovert therapy is the safety of use. Prescription of Atrovert does not lead to hypoxemia, hypokalemia, there are practically no side effects from the cardiovascular system, which is especially important for patients suffering from COPD in combination with heart and vascular diseases.

d) Magnesium sulfate. It is inferior in bronchodilator action to the above-mentioned drugs, but is more accessible and cheaper. Indications for use are the same as for Salbutamol. To prepare a solution for inhalation, you need to take 1 ml of a 25% magnesium sulfate solution and add 2 ml of saline to it.

2. Drugs that dilute sputum. Lazolvan (Austria). Solution for inhalation in 100 ml bottles. is an inhalation analogue of Bromhexine. By acting on the goblet cells of the bronchial mucosa, it increases their secretion of the liquid component of sputum, as a result of which the viscosity of sputum decreases, making it easier to cough up and remove by the cilia of epithelial cells. The drug is indicated for any processes in the bronchi when there is viscous, difficult to separate sputum - pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, cystic fibrosis. In the first stage of ARVI, when inflammation of the mucous membranes is not yet accompanied by secretion with a feeling of dryness, burning in the trachea and bronchi, and dry cough, the use of Lazolvan helps to quickly overcome these symptoms. Dose for inhalation: 2-3 ml of Lazolvan solution 2-4 times a day.

Fluimucil. The active principle is acetylcysteine. It destroys the polymer bonds in the components of sputum, reducing its viscosity. The most effective for bronchitis and cystic fibrosis with abundant secretion of difficult to separate sputum, including purulent ones. This drug does not make sense to use for “dry” bronchitis and tracheitis with a meager amount of secretion. The standard dose for inhalation is 3 ml of Fluimucil solution (1 ampoule) 2 times a day.

Physiological 0.9% solution of sodium chloride or slightly alkaline mineral waters such as “Borjomi”, “Narzan”. Good remedies for any colds and mild forms of bronchitis and asthma. They moisturize the mucous membrane along its entire length from the oropharynx to the small bronchi, softening catarrhal symptoms, and increase the liquid part of the bronchial secretion. Take 3 ml of solution for inhalation (mineral water must be left to degas). Apply 3-4 times a day.

Hypertonic NaCl solution (3 or 4%) The main indication for use is viscous sputum in the bronchi with the inability to cough effectively. Has a mild disinfectant effect. Can be used when there is a small amount of secretion to obtain sputum for analysis, the so-called “induced sputum”. Use with caution in patients with bronchial asthma, because bronchospasm is often provoked. For inhalation, 4-5 ml of solution is used 1-2 times a day.

3. Antibacterial agents. Fluimucil antibiotic. A combined preparation of acetylcysteine ​​and thiamphenicol, a broad-spectrum antibiotic to which the main pathogens of respiratory diseases are sensitive. Recommended for tonsillitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis of bacterial origin, pneumonia, suppurative lung diseases - abscesses, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis. Can be used for the prevention of postoperative pneumonia in patients with bed rest. To prepare a medicinal solution, 5 ml of solvent is added to a bottle with dry powder of the drug. For 1 inhalation, take half of the resulting solution. For therapeutic purposes, the drug is inhaled 2 times a day, for preventive purposes - 1 time a day.

Gentamicin 4% Solution is available in 2 ml injection ampoules. It can also be used for inhalation. It is active against a large group of microorganisms. It is especially effective for exacerbation of chronic purulent bronchitis in weakened patients, smokers, and diabetics. Inhale 2 ml of Gentamicin solution 2 times a day.

Dioxidin 0.5% solution Broad-spectrum disinfectant. It should be used in patients with purulent lung diseases: bronchiectasis, abscesses. Dose: 3-4 ml of solution 2 times a day.

Furacillin. Has moderate disinfectant properties. The most appropriate inhalations are for prophylactic purposes in patients with ARVI, in order to prevent the spread of infection deep into the bronchial tree. It is preferable to use a ready-made solution of 0.02%, 4 ml per inhalation 2 times a day. You can prepare the solution yourself. To do this, 1 tablet of Furacillin is dissolved in 100 ml of sterile NaCl solution.

4. Anti-inflammatory drugs

a) glucocorticosteroids. Budesonide, a suspension for inhalation via a nebulizer, is available under the trade name Pulmicort in plastic containers of 2 ml in three dosages - 0.125 mg/ml, 0.5 mg/ml. The main indication for use is bronchial asthma. The daily dose ranges from 1 to 20 mg, depending on the phase and severity of the disease.

b) Herbal medicine. Rotocan is an extract from plants that have anti-inflammatory properties and are traditionally used in herbal medicine - chamomile, calendula, yarrow. Indicated for the treatment of acute inflammatory diseases of the upper and middle respiratory tract. A solution for inhalation is prepared by diluting 1 teaspoon of rotokan per 100 ml of physiological sodium chloride solution. Therapeutic dose: 3-4 ml 2-3 times a day.

5. Antitussives

In cases of obsessive dry cough, lidocaine inhalation through a nebulizer can be used as a symptomatic remedy. Lidocaine, having local anesthetic properties, reduces the sensitivity of cough receptors and effectively suppresses the cough reflex. The most common indications for lidocaine inhalation are viral trachea, laryngitis, and lung cancer. You can inhale a 2% solution, produced in ampoules of 2 ml 2 times a day. When prescribing several drugs simultaneously, the order should be observed. A bronchodilator is inhaled first, an expectorant is inhaled a minute later, then, after sputum is discharged, an anti-inflammatory or disinfectant.

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