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Inhalation from a dry cough to a child and an adult: whether it is possible to do what, recipes

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 17.10.2021
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Many of us, when a cough comes, resort to the help of a well-known national means - inhalations. Inhalations from dry cough are different: you can breathe over steam, inhale evaporation from herbal decoctions, or use a modern device - a nebulizer. Inhalations can be administered to adults and children, using available and time-tested drugs for this.

Can I do inhalation with a dry cough?

By inhalation, almost any drug can be delivered directly to the affected mucosal respiratory system. Cough is a consequence of irritation of the mucous membrane. In particular, with a damp cough, the mucous irritates under the mechanical effect of sputum, and with a dry cough irritation occurs due to increased dryness of the surface tissue. Inhalation helps moisturize the mucous membrane, so that the dry cough relaxes and quickly passes into the stage of productive, or wet cough. With a moist cough, inhalation helps to speed up the excretion of phlegm and prevents the transformation of the acute process into a chronic one.

A specific therapeutic effect is achieved after the use of special medicines in the form of inhalations - this speeds up recovery and does not cause as many side effects as the ingestion of medications.

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Do inhalations help with dry cough?

Inhalations are steam (dry and wet impact) and hardware. Both those and other procedures are suitable for use in dry cough.

Steam exposure is the inhalation of heated steam. The medicine in this case dissolves or is mixed with water, and during evaporation enters the respiratory tract.

Hardware inhalations are performed using devices such as inhalers or nebulizers. The essence of the action of these devices is to divide the medicine or active substance into tiny particles that fall into the respiratory system with the air stream, settling on the mucous surface.

For diseases that are accompanied by a dry cough, all of the listed procedures are suitable - they are equally effective and significantly accelerate the onset of recovery.

Indications for the procedure

Any treatment procedure - including inhalation from coughing, should have its own specific indications:

  • acute or chronic course of the inflammatory process in the upper respiratory tract, pneumonia, bronchiectasis, purulent diseases of the pulmonary system;
  • pulmonary tuberculosis;
  • allergies to some oral or injectable cough suppressants, digestive system disorders, in which the possibility of oral drug delivery is lost;
  • pre and postoperative period during surgery on the abdominal organs.

Inhalations with dry cough at temperature

Conduction of inhalation is often problematic, because most respiratory diseases are accompanied by an increase in body temperature. Agree, it rarely happens when with a cold or ARVI the normal body temperature remains.

Steam inhalations are not permitted if the body temperature exceeds 37.5 ° C. But what to do if the temperature does not get out, and the medicine needs to be injected into the body inhalatorily? To do this, there is a nebulizer - a device that divides the medicine into tiny particles and sprays them, after which the medicine easily enters the respiratory tract. The big advantage of the nebulizer is that the vapor cloud formed from it does not lead to the heating of the body, thus, does not affect the overall temperature.

Therefore, if the patient has a fever or fever, then only inhalations can be used by a nebulizer - but only if absolutely necessary.

A full article on inhalations at temperature is here.

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Preparation

Before the procedure of inhalation, it is necessary to carry out some preparatory measures:

  • You can eat before the procedure for an hour and a half, or an hour and a half after the session.
  • Before inhalation, you need to measure body temperature. If it is high, do not use steam inhalation.
  • Smoking and inhalation are incompatible: it is advisable to refuse the harmful habit for the entire treatment period.
  • If you use an inhaler, wash your hands with soap before use, and only then collect the unit.
  • In the reservoir of the inhaler, pour the medicinal solution. It must have room temperature, or a temperature of +40 to +50 ° C.
  • Before the procedure, clean the nasal passages, cleave throat.

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Technique of the inhalations with dry cough

  • Sit comfortably: you have to be relaxed, and the back is straight, so that the pairs can penetrate the respiratory organs well.
  • Attach the mask or take the mouthpiece with your lips, inhale slowly and deeply. Breathe in your mouth. You can hold your breath for a few seconds, and then exhale.

The usual inhalation procedure lasts 5-15 minutes. At the end of inhalation, you need to wipe your face with a towel. If a hormonal component was used as a medicine, you can rinse your mouth with warm water.

It happens that during the inhalation the head begins to hurt or turn dizzy. In a similar situation, you should stop the procedure and relax. During the next session, you can try to breathe more slowly - if the symptoms recur, you'll have to see a doctor.

Inhalations from dry cough at home

If you already have an inhaler in your home, or a nebulizer, then it's very simple: you pour the medicinal solution into the reservoir and perform the inhalation. However, it often happens when there is no such apparatus in the house. In such a situation, take any deep container, a saucepan in which you can pour hot water. In the water, you can add medicinal infusion, essential oil, soda or salt.

The patient bends over the container, covers his head with a thick towel or handkerchief and inhales steam. It is important not to burn yourself: for this you need to observe the distance between the hot solution and the face. It is especially necessary to observe safety rules, if it concerns children and elderly people.

During the procedure, it is desirable to close your eyes, and breathe should be slow and deep. If you feel uncomfortable, you can lift the towel and inhale clean air, then continue to continue treatment.

What inhalations do with dry cough?

With a dry cough, a certain sequence of inhalation procedures is the guarantee of a quick recovery, and it is advisable to adhere to it. The dose and frequency of application is determined by the attending physician: knowing the exact diagnosis, he will take into account the characteristics of the disease, its duration and other characteristics.

The sequence of inhalation injections is in the following stages:

  1. Use of funds that extend the bronchial lumen.
  2. After half an hour - the use of funds that dilute the mucus.
  3. After another half an hour - the use of antiseptics.
  4. Immediately after antiseptics, an anti-inflammatory agent should be used.
  5. After completing the course of all procedures, inhalation of products that increase immune defense is used.

Preparations for inhalation from dry cough

As preparations for dry cough, which can be administered by inhalation, most often used:

  • Bronchodilators that increase the lumen of the respiratory tract (Berodual, Ventolin, Atrovent, Berotek).
  • Mucolytic agents that eliminate the viscosity of phlegm and promote its removal from the respiratory system (Acetylcysteine, Mucaltin, Ambrobe, Pertussin, Lazolvan, Bronchipret).
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs that act directly on the inflammation focus (Budesonide, Rotokan, Pulmicort, Tonzilgon, tincture of propolis or calendula).
  • Anticash drugs (Lidocaine, Tussamag).
  • Antiseptics, bactericidal agents (Dioxydin, Chlorophyllipt, Furacilin).
  • Antibacterial agents (Gentamicin, Fluimucil, Isoniazid).
  • Means that stimulate the immune system (interferons).
  • Means that soften and moisturize the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract (isotonic sodium chloride solution - saline solution, minerals of alkaline composition, soda solution).

Bronchodilators are used for any type of cough: these medications relieve spasms and expand the airways, facilitating breathing and promoting sputum.

If you are worried about a painful dry cough, then it is recommended to apply moisturizing liquid for a couple of days, and only then - mucolytics, antiseptics and antibiotics (if necessary). After the quality evacuation of sputum begins, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs begins.

Inhalation is carried out until the cough does not stop completely. If the disease is protracted, and the cough is worried for several weeks, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating components are added to inhalations.

  • Berodual is a preparation based on ipratropium bromide and fenoterol hydrobromide. This is a ready-made inhalant solution, which is used for obstructing the airways, with asthma, bronchitis. Often the use of Berodual proceeds against the background of anti-inflammatory treatment.
  • Ambrobene is a drug based on ambroxol (mucolytics). It is used as a secretolytic for acute and chronic diseases of the bronchi and lungs.
  • Lazolvan inhalation from dry cough have a mucolytic effect: they restore and strengthen bronchial secretion and weaken the excretion of mucus. Inhalations are carried out for 1-2 procedures per 2 ml of solution daily. As a rule, the patient's condition after such inhalations is normalized for 4-5 days.
  • Dekasan with a dry cough in the form of inhalations is used as an antiseptic and a disinfectant. As a rule, inhalations are carried out on 5-10 ml up to two times a day. Active component of the drug is decamethoxin.

Inhalations with saline from dry cough

Inhaler injection of saline solution - or isotonic sodium chloride solution - is most often practiced at home. Fizrastvor available at a price, it can be bought at any pharmacy. In addition, this solution perfectly moistens the bronchi, facilitates the signs of the inflammatory process, softens and promotes the evacuation of mucus, softens the dry stitching cough.

Fizrastvor, prepared at home, for inhalations is not good: you need to buy it at the pharmacy, where it will be sterile. The physiological solution is introduced into the respiratory system by means of a nebulizer. Steam inhalation with this solution will not bring any effect.

The procedures are repeated every 3.5 hours until the patient's condition is relieved.

Solution for inhalation from dry cough

What other solutions can I use for inhalations with dry cough?

  • Pharmacy medicines for cough, phytopreparations, anise extracts, rhizomes of licorice or althaea, thermopsis. For one inhalation, three or four milliliters of solution is required.
  • Alcohol tinctures with extract from calendula, chamomile, yarrow. For inhalation requires 4 ml of the solution, which is obtained after diluting 1 ml of tincture in 40 ml of saline. The frequency of the procedure is three times a day.
  • Tincture of propolis, honey solution. For inhalation, three milliliters of solution is required, which is obtained by mixing 1 ml of tincture or honey and 20 ml of saline. Take three procedures daily.
  • Chlorophyllipt 1%, dilute one milliliter in 10 ml of saline. For the procedure, apply three milliliters of the solution obtained.

Inhalations with soda with a dry cough

Soda is a very topical component for inhalation in acute or chronic bronchitis. Soda quickly and qualitatively softens and removes mucus, which lingers in the bronchi.

To conduct the inhalation of soda, you need to prepare a solution: for 1 tsp. Soda powder take 1 liter of hot water, poured into a deep container. The patient is covered with a towel and leans over the hot solution, inhaling the resulting vapors for 15 minutes. Every day 3-4 procedures are done.

Inhalations with potatoes with a dry cough

To conduct popular inhalation with potatoes take 5-6 medium-sized potatoes, wash them, boil until cooked along with the peel. Drain the water, knead potatoes, wrap the pot with a rug (to cool more slowly). Next, the patient leans over the pan, hides his head with a thick towel or blanket and inhales steam from potatoes.

Standard procedure lasts 10-15 minutes. Frequency - every day, 2-4 times, depending on the indications.

Potatoes can be added with salt, essential oil or soda.

Pulmicort for inhalations with dry cough

Active ingredient The pulmicort is a budesonide inhalation suspension, which is produced for children (0.25 mg per ml) and for adults (0.5 mg per ml).

Pulmicort is effective in attacks of bronchial asthma, with acute and chronic respiratory pathologies, for the treatment of which hormonal means are required. Pulmicort has anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effect.

For one procedure, if it is performed for an adult patient, one milligram of the drug is sufficient, up to three times a day. Children from 6 months of age and up to 12 years of age use 0.25 mg, up to three times a day.

The pulmicort is not intended for use in ultrasonic inhalers.

The agent can be used undiluted, or diluted with saline, bringing to a volume of 2 ml.

Inhalation with dry cough with mineral water

Procedures with the use of mineral water are a good tool for the treatment of bronchitis, bronchiolitis and the final stages of pneumonia. Such simple procedures help moisturize superficial mucous tissues, dissolve mucus, excrete sputum even from the farthest and tiniest bronchioles.

Inhalation of mineral water with a dry cough means the use of alkaline waters, which include Borjomi, Nabeglavi, Polyana Kvasova, Polyana Kupel, Narzan, Essentuki, etc. For one inhalation, four milliliters of water is sufficient. Every day, three to four procedures are repeated.

Water Essentuki with a dry cough inhalation is carried out every day using a nebulizer. For the procedure, two varieties of such water are most suitable: Yessentuki No. 17 and No. 4. Water without gas is poured into the tank and inhaled by steam for 4-8 minutes. If the procedure is carried out to the baby, then the duration is reduced by half.

Borjomi inhalations with a dry cough are conducted approximately the same way: the gas from the bottle is preliminarily released, the water is poured into the nebulizer. The procedure should last no more than 15 minutes, and not more often than once in 1-1.5 hours.

Inhalation with oils with a dry cough

For inhalation procedures with a dry cough, you can use oils of eucalyptus, pine needles, peaches, mint, sea buckthorn, almonds.

The selected oil is dripped in an amount of two to three drops per 200 ml boiling water, then inhaled steam.

Oils are ideal for the relief of dry cough: they naturally soften the mucous membrane and stop the further development of the inflammatory process.

Inhalation with a dry cough asterisk

Inhalations using a well-known "Vietnamese starlet" balm - this is a very effective tool for treating cough and sore throat.

The procedure will require: a cup, a cardboard or paper cone (its wide part should fully cover the cup), a cover, an asterisk, a match and hot water.

Collect a little balm for a match, pour hot water into the cup, while washing off the balm from the match, cover it with a lid. The patient takes a narrow part of the funnel into his mouth, and covers the cup with a wide part, inhales (if possible, a few breaths), exhaling outside the funnel.

The procedure is carried out up to 4 times a day.

Inhalations with eucalyptus with dry cough

Eucalyptus and phytopreparations based on it are often used to treat the inflammatory processes of the respiratory system. But there are also contraindications: eucalyptus is not suitable for patients prone to allergies, as well as bronchial asthma and spasms of the bronchi.

With a dry cough for one procedure, three milliliters of solution will suffice. Inhalations are repeated three times a day.

To prepare the solution, 15 drops of phytopreparation are used, which are diluted in 200 ml of isotonic sodium chloride solution.

Alkaline inhalation with dry cough

In uncomplicated lung respiratory pathology, when there is no need for the use of potent drugs and antibiotics, it may be advisable to conduct alkaline inhalations.

Recipes for inhalations with dry cough may be different: you can apply ordinary saline or minwood (without gas). This treatment helps to quickly moisturize the airways and prevent mechanical irritation caused by dry mucous membranes.

If the disease is complex or old, then alkaline inhalations can not be avoided: you need to use medicines that the doctor will prescribe. Such medicines can be Ambroxol, Ambroghexal, Lazolvan or Fluimucil.

It is important to achieve a qualitative expectoration: the respiratory organs should be cleaned independently of excreta and mucus.

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Inhalation with a dry cough chamomile

The use of chamomile is welcome in acute inflammatory processes in the respiratory system. Decoction of chamomile can be combined with infusions of calendula, yarrow.

For one inhalation, 4 ml of the solution will be needed, which is obtained by mixing one milliliter of decoction with 40 ml of saline. It is recommended to carry out three procedures daily.

To prepare a classic chamomile infusion take 2 tsp. With a slide of dry raw materials, pour 200 ml of boiling water and insist under the lid for at least half an hour. After filtration, the infusion can be applied.

Steam inhalation with dry cough

Steam procedures for eliminating dry cough are done with a solution of soda, salt, and infusions of medicinal plants or essential oils. In the liquid for inhalation necessarily add a little salt or soda (at the rate of 1 tsp per 1000 ml of water), or pour only herbal infusion.

It is possible to add a few drops of essential oils (about one drop per 100 ml).

Of plants, special attention for a dry cough deserved chamomile, cowberry, linden, mint.

Among the oils are especially popular eucalyptus, coniferous, sea buckthorn, etc.

Steam inhalation is carried out for 8-12 minutes.

Inhalations with dry cough herbs

To eliminate dry cough for inhalation use chamomile color, sage leaves, St. John's wort, calendula, crimson leaves and shoots, ledum, mint leaves and coltsfoot, eucalyptus, oregano, kidney pine, juniper.

The listed plants well relieve inflammation, improve expectoration, improve the formation and excretion of phlegm, inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

For the procedure, dry plants are poured with boiling water, insisted for thirty minutes and poured into a wide container. Then the patient is covered with a towel, leans over the container and breathes steamed for about 15 minutes.

There is another way: the infusion is poured into the teapot, a paper funnel is inserted into its spout and the steam is inhaled through it.

Breathe carefully, so as not to burn yourself with hot steam.

Inhalations from dry cough nebulizer

Inhalation is a very effective procedure, which is best suited for eliminating dry cough, including in children. Inhalations often supplement the basic treatment, which allows you to significantly accelerate recovery. The medicinal components that are part of the inhalation solutions, help the phlegm to secrete, soften the cough, shorten the duration of the disease.

Inhalations have long been recognized by doctors as a safe and effective way of treating cough. This is especially important in pediatrics, because inhalations are an excellent substitute for many tablets, capsules and even injections, which can cause a whole list of side effects.

In the absence of contraindications, in childhood it is better to use inhalation with a nebulizer. Drugs in the form of steam fall into the most remote areas of the respiratory system, which directly affects the quality and effectiveness of treatment.

Inhalation with dry cough nebulizer to children

For children, you can use different types of nebulizers, for example:

  • The ultrasonic device is characterized by compactness, no noise during operation. It is ideal for use in small children, but it can not be used for inhalation of antibiotics and hormones.
  • The compression apparatus is too big and noisy during operation, but it effectively disperses medicinal solutions, which allows to cure even the most neglected pulmonary processes.

Picking up the inhaler, you need to take into account the age of the baby and the features of his illness. It is preferable to choose an apparatus that produces particles of not more than 10 μm in size.

Inhalations from a dry cough to a child are carried out daily, for 5-10 minutes. If your baby can not stand the procedure for a long time, do not force him - let him breathe as much as he can. It is better to repeat the procedure again after a while.

Inhalations with dry cough to pregnant women

Conduct inhalation during pregnancy is not prohibited. But, if you are going to add medicines to the water, then they should be allowed for pregnant women and approved by your doctor.

In pregnancy, it is preferable to use a nebulizer, and not inhalation by steam. It is acceptable to use such inhalation solutions:

  • alkaline minerals;
  • isotonic sodium chloride solution;
  • saline solution;
  • solution of soda (iodine can not be added);
  • Lazolvan expectorant;
  • decoctions of lime blossom, leaves of thyme, plantain;
  • broths of cranberry leaves, turns;
  • solution of honey.

Herbal medicinal herbs are used only for conducting steam procedures. You can also use an old alternative means, such as inhaling boiled potato vapors. To do this, you need to cover yourself with a towel and inhale the steam that forms above the tubers.

Contraindications to the procedure

Inhalations from cough refer to physiotherapy methods, and have their own list of contraindications. If there is at least one contraindication, then you will have to abandon the idea of inhalation:

  • circulatory disorder in the brain;
  • severe cardiac insufficiency;
  • hypertension;
  • myocardial ischemia;
  • pulmonary edema;
  • bleeding from the nose;
  • hypersensitivity to inhalation of vaporous substances in the respiratory tract;
  • allergy to the drug necessary for inhalation.

Steam inhalations are not carried out for children under one year, but modern nebulizers can be used to treat even newborn babies. True, it is forbidden to use aerosols and sprays for children under two years, so they can lead to the development of reflex laryngospasm.

It is also not recommended to do inhalation at high temperatures - above 37.5 ° C.

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Consequences after the procedure

The use of a nebulizer rarely leads to any adverse effects. Such inhalations are usually carried well by even small children. Occasionally, after the first procedure, there may be a tickling in the throat, dry cough and difficulty breathing. All these are temporary symptoms, since sometimes inhalations cause some increase in symptoms. Then comes relief and recovery.

Dry cough after inhalation can be caused and an allergy to the drug that was used for the procedure. In this case, you need to see a doctor and get treatment with antihistamine drugs.

Other unpleasant consequences arise if the patient is engaged in self-medication and himself "prescribes" medications for inhalations. Such carelessness can lead to the development of allergies, to the transition of bronchitis into a chronic form, to the aggravation of the process and the development of pneumonia. Therefore, the recommendation to see a doctor is not just words. This is a way to prevent adverse health consequences and consequences.

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Complications after the procedure

Complications after inhalations can occur if the patient does not take into account the presence of contraindications to the procedure, as well as in inaccurate conduct of the session.

So, complications can become:

  • increased body temperature;
  • nose bleed;
  • heart rhythm disturbances;
  • allergic reactions;
  • burns by steam, burns of the respiratory tract;
  • bronchospasm.

In order to prevent the development of complications, one should not engage in self-medication. Even such a seemingly nation-wide method of treatment, like inhalation, should be prescribed by a doctor.

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Care after the procedure

After inhalation, special care is usually not required. But there are a number of rules that must be followed after the procedure.

  • Take the food after the procedure should be no earlier than an hour and a half.
  • At the end of the procedure, it is undesirable to breathe through the mouth, talk, do sharp and intense movements, go out.
  • It's great if after the procedure the patient is covered with a blanket and sweats. Therefore, inhalation is recommended to be done at night.
  • If there is no possibility to lie down after the procedure, covered with a blanket, it is necessary, at least, to wrap your chest and neck - a warm kerchief, scarf, rug.

If the inhalation was carried out by a nebulizer, then it is necessary to rinse it thoroughly from the treatment solution, also to wash and dry all the removable parts. The mask is additionally treated with a disinfectant - for example, an alcohol solution.

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Reviews

If you believe the reviews of inhalations - and they are usually only positive, then the greatest therapeutic effect with a dry cough is ordinary saline and minvody. These funds are available, safe and effective. In addition to them, a good and fast healing effect can be achieved by applying infusions of sage, marigold, chamomile, propolis.

It is recommended to add medications to the inhaler only those prescribed by the doctor.

You can strengthen the effect if you add a little essential oil to the inhalation solution: do it carefully, since many ethers cause allergic reactions. To treat children, essential oils should not be used.

We should not forget that inhalation from dry cough is not the main treatment method. This is only a variant of physiotherapy, which creates favorable conditions for other types of effects: for example, for oral treatment with medicines. Therefore, do not rely only on inhalations and treat the cough yourself, without the involvement of a doctor.

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