Treating a child's cough is not as easy as treating an adult. The medicine should not only be effective, but also safe for his body, not cause side effects. In such cases, inhalation is the best solution. The procedures are suitable for relieving the condition of any type of spasm, they are aimed not only at relieving symptoms, but also at eliminating the cause of the disease. Special devices are now being sold, with the help of which therapy can be carried out at home.
Benefits of procedures
A cough inhaler for children is ideal. With the help of a special apparatus, the medicine is sprayed onto microparticles, which immediately penetrate into the affected area and have a targeted effect. They are practically not absorbed by the bloodstream, therefore they do not have a systemic effect on the child's body. This is especially true for the use of potent drugs, because when used orally, intravenously or intramuscularly, they can adversely affect the functioning of the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and other organs. In the case of inhalation, there are no such side effects.
Also, the procedures have the following advantages:
- high efficiency;
- ease of use;
- high permeability, particles of drugs are able to penetrate the respiratory tract up to the alveoli;
- the possibility of using drugs that are available only in the form of solutions;
- the possibility of using for exacerbations of diseases;
- the minimum number of contraindications.
Inhaler types
Previously, inhalations could only be carried out in a polyclinic, the child had to be taken there every day throughout the entire course of therapy. Now everything is much simpler, because in medical centers and pharmacies you can buy nebulizers for home use.... These are special devices that spray drugs onto microparticles and deliver them to the oropharynx by irrigation.
You can find models with timers, they greatly facilitate the procedures, they also produce devices where you can adjust the depth and frequency of drug delivery.
According to the principle of action, nebulizers are divided into 3 main groups, which we will consider in more detail.
Compressor rooms. They work in the same way as a pump, their mechanism of action is similar to aerosols. By pressing the pump, the inhalation solution is sprayed into small particles and irrigates the mucous membranes. Such devices are distinguished by their reliability and low cost, they are most common among consumers. However, they also have significant disadvantages, in particular, a high level of noise during operation and large dimensions. Due to the impressive size of the installation, the procedures are complicated in bedridden patients and infants.- Ultrasonic. Medicinal solutions are delivered by creating high-frequency ultrasonic waves. These waves divide the active components into molecules, and a finely dispersed fraction appears. It is she who enters the nasopharynx, moreover, much deeper than when using compressor models of devices. This type of nebulizer also has disadvantages. It is not suitable for oil solutions. Also, ultrasonic waves can distort the properties of drugs, changing their structure. This does not affect the mechanism of action of natural drugs, but synthetic ones may lose some of their abilities.
- Electronic mesh. The drugs are sprayed by creating a high vibration of a metal mesh, the solution passes through its small holes under pressure, which is created by a pump, and falls on the affected mucous membranes. Devices of this type are very compact, operate almost silently and are capable of delivering particles of funds deep into the respiratory tract. Their only drawback is their high cost, and the technical characteristics and ease of use are at the highest level.
Compressor rooms. They work in the same way as a pump, their mechanism of action is similar to aerosols. By pressing the pump, the inhalation solution is sprayed into small particles and irrigates the mucous membranes. Such devices are distinguished by their reliability and low cost, they are most common among consumers. However, they also have significant disadvantages, in particular, a high level of noise during operation and large dimensions. Due to the impressive size of the installation, the procedures are complicated in bedridden patients and infants.Varieties of funds
Nowadays, pharmacies sell ready-made solutions for inhalation and means from which they can be prepared at home. You can find a medicine to treat any type of cough, even the most complex infectious and chronic diseases can be treated with the help of procedures. The child will receive relief after the first session, the whole course lasts 5-8 days, depending on the type of violation and its severity. Babies need to breathe through a nebulizer no more than 3 minutes, older children - 5-7 minutes. Drugs can have the following properties:
- dilate the bronchi (bronchodilators);
- liquefy phlegm (mucolytics);
- promote the elimination of mucus from the body (expectorants);
- relieve inflammation;
- fight allergens (glucocorticosteroids and antihistamines);
- fight germs and bacteria (antibiotics and antiseptics);
- stimulate the body's resistance to pathogens (immunomodulators);
- relieve edema (vasoconstrictor);
- eliminate the cough reflex (antitussives).
The doctor will help you choose the most effective drug that will help your child recover faster. Any means for inhalation should be used only after consulting a specialist and making an accurate diagnosis.
Consider which drugs from the described groups are suitable for small patients.
Bronchodilators
These solutions for inhalation help to facilitate breathing in case of complex diseases. They increase the lumen in the bronchi, are effective for use in chronic obstructive respiratory diseases, help to cope with bronchial asthma and asthma attacks. Let's get to know them in more detail.
| Name | Mechanism of action | Mode of application |
|---|---|---|
| "Berodual" | It relieves suffocation, is used for severe obstructive diseases. | For children under 6 years of age, a single dose of the drug is 10 drops + 3 ml of saline; from 12 years old - 40 drops + 3 drops of saline. |
| "Berotek" | The active component of the drug is fenoterol, it is active in relation to attacks that occur with bronchial asthma, systematic treatment helps to prevent them, and the drug is also prescribed for chronic lung pathologies. | Children under the age of 6 years with a body weight of up to 22 kg are shown 5-20 drops (depending on the neglect of the disease) for one procedure, inhalations are carried out 3 times a day. Children from 12 years old - 10 drops 4 times a day, the amount of the solution is adjusted to 4 ml with sodium chloride. |
| "Salgim" | The active ingredient relieves asthma, the drug is prescribed for the treatment of bronchial asthma and obstructive pulmonary pathologies. | For one procedure, use 2.5 ml of the drug without adding saline, inhalations are carried out at intervals of at least 6 hours 4 times a day. |
| "Atovent" | Prevents suffocation in bronchial asthma and obstructive pulmonary pathologies, is used for treatment and prevention. | Children under 6 years of age are prescribed 8-20 drops of the drug, depending on the severity of the condition; children over 12 years old - 40 drops each; the solution is made up to 4 ml with sodium chloride; procedures are carried out 3-4 times a day. |
Means for dilution and discharge of mucus
These drugs make the phlegm less viscous and gently remove it. They can have a complex effect, depending on the composition. Let us study the features of such tools and methods of their application.
| Name | Mechanism of action | Method of application |
|---|---|---|
| "Fluimucil" | It is used to facilitate the passage of mucus from the upper and lower respiratory tract. | Children from 2 to 6 years old are shown 1-2 ml of the drug for one procedure; from 6 to 12 years old - 2 ml; from 2 years and older - 3 ml; diluted with saline in equal proportions; it is not advisable to combine the medicine with antibacterial agents. |
| "Lazolvan" (analogue of "Ambrobene") | The active active ingredient of the drug is ambroxol, it provides a mucolytic effect, the sputum becomes less viscous, which improves its discharge, and is suitable for the treatment of acute and chronic disorders. | Babies under 2 years old will need 1 ml of the drug for one procedure; from 2 to 6 years old - 2 ml. From 6 years of age, the dosage is increased to 3 ml. Dilute the product with sodium chloride in equal parts; does not affect the effectiveness of antibiotics, therefore it goes well with them. |
| Mineral water "Borjomi", "Essentuki", "Narzan" | It actively dilutes sputum, creates an alkaline environment on the mucous membranes, which prevents the reproduction of pathogenic microflora, gives a moisturizing and soothing effect, facilitates the discharge of sputum. | Before use, gas is released from the water, 4 ml of mineral water will be needed for one inhalation, the procedures are carried out up to 4 times a day. |
| "Sinupret" | Refers to homeopathic remedies, it is made on the basis of gentian root, verbena, elderberry, sorrel and primrose, relieves puffiness from mucous membranes, removes mucus from the paranasal sinuses well, helps to increase the protective functions of the body. | At the age of 2 to 6 years - 1 ml of the product + 3 ml of sodium chloride; from 6 to 16 - 1 ml of "Sinupret" + 2 ml of sodium chloride; from 16 years old - 1 ml of sodium chloride + 1 ml of medicine. |
| Phytopreparation "Cough mixture" | Improves the discharge of mucus, makes it less viscous, the composition includes plant components: extracts of marshmallow root, anise, thermopsis. | The product is sold dosed, one package is diluted with 15 ml of sodium chloride, for one inhalation you need 4 ml of the resulting solution, the procedures are carried out three times a day. |
| "Mukaltin" | An effective expectorant, promotes the removal of mucus from the respiratory tract and its thinning, contains natural ingredients. | To prepare the solution, 1 tablet of "Mukaltin" is diluted in 80 ml of sodium chloride, for one inhalation you will need 4 ml of the resulting product, the procedures are carried out three times a day. |
| "Pertussin" | An effective herbal remedy that helps to alleviate the patient's condition even with whooping cough contains thyme and thyme extracts. | For children under 12 years old, 1 ml of the drug is diluted in 2 ml of sodium chloride; after 12 years - 1 ml of medicine + 1 ml of saline; for one inhalation, 4 ml of the resulting product is needed, procedures are carried out 3 times a day. |
Solutions to relieve inflammation
Inhalation solutions of this type are aimed at eliminating inflammation. Basically, they suppress the production of inflammatory mediators, which greatly facilitates breathing and relieves local symptoms. Let's consider them in more detail.
| Name | Mechanism of action | Way to use |
|---|---|---|
| Rotokan | An effective herbal remedy, prescribed to eliminate inflammation from the upper and middle pathways, is made on the basis of calendula, millennial and chamomile extract. | To prepare a solution, 1 ml of the agent is diluted in 40 ml of sodium chloride, the resulting agent is taken in an amount of 4 ml for one procedure, they are carried out in total 3 per day. |
| "Propoplis" | An anti-inflammatory herbal medicine is used to treat injuries and diseases of the middle and upper respiratory tract, it is prohibited for use by patients who are allergic to honey and bee products. | The drug and saline are diluted in a ratio of 1:20, for 1 inhalation you need 3 ml of the resulting solution, the procedure is carried out three times a day. |
| "Eucalyptus" | Refers to phytopreparations, is used to relieve inflammation in the upper and middle respiratory tract, is prohibited in bronchial asthma and bronchospasm. | To obtain a solution, 15 drops of the agent are diluted in 200 ml of sodium chloride, for one procedure you need 3 ml of the obtained medication, inhalations are carried out three times a day. |
| "Malavit" | Refers to food additives, alcohol-based infusion, contains minerals and plant components that effectively fight inflammation in the upper and lower respiratory system. | The additive is mixed with saline, 1 ml of the drug and 30 ml of sodium chloride are taken, the amount of the resulting product for one use is 3 ml, the procedure is carried out three times a day. |
| Tonsilgon N | A homeopathic remedy, belongs to phytopreparations, suitable for eliminating inflammation from the upper and lower respiratory tract. | Children from one to 7 years old will need a solution of 1 ml of the drug and 1 ml of sodium chloride for 1 procedure; children under one year old - 1 ml of the drug + 3 ml of sodium chloride; children over 7 years old - 1 ml of the drug + 1 ml of sodium chloride; for one inhalation take 4 ml of the obtained medication. |
| "Calendula" | An effective herbal remedy, an alcohol-based infusion with an extract of a medicinal plant, is used to relieve inflammation in the upper respiratory tract. | The solution is prepared from 1 ml of the drug and 40 ml of sodium chloride, for one procedure you need 4 ml of the obtained medication. |
Hormonal and antihistamine solutions
Drugs in this group help relieve inflammation and relieve allergy coughs. Glucocorticosteroids are hormonal agents, contrary to the prevailing stereotypes, they do not have a negative effect on the body. Consider the types of funds.
| Name | Mechanism of action | Method of application |
|---|---|---|
| "Pulmicort" (suspension for children) | Gives an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect, is used to treat acute and chronic diseases. | Children from six months to 12 years old are shown 0.25 mg of the drug per inhalation; children over 12 years old - 1 mg; bring sodium chloride to a volume of 2 ml; the procedure is carried out 1 to 3 times a day; the solution is not suitable for inhalation in ultrasonic nebulizers. |
| Dexamethasone | A hormonal preparation with an active ingredient - cromoglycic acid, has anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic effects. | The drug is diluted with sodium chloride in a ratio of 1: 6; for one procedure, 4 ml of the drug obtained is taken. |
| "Cromohexal" | Similar to Dexamethasone. | Children from 2 years old need 1 bottle of the drug for one procedure, inhalations are carried out at equal intervals of time 4 times a day, in some cases the dosage is doubled, and the frequency of inhalation of vapors is increased to 6 times. |
Antiseptics and antibiotics
Means of this group actively suppress the reproduction of pathogenic microflora on mucous membranes. They are active against germs and bacteria. They can be included in complex systemic therapy or used independently. Let's consider their types.
| Name | Mechanism of action | Mode of application |
|---|---|---|
| "Fluimucil" | Antibacterial agent, used in combination with mucolytics and expectorant drugs. | Sold together with a solvent, add 5 ml of solvent to 1 ampoule, children under 12 years old are shown 125 mg of the drug for 1 procedure; from 12 years old - 250 mg, brought to a volume of 2 ml with sodium chloride. |
| "Furacilin" | Disinfects mucous membranes and prevents the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the deep parts of the respiratory tract. | To prepare the solution, 1 tablet of the drug is dissolved in 100 ml of sodium chloride, a single dose of the drug obtained is 4 ml, 2 procedures are performed per day. |
| Miramistin | Antiseptic preparation of a wide spectrum of action, suitable for the treatment of purulent-inflammatory processes. | For children under 12 years old, the solution is prepared from 1 ml of the drug and 2 ml of sodium chloride; children over 12 years old are prescribed a solution of 0.01%; for 1 procedure, 4 ml of the product is needed, 3 inhalations are carried out per day. |
Other means
We have considered only a part of preparations for inhalation. In addition to those that have been described in detail, there are also drugs that help to strengthen the immune system (Interferon, Derinat), vasoconstrictor solutions that eliminate puffiness (Epinephrine, Naphthyzin).
Antitussive medications can also be prescribed, which simultaneously relieve pain and eliminate the cough reflex ("Tussamag", "Lidocaine").
Let's summarize
Inhalation solutions help fight any type of cough.These are effective remedies that can be taken by children from a certain age. The drugs act directly in the focus of infection, therefore they give quick relief.
Now inhalation can be carried out at home using nebulizers, but it should be borne in mind that some of them can distort the composition of drugs. Choose only safe and effective therapy for babies.
