Inhalation when coughing is a great way to alleviate the patient's condition, to convert a dry cough into a productive, wet cough, and with a "wet" cough - to accelerate the excretion of mucus and general recovery. Inhalation administration of drugs provides the highest possible accuracy of delivery of active ingredients to the affected area. With the correct procedure, medicinal compounds penetrate even the most distant parts of the respiratory tract, producing a pharmacological effect.
Inhalation methods
The easiest way to inhale a cough involves using a container with a wide and open top. Most often, shallow kitchen pots are used as such a container. The drug in liquid form heats up strongly and is placed in a saucepan - its vapors serve as the basis for inhalation. The patient leans over the container and covers the head with a wide towel to reduce the dispersion of the medication. The inhalation itself looks like inhaling through the mouth and exhaling through the nose of vapors rising above the pan.
A slightly more complicated, but also more convenient way is to use a kettle. In this case, the hot solution of the drug is poured into a kettle, closed with a lid. Vapors of medicinal compounds have only one way to exit - through the spout. A cone is inserted into this spout, made of a sheet of thick paper and playing the role of a kind of inhalation mask.
The larger the longitudinal dimensions of the paper cone, the more the vapor inhaled by the patient is cooled.
Finally, the third technique involves the use of special devices, which are divided into the following types:
- A stationary inhaler, the principle of operation of which is the same evaporation of a medicinal substance and pumping it through a tube into a mask worn by the patient.
- A device called a nebulizer, which is an inhaler that creates an air suspension of a drug without vaporizing it.
- Ready-made disposable vials with a pharmacological compound, the design of which already includes a nebulizer and an inhaler.
Cough inhalations at home are carried out using several classes of drugs:
Mucolytic agents
The phlegm that accumulates in the bronchi is an irritating factor that provokes a cough. Moreover, this mucus is an excellent substrate for the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, its early elimination is one of the main tasks in the treatment of cough with inhalation. Mucolytic drugs thin phlegm and increase respiratory tract motility. All this leads to increased mucus drainage.
Among the drugs used in this case, the most
popular are Ambrobene, Lazolvan and ACC. It is most convenient to buy them from pharmacies ready-made in already sealed bottles, and then use them yourself. If you intend to use a personal nebulizer, then dilute the purchased drug with an equal volume of saline before refueling the device.
Bronchodilators
The effect of these medicinal substances is to relieve bronchospasm and relax the smooth muscles of the airways. Thanks to this, the diameter of the bronchi increases, and their cleansing is much more effective. In addition, when coughing caused by damage to the distant parts of the bronchial tree with narrow lumens, sputum completely clogs them. Therefore, in order to ensure the removal of mucus and suppression of the cough reflex, you must first expand the small bronchi.
The most common bronchodilators are Berodual, Berotek and Atrovent. It is better to purchase a ready-made inhaler - a disposable bottle with the drug, which is used strictly following the instructions. Sealed containers with drugs allow you to automatically adjust the amount of administered drug, avoiding overdose.
If the cough and shortness of breath are caused by an attack of bronchial asthma, then stronger and faster-acting bronchodilators, such as Salbutamol, should be used.
Anti-infectious agents
Cough in itself is not a separate disease - it is a symptom of another pathology, which is often an infectious lesion of the respiratory system. Antibiotics and antiseptic drugs are precisely the means to fight infection. These drugs do not directly cure the cough, but destroy the cause that caused this symptom.
In the treatment of infectious pathologies of the respiratory tract, antibiotics are used, such as:
- gentamicin and other aminoglycosides;
- means that have shown the greatest efficiency in the process of sputum culture for sensitivity;
- Fluimucil-antibiotic IT.
In addition to the class of antibiotic drugs itself, inhalation for coughing is also done with antiseptic compounds. These substances do not have specificity for certain types of bacteria, but they have a pronounced general disinfecting effect:
- furacilin;
- chlorophyllipt;
- dioxidine.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Pathologies that cause cough syndrome are always associated with inflammatory processes in the mucous membranes. And inflammation of the airway wall, in turn, irritates the tissue of the bronchi, increasing the cough. In order to break this vicious circle, it is necessary to use anti-inflammatory drugs, which are most conveniently administered by inhalation.
Of the fairly simple agents that suppress inflammation, it is useful to use herbal preparations, for example, Romazulan or Rotokan. These substances are a mixture of herbal extracts, where the main role is played by pharmaceutical chamomile. Before filling the inhaler for 1 ml of Rotokan or Romazulan, add 40 ml of saline.
A separate subtype of anti-inflammation agents are glucocorticosteroids:
- prednisone;
- dexamethasone;
- hydrocortisone;
- triamcinolone, etc.
These substances belong to the class of hormones and have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. When coughing at home, such drugs are used only by order of a doctor. Moreover, the reason for their use should be quite weighty - with a cold cough, glucocorticoids are not prescribed, since the intensity of their action will be excessive. Indications for the introduction of these drugs are severe allergic reactions and / or systemic pathologies of an autoimmune nature, which are often accompanied by a cough.
Emollient solutions
To relieve irritation of the inflamed mucous membrane when coughing, it is useful to inhale with saline. It is better to buy such a liquid at a pharmacy. In addition, carbon dioxide-free mineral waters are also suitable. It is optimal to use slightly alkaline brands, for example, Essentuki or Narzan. Humidification of the respiratory tract with water vapor helps to dilute the accumulated phlegm and simplifies its excretion.
Inhalation for coughing using saline and mineral water is carried out in all three possible ways. The frequency of procedures is 5-6 times a day, but it is allowed to increase the number of inhalations up to 9-10 per day.
Salt and soda
Baking soda has the ability to reduce the severity of the cough reflex. Therefore, inhalation with a soda solution is a very effective means to alleviate the patient's condition. An even greater result can be achieved by using a combined recipe, which includes equal parts of baking soda and kitchen salt diluted in water, as well as a few drops of an alcohol solution of iodine.
Table salt is also used in isolation - such a salty liquid for inhalation is easy to buy at a pharmacy. In addition, inhalation for coughing is also performed with saline solutions, which are prepared at home, adding 3 large tablespoons of salt to 1 liter of water.
It is useful to replace kitchen salt with sea salt, but iodized salt should not be used - it irritates the mucous membranes.
Phytopreparations
Medicinal herbs are the basis of folk remedies that are used in the form of inhalation for coughing. Official medicine approves and recommends 
the use of infusions and decoctions of medicinal plants - there are few places where you can find such a rich combination of useful pharmacological properties. Monopreparations and collections of medicinal herbs have several effects on the respiratory system at the same time:
- expectorant;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antibacterial;
- thinning phlegm;
- moisturizing;
- antiallergenic;
- soothing and softening.
Here are some recipes for cough inhalation:
- for 200 ml of boiling water, take 2 small spoons of elder flowers and the same number of mullein flowers;
- in half a liter of boiling water, brew a mixture of 1 small spoonful of thermopsis and ten times the volume of primrose;
- mix equal amounts of plantain, coltsfoot and wild rosemary, and then brew 5 large spoons of this mixture in 200 ml of boiling water;
- 10 small spoons of a mixture of chamomile and pine buds, pour half a liter of boiling water;
- prepare a collection of chamomile, eucalyptus, string, medicinal sage and calendula, as well as licorice rhizomes and brew 5 large spoons in half a liter of boiling water.
After immersion in boiling water, the phytopreparation must be allowed to cool down on its own - in this way the infusion of the medicinal herb is prepared. If you intend to inhale with a decoction, then for the transfer of nutrients into the solution, the liquid must be boiled in a water bath for a quarter of an hour, and then poured into a thermos for another 40-45 minutes. In the case when inhalation will be carried out using a saucepan or kettle, right before use, the solution must be diluted with an equal volume of boiling water - this will give it the desired temperature. And if you use nebulizers, then carefully filter the liquid before refueling the device, but do not heat it.
In membrane nebulizers, soda-salt solutions and homemade medicinal herbs cannot be used - they will damage the membrane.
Essential oils
When coughing, inhalations with oil solutions have a pronounced softening effect and significantly facilitate 
the patient's condition. These liquids are mainly used in the form of vapors from a container. The general principle for preparing a solution includes 5-7 drops of essential oil, stirred in half a liter of hot water. The oil is not able to completely dissolve, but you need to transfer it to the most dispersed state.
If you need to stimulate the formation of phlegm with a dry cough, then it is recommended to use lemon or eucalyptus oil. And if mucus already accumulates in the bronchi, it is useful to inhale with anise or mint oil - they will strengthen the cough reflex for a while, helping to clear the airways. For all types of cough, inhalation with coniferous oils is effective: thuja, pine, cedar, juniper.
Remember that only one type of essential oil is allowed for one procedure.
Inhalation sequence
Inhalation cough treatment often involves the use of several types of drugs at once. To achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, it is important to follow the order of their use;
- First, you need to expand the lumen of the airways and reduce the severity of edema of the mucous membranes - this will facilitate the excretion of sputum. Therefore, bronchodilator drugs are always inhaled first.
- Then they begin to liquefy the mucus accumulated in the bronchi, and also increase the motility of the respiratory tract. Thanks to the use of mucolytics, the sputum becomes less viscous and thick and easier to expel. Expectorants help the mucus drainage process - they briefly strengthen the cough reflex and thus cleanse the bronchial tree.
- Further in the procedures there is a pause of 10-15 minutes, during which the patient coughs, getting rid of sputum.
- After the airways are clear, antibiotics must be administered to suppress infections, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anti-irritation agents (such as essential oils).
After the main stage of inhalation is completed, it is useful to carry out another procedure with herbal remedies, mineral water or soda - this will soften and moisturize the bronchi. Moreover, it is recommended to inhale moisturizing solutions separately, without reference to the time of administration of other drugs.
Inhalation rules
The procedure should be carried out at least one hour after a meal and at least 30 minutes after intense physical activity.
The procedure should be carried out at least one hour after a meal and at least 30 minutes after intense physical activity.- Any preparations for inhalation (excluding soda-salt solutions and mineral waters) can provoke an allergy attack in the patient. Before starting the procedure, make sure that the patient does not have an individual intolerance to the drug used.
- During inhalation, you need to focus on the process itself. Watching TV, reading or talking during the procedure reduces its effectiveness, and if you lose attention, it can lead to burns (if the container is overturned).
- The liquid in the saucepan or kettle should be hot enough for intense evaporation, but not boiling. Splashes of boiling water can cause burns to the skin, and boiling steam can burn the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. The optimum temperature of the solution for inhalation is 70-80 C.
- For adult patients, the standard duration for inhalation over a pot or using a kettle is about 10-15 minutes. Cooling of the liquid and a decrease in the intensity of evaporation serve as a guideline for terminating the procedure. In children, the duration of inhalation decreases in proportion to age.
- In case of inhalation using nebulizers, the procedure continues until the drug is completely consumed in the chamber. Usually the volume of the solution in this case is 4-5 ml.
- Inhalation for the treatment of cough involves the administration of the drug by the oral route. Inhale vapor or aerosol by mouth, slowly and deeply. Then you need to hold your breath for 2-3 seconds and exhale through your nose. The exhalation is made faster and more intense.
- After the inhalation is completed, the patient should not go out into the cold. Over the next hour, the patient is also advised to maintain vocal peace, refrain from smoking and eating.
