Inhalations for coughing in children

The introduction of pharmacological substances by inhalation provides maximum bioavailability - up to 98% of the drug compound goes exactly where it should have an effect. Therefore, this method of receiving drugs for pathologies of the child's respiratory system is the most preferable. With a dry cough, this stimulates the formation of sputum and alleviates the patient's condition, and inhalations with a wet cough in children will provide a liquefaction of too viscous mucus and facilitate the removal of sputum from the bronchial tree.

Inhalation methods

The simplest technique for carrying out this procedure involves the use of a container with a wide top. An ordinary shallow saucepan can serve as such a container. A highly heated solution of the drug is poured into it, which evaporates, carrying medicinal compounds with steam. At the same time, the patient bends over the pan, tilting his head and covering himself with a towel - this will keep the temperature and prevent the steam from dissipating. And then the patient begins to intensively inhale the rising vapors through his mouth.

In children, cough should be treated in this way with increased caution. With this method of administering drugs, there is always a risk of turning the pan over and getting burned.

The second technique involves the use of sealed containers. In its role, a kettle is often used, in which the inhaled liquid is placed. Hot steam in this case has only one way to exit - through the spout. Therefore, a cone twisted from thick paper is inserted into the spout of the teapot. The diameter of the base of the cone should be such that it completely covers the patient's nasolabial triangle - a kind of mask for inhalation is obtained. The longer you make such a cone, the cooler the steam inhaled by the child will turn out.

The third method of inhalation is the use of nebulizers. This is the name of a device designed to spray a medicinal substance into an aerosol, which will enter the respiratory tract. There are different models of nebulizers designed to deliver different types of drugs. In addition, some medicines are sold in pharmacies in pre-sealed spray bottles.

The advantage of nebulizers is the compactness of most models, convenience and ease of use, as well as the ability to accurately dose the drug.

Which method should you choose?

Cough is not a separate disease, but a manifestation of some other pathology of the child's respiratory system. Therefore, the choice of the method of inhalation depends, first of all, on what kind of violation caused this symptom. In addition, the choice is also determined by what kind of drug will be administered using inhalation. So, for example, soda-salt solutions or medicinal herbal preparations allow using almost all options, but pharmacological compounds usually require the use of nebulizers. In this case, it is imperative to take into account what types of medicinal substances can be sprayed with the help of these devices - each of them has certain limitations.

Bronchodilators

The task of this class of drugs is to expand the lumen of the bronchial tube. Cough is a symptom that in childhood is very often accompanied by spasm of the bronchi and larynx. These pathways in children are already quite narrow and, if the mucous membrane is damaged, they are almost completely clogged with viscous sputum. Bronchospasm only makes the situation worse, making mucus removal nearly impossible. Therefore, in order to clear the respiratory tree of a child with a wet, productive cough or stimulate the formation of sputum with a dry version, it is necessary to first expand the bronchial lumens.

Among the bronchodilator drugs in children, Berodual, Berotek and Atrovent are more often used. Salbutamol is also sometimes used, but this medicine is intended mainly for emergency situations when the bronchi need to be expanded immediately (for example, when coughing and shortness of breath associated with an attack of bronchial asthma). All these pharmacological agents are sold in pharmacies in special inhaler vials with automatic dispensers.

Mucolytics and expectorants

It is one of the most important classes of drugs used for inhalation for coughing. Their action is aimed at enhancing the formation of phlegm, its liquefaction and stimulation of the motility of the bronchial tree. And this, in turn, leads to intensive excretion of phlegm.

Sputum is a breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria that cause diseases, the symptoms of which are coughing. Excretion of sputum from the bronchi is the fastest way not only to relieve cough syndrome, but also to a final cure.

Children are more often inhaled drugs such as Lazolvan and Ambrobene, the active ingredient of which is ambroxol hydrochloride. A drug called ACC, which is also sold under the brand name Fluimucil, has also become quite widespread. In it, acetylcysteine ​​is the active compound.

The standard regimen for using these substances for coughing in children - 2 inhalations per day. The dosage varies depending on the age of the child:

• in children under 2 years of age - 1 ml per injection;
• from 2 to 6 - 2 ml;
• upon reaching 6 years old - 3 ml.

Mucolytics and expectorants, as well as bronchodilators, are often sold ready-made in vials. But you can also buy a bottle with a drug for self-filling a personal nebulizer. In this case, the same volume of saline must be added to the medicine.

Antibiotics and antiseptics

These medicines are used if the cough, and therefore the disease that provoked it, is caused by an infection of the respiratory tract. On a cough, as a separate symptom, these pharmacological drugs have no effect. But they are the basis of therapy for such pathologies, since they are aimed at treating the immediate cause. And when the disease is cured, the cough will disappear on its own. Of those antibiotics and antiseptics that are used for inhalation administration for pathologies of the respiratory system, it is necessary to highlight:

• Fluimucil-antibiotic IT;
• gentamicin and its derivatives;
• chlorophyllipt;
• dioxidine solution;
• furacilin solution.

Antibiotics are designed to fight disease-causing bacteria. But if the cough is caused by a viral infection (for example, ARVI), these drugs are prescribed to prevent complications and the development of a secondary infection.

Glucocorticosteroids

These drugs have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. They are administered by inhalation only using nebulizers and ready-made fixed-dose nebulizers. In the case of a cold cough, these pharmacological compounds are not used - hormonal agents are excessively effective in suppressing inflammation in a simple cold. In addition, the use of hormones in childhood must have a strong rationale. Such an indication for the inhalation of glucocorticoids is, for example, severe allergic reactions or systemic diseases of an autoimmune nature, one of the symptoms of which may be a cough.

Saline and mineral waters

These liquids are the easiest inhalation option for coughing in children. Their introduction is easily carried out at home using any inhalation method.The main task that the use of such fluids solves is the delivery of an increased amount of moisture to the respiratory tract. It loosens thick mucus, softens irritated mucous membranes and supplies them with moisture.

Inhalation with saline and mineral water is more convenient to produce using nebulizers. Usually 3-4 ml of liquid is enough for one procedure, and the injection is performed 5-6 or more times a day. Make sure that the mineral water is free of carbon dioxide. Of the brands of mineral waters sold in retail chains, it is preferable to choose already proven brands, for example Narzan or Essentuki.

Soda and salt preparations

Baking soda dissolved in boiled water is one of the simplest, but, nevertheless, very effective means of suppressing an overly intense cough reflex. Among other things, such a liquid perfectly liquefies phlegm, facilitating its removal. For inhalation, you need to take 2 tablespoons of baking soda for 1 liter of water and dissolve them thoroughly.

If you intend to inhale with saline, then it is already ready-made

can be purchased at the pharmacy. In addition, it is easy to do it yourself. To do this, you need to dissolve 3 tablespoons of kitchen salt in one liter of warm boiled water. It is useful to replace table salt with sea salt. At the same time, iodized salt cannot be used - it irritates the mucous membrane of the child's throat.

When using self-prepared saline solutions in nebulizers, care must be taken to ensure that all salt crystals dissolve in the water.

But the combined solution will have the greatest effectiveness for both dry and wet coughs. It contains 1 large spoonful of kitchen salt, the same amount of baking soda and 10 drops of iodine per 1 liter of water.

Liquid compounds of medicinal herbs

Infusions and decoctions of medicinal plants are often used for inhalation. When children cough, the following infusions and decoctions are administered by inhalation:

• 3 teaspoons of elderflower flowers and 3 teaspoons of mullein flowers in 0.5 liters of boiling water;
• 1 teaspoon of thermopis and 10 teaspoons of primrose per 0.5 liters of boiling water;
• 10 teaspoons coltsfoot, 10 tsp. wild rosemary and 10 tsp. 0.5 liters of boiling water;
• 5 teaspoons of chamomile and 5 teaspoons of pine buds per 0.5 liters of boiling water;
• 10 teaspoons of a mixture containing chamomile, licorice roots, eucalyptus leaves, calendula, sage and a succession in equal proportions to 0.5 liters of boiling water.

The general rule for the preparation of such solutions requires that the liquid be infused for 1-2 hours and cool down on its own. If you want to use these solutions using a saucepan or kettle with a cone, then before the procedure you need to add an equal volume of boiling water to the container - this will raise the temperature of the solution and ensure high-quality evaporation. If the phytopreparation is intended for use in a nebulizer, it must first be thoroughly filtered through 2-3 gauze layers - removing the solid fractions, you will save the device from breakage. But it is not necessary to additionally heat the liquid before filling the nebulizer - the aerosol cloud will be formed without evaporation of the solution.

Oil preparations

Inhalation with essential and aromatic oils is very beneficial for all types of cough in children. It is better to use such liquids with the help of pots or kettles, since very few nebulizer models are capable of creating an air suspension from oils with increased density and viscosity. With a dry cough, it is useful to inhale with lemon or eucalyptus oils - they stimulate the secretion of mucus. And if the cough has already passed into the wet stage, and the formation of phlegm in the bronchi has already begun, then it is better to use aniseed or peppermint oil. These drugs will help clear mucus from the airways.

It is recommended to use only one type of aromatic or essential oil during one inhalation procedure.

The procedure for using drugs

It often happens that a child is prescribed several pharmacological agents at once to help with coughing. In this case, you need to know and follow the sequence of drug administration:

1. The first is always inhalation with compounds that expand the bronchial lumen of the bronchi and relieve spasmodic and edematous phenomena on the walls of the respiratory tract. This allows you to provide the conditions necessary for the removal of sputum.
2. The second stage is inhalation of mucolytics and expectorant pharmacological agents. They stimulate the production of mucus (with a dry cough), thin it (with a wet cough) and enhance the motor function of the bronchi, facilitating the speedy discharge of phlegm. For a short time, expectorant drugs intensify the cough - you do not need to be afraid of this, since this action is aimed at stimulating the excretion of mucus and will soon stop on its own.
3. The cough usually goes away in 10-15 minutes and it is time for inhalations of antibiotics, antiseptics, anti-inflammatory substances, etc.

The intervals between the stages of complex inhalation drug administration are usually about a quarter of an hour. Upon completion of the main therapeutic measures, it is recommended to do another inhalation with a phytopreparation to soften and moisturize the mucous membranes.

Inhalation rules

1. Make sure that the last meal or drink occurred in the child at least 1 hour before inhalation. In addition, limit the child's physical activity half an hour before the procedure.

1. Before using for introduction by inhalation of any new drug, medicinal plant or essential oil, make sure that the child does not have an individual intolerance to this substance.

1. Explain to your child that during the inhalation process, try to focus on what is happening. The less he is distracted by any other activities and annoying factors, the safer and more effective the whole procedure will be.

1. When inhaled at home in a warm apartment, it is better to dress the child in loose clothing that does not touch the throat (T-shirts, T-shirts, etc.). This will ensure that the patient's breathing will not be hampered by external causes.

1. Never use boiling solutions for inhalation administration of drugs. This applies not only to children, but also to adults. The use of boiling liquid has a high risk of splash skin burns. And besides, inhalation of too hot steam leads to burns of the mucous membranes of the bronchial tree. Cough treatment involves the temperature of the solution in a saucepan or kettle 70-75⁰C, but not more at 80⁰WITH.

1. Children always have the possibility of overturning a container with a hot solution - during inhalation, it is better to hold the dishes on their own.

1. The standard duration of inhalation in childhood is 5 minutes with periodic breaks after each breath. The younger the child, the shorter the planned duration of the procedure.

1. When coughing, inhalation is produced by inhaling the vapor through the mouth. After inhaling, the child holds his breath for 2-3 seconds, and then exhales calmly through the nose. Breathing too deeply is not recommended - this can lead to reflex bronchospasm.

1. After the end of the procedure, try to keep the child occupied so that he can spend the next hour and a half in relative calm. He should not go out into the cold air, sing, talk loudly and eat.