Inhaler for sore throat
Every year the number of viruses increases, and with them the range of antiviral drugs. A runny nose, sore throat, dry or wet cough can begin at any time, regardless of the time of year. Inhalation as a method of treatment has been known for a long time and is an excellent alternative to antiviral drugs. This method is simple and suitable for self-treatment at home.
Inhalation helps cope with cold symptoms, cure runny nose and respiratory tract diseases.
The content of the article
Advantages and contraindications of the procedure, reviews from doctors
The inhalation procedure is absolutely harmless and very effective, does not require large expenses, and also takes little time. This method is suitable for treating even such an infectious disease as tonsillitis, more commonly known as tonsillitis or tonsillitis. The use of medicinal herbs for steam inhalation is especially popular.
Thus, essential oils contained in eucalyptus leaves destroy bacteria that cause tonsillitis. Sage flowers and leaves relieve pain and swelling of the larynx, and chamomile has an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition to inhalation, gargling with herbal infusions is recommended.
Doctors confirm the effectiveness of this complex treatment method: inhalation directly affects the inflamed tonsils, improving the patient’s well-being; the human body takes a break from medications (tablets and mixtures); swelling decreases; the period of illness is shortened.
Important! Inhalation for sore throat has contraindications - the procedure cannot be performed at elevated body temperature and enlarged lymph nodes (symptoms of the acute phase of tonsillitis). It is forbidden to do steam inhalation for follicular (purulent) sore throat, as hot steam can cause rupture of purulent formations on the tonsils.
Inhalation for sore throat at home
Those who want to treat themselves, at home, need to know how to perform the inhalation procedure for a sore throat. There are three options: the old way - over a kettle or pan, an inhaler or a nebulizer. Often people do not understand the difference between the two inhalation devices. Indeed, both devices perform the same function and have a similar appearance, but their capabilities are completely different. The inhaler is refilled with some medicinal liquids, herbal oils and decoctions.
Antibiotics and hormonal drugs are not allowed for refueling. In the inhaler, decoctions are converted into steam, so there are age restrictions for using this device.
The nebulizer has the opposite capabilities: oils and decoctions are prohibited as refills, only liquid medicine is used.When exposed to ultrasound, the liquid turns into an aerosol, which is safe even for small children.
Consultation with a doctor about the possibility of using an inhaler
Before you start treating a sore throat with an inhaler, you should consult your doctor. The therapist may prohibit the use of a steam inhaler for people with arterial hypertension, arrhythmic and respiratory disorders. If you have a cardiovascular disease, such procedures are contraindicated.
The use of a nebulizer is prohibited for: people with cancer diagnoses and those who have had a heart attack; hypertensive patients; patients with atherosclerosis; during pregnancy.
Attention! Recommendations regarding the use of an inhaler using any medicine, herbs or oils can only be given by a doctor. It is not advisable to choose herbs for the treatment of sore throat on your own without consulting a therapist, as some herbs can cause allergies.
How to refill an inhaler for a sore throat. How to prepare the medicine
Preparing solutions for the inhaler is a very important point. In a nebulizer, the medicine is diluted with distilled water or saline. Ordinary raw and boiled water is not suitable for this inhaler.
A solution of furatsilin diluted with saline solution (1:1) is often used as an antiseptic. The recipe for the solution is very simple - mix 0.5 teaspoons of saline solution with the same amount of furatsilin solution.
Miramistin is diluted in the same ratio. This antiseptic not only relieves inflammation, but also destroys the very problem of sore throat (viruses and infection).
Natural mineral water Narzan or Borjomi is useful for inhalation. Steam from mineral waters has a beneficial effect on the mucous membrane of the throat, softens it and relieves pain.
The following medicinal solutions are prepared for steam inhalers:
- Add 1 teaspoon of propolis tincture to a glass of boiling water. Inhalation of this medicine is done no more than 3 times a day;
- add eucalyptus essential oil to boiling water. You can breathe this solution 2 times a day for 10 minutes per procedure;
- A decoction of medicinal herbs is made (take 1 tablespoon of herbs per glass of boiling water). Keep the resulting mixture in a water bath for half an hour, remove and leave. The decoction is ready for use.
How to use an inhaler (nebulizer) correctly for a sore throat
Using an inhaler is not difficult, but to achieve the desired result it is important to perform the procedure correctly.
- Take a comfortable sitting position.
- You need to eat an hour before inhalation, since eating is not advisable 1-1.5 hours after the procedure.
- Slowly inhale through your mouth and exhale through your nose.
- During inhalation you cannot speak or read.
- After the procedure, you are prohibited from going outside and straining your throat (singing, screaming).
Reference! Before use, the inhalation device must be washed, even if it has just been purchased. Prepare the medicine for the nebulizer immediately before use. Herbal decoctions should also be freshly prepared.
Features of inhalations for angina in children
A child's inhalation needs to be approached more responsibly. A small child can be placed on his lap, in this way the parent will limit his activity and monitor the correctness of the procedure. The inhalation time for children depends on their age (from 1 to 10 minutes). Up to 5 years of age, inhalation is 3 minutes, no more than 2 times a day.
When using a steam inhaler, you need to make sure that the water temperature in the device does not exceed 60 degrees. Otherwise, the child may get burned.