Ambrobene for inhalation for children and adults

Inhalations are one of the oldest medical procedures used to combat unproductive or low-productive cough. By inhaling the smallest particles of the healing composition, a person thereby delivers it directly to the site of inflammation: to the larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs. If the purpose of the procedure is to convert a dry cough into a productive wet cough, mucolytics should be chosen as the basis for the aerosol. This is the goal pursued by doctors, prescribing the mucolytic agent "Ambrobene" for inhalations to adults and children.

A little about the drug itself

"Ambrobene" is a German analogue of the popular drug "Ambroxol hydrochloride", produced in various forms. One of the forms of release is a solution that can be taken orally or used for inhalation.

The drug belongs to the group of mucolytic agents that help thin mucus by stimulating the production of enzymes that break the chemical bonds between the molecules of bronchial and pulmonary secretions. In this regard, Ambroxol and its analogue Ambrobene occupy a well-deserved first place, which is why doctors prescribe them most often when it is necessary to make mucus more liquid to facilitate its removal (for example, to prevent congestion in rib fractures, when even a weak cough causes severe pain). [ 1 ] Improves lung function, inhibits cellular apoptosis and activation of the NF-κB pathway. [ 2 ]

There is another group of mucoactive drugs – mucokinetics. They stimulate the activity of mucociliary clearance – non-specific protection against infections and allergens in the form of mucus production for their removal, and reduce bronchial resistance when coughing. So, Ambrobene has both mucolytic and mucokinetic properties, which explains the high efficiency and popularity of the drug.

Ambroxol increases the amount of secretion released by both the bronchi and the lungs (sulfactant), which helps optimize the rheological properties of sputum. It becomes more liquid, can be excreted in separate small portions, and does not stick to the walls of the respiratory tract. All this, combined with low bronchial resistance, leads to an increase in the volume of sputum and a noticeable relief of coughing.

Using Ambrobene for inhalation, you can get an even stronger effect, because during the procedure, not only microparticles of the drug enter the respiratory tract, but also water molecules, moisturizing the mucous membrane and additionally thinning the phlegm.

Another argument in favor of Ambrobene inhalations is the scientifically proven effectiveness of the drug in the treatment of infectious diseases. Ambroxol is not an antibiotic, and therefore cannot destroy pathogens or affect their activity in any way. But it is quite capable of reducing the adhesion (adhesion to the mucous membrane) of most bacteria that cause inflammatory diseases of the lower respiratory tract. The use of Ambrobene in diseases caused by influenza and pneumonia pathogens, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus increases the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy and allows for a reduction in drug doses.

"Ambrobene" does not cause bronchial spasm, which is very important when performing inhalations, has a certain anti-edematous and immunomodulatory effect, which makes it possible to use it both for the treatment of colds and infectious diseases, and in the therapy of pathologies in which allergic status plays a large role (for example, bronchial asthma).

Oral lozenges containing 20 mg or 30 mg ambroxol hydrochloride have a beneficial analgesic effect in patients with acute sore throat.[ 3 ]

Indications for the procedure

Many colds are accompanied by coughing, sneezing and a runny nose. And all because when infectious or other irritating factors affect the respiratory tract, inflammation occurs. In this way, the immune system tries to get rid of foreign substances that penetrate the nasopharynx, larynx and lower respiratory organs.

To make this process more efficient, the secretory glands of the respiratory system secrete a special transparent semi-liquid secretion that captures microparticles (dust, microbes and their waste products) and helps them leave the respiratory tract.

Any respiratory diseases of viral, bacterial, fungal and allergic origin are accompanied by inflammation and secretion of bronchial secretions (another thing is that the activity of this process can be different). First, redness, swelling and discomfort appear as a result of irritation of the mucous membrane, and then other symptoms: cough, runny nose, fever.

Nasal congestion and dry cough are common symptoms of the initial stage of the disease, which do not contribute to recovery due to their unproductiveness. Until phlegm is secreted, there is little hope of removing the source of irritation settling on the epithelium of the mucous membrane.

The main goal of treatment during this period is to increase the activity of the secretory glands and facilitate the removal of sputum from the nose and throat. For this purpose, mucolytics are used - drugs that increase the production of secretions by special glands of the respiratory organs, make sputum less viscous and facilitate its removal from the respiratory tract. The German drug "Ambrobene" based on ambroxol hydrochloride, an effective drug used in therapy and pulmonology, is also classified as a mucolytic.

Inhalations have a local therapeutic effect on the respiratory organs and promote effective moisturizing of the mucous membrane, which alleviates the patient's condition (there is no dry throat, which causes a useless reflex cough).

The use of Ambrobene for inhalation is justified in the case of the following diseases:

• ARVI of any localization:

1. rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa),
2. pharyngitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx),
3. laryngitis (inflammation of the lining of the larynx),
4. tracheitis (inflammation of the lining of the trachea).

• Exacerbations of chronic respiratory diseases, accompanied by nasal congestion and cough.
• Bacterial and fungal diseases of the central and lower respiratory tract (bronchitis, pneumonia, pleurisy).
• Bronchiectatic disease.
• Pulmonary tuberculosis.
• Cystic fibrosis, which affects the respiratory tract and is complicated by a non-productive cough.
• Bronchial asthma (during exacerbations).

At the same time, taking into account the properties of the drug as a mucolytic and mucokinetic, doctors prescribe inhalations with Ambrobene for dry and unproductive wet cough. Otherwise, stimulation of sputum production with a weak cough reflex can provoke obstruction (blockage) of the bronchi.

Inhalations are usually prescribed at the very beginning of acute diseases or during exacerbation of chronic ones. In case of residual cough, when acute symptoms have already gone away and the infectious agent has been deactivated by the appropriate drugs, the use of inhalations with mucolytics is not justified.

Preparation

An effective treatment procedure called inhalation can be carried out in different ways. Inhaling salty air on the sea coast or in a specially equipped salt room can be attributed to natural inhalation. Watching over a pot of potato broth, soda solution, herbal infusion or hot water with a drop of essential oil are violent folk methods that are gradually losing their relevance, which, of course, help, but not always where needed. In addition, if the compositions used are ineffective, it is not always possible to replace them with medications, because high temperatures reduce the therapeutic effect of most drugs.

The only way to direct medicines into the respiratory tract, and in such a way that their particles settle precisely in the inflammation center, is by force, using a cold inhaler (compressor or ultrasonic nebulizer) or steam, heating the aerosol to 40-42 degrees. The Ambrobene solution does not contain suspended particles and oils, is not destroyed by ultrasound and the specified temperatures, so it can be used in any type of nebulizer.

If the choice is made in favor of treatment with Ambrobene, then for inhalations you will have to choose a nebulizer, and not a saucepan with hot water. But when choosing an inhaler, you must also take into account the localization of the inflammatory process. Steam inhalers are capable of producing insufficiently small aerosol particles so that they can penetrate the lower respiratory tract, so they are used to treat acute respiratory viral infections, bronchitis, bronchial asthma. For pleurisy and lung diseases, smaller particles are required, which can be obtained using ultrasonic and compressor nebulizers. Modern mesh nebulizers allow you to adjust the particle size, so they are considered universal for the treatment of respiratory diseases, regardless of the localization of the lesion.

Having chosen the right nebulizer, one should not forget that the drug "Ambrobene" is available in different forms, but not all of them are suitable for inhalation procedures. Which "Ambrobene" is used for inhalation? The best option is a solution for internal use, which is also used for inhalation, as indicated in the instructions for the drug, which also describes the rules for preparing the inhalation composition. The intravenous solution is usually used only in a hospital setting, so there is no point in buying it for inhalation procedures and then calculating a safe dose.

But it is common for us to buy syrup, not a solution, for coughs, especially for children. This is the form that is usually at hand, so the question of whether Ambrobene syrup can be used for inhalations is of particular interest?

Ambroxol-based syrup, in addition to the active substance and purified water, also contains sweeteners and flavorings, which, when inhaled, can be additional irritants. Such inhalations can cause more harm than good. It is generally prohibited to use syrups in nebulizers, since this can ruin an expensive device. Therefore, for a truly effective and safe procedure, it is worth purchasing the recommended form of "Ambrobene" in the form of a solution for inhalation with a nebulizer and oral administration.

In principle, preparation for inhalation in modern conditions is limited to choosing a nebulizer and a suitable form of the prescribed drug. Next, you need to prepare the inhaler itself for work. First, you need to check the cleanliness of the device, especially the parts that directly contact the drug and the patient's skin. If necessary, treat individual parts of the device with an antiseptic, rinse and dry. Now all that remains is to fill the nebulizer container with the prepared solution, dilute it in the recommended proportions with 0.9% sodium chloride solution (there are other options), finish assembling the device and check the quality of its operation.

Immediately before the procedure, put on a mask, mouthpiece or special nasal attachment. Be sure to explain to the patient how to behave and how to breathe correctly. In case of nasopharyngeal diseases, inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. This scheme is not suitable for treating the central and lower respiratory tract. In this case, inhale through the mouth, breathing should be even and deep enough.

Preparation of solutions

The solution (drops) for inhalation "Ambrobene", according to the instructions for use of the drug, does not contain any alcohol, sugar or oils that could irritate the throat or cause allergic reactions. Such a solution is also safe for a nebulizer, even if it is poured in pure form.

Although inhalations with Ambrobene without saline solution are not prohibited, it is only important to take into account the maximum permissible daily dose when calculating the frequency of the procedure. After all, 1 ml of the drug contains 7.5 mg of ambroxol, and the inhalation solution for adults should ideally have a volume of 4 ml, so that 30 mg of the active substance enters the body per inhalation. This means that no more than 2-3 inhalations can be performed per day, taking into account that inhalations alone are usually not enough.

Inhalations of undiluted Ambroxol, of course, have a therapeutic effect, but if it concerns a dry, painful cough that strongly irritates the throat, then the procedure itself is questionable. During inhalation, you need to breathe evenly, which is impossible when the patient is choking with a cough. After all, the particles of the drug themselves can already act as an irritant in conditions of insufficiently humidified air in the nebulizer.

Moisture present in purified and mineral water, sodium chloride solution, which, like Ambrobene, is often used in inhalation formulations, helps to relieve cough by moistening the inflamed mucous membrane. The same liquids can be used to dilute Ambrobene drops for oral administration and inhalation. Then the procedure goes without complications, and coughing fits quickly reduce their intensity, and a person can breathe normally during inhalation.

It should be said that purified water is not very popular in medical procedures. Both doctors and manufacturers of inhalation therapy drugs insist on diluting medicinal compositions with 0.9% sodium chloride solution (saline), which is close in composition to blood plasma, i.e. it is neutral in relation to the body.

But knowledge of what can be used for the procedure is not enough, you need to know how to dilute Ambrobene for inhalation. This process cannot be called heavy science, especially considering that both the capacity of the nebulizers and the cap of the drug have a measuring scale, by which you can control the total volume and measure the amount of each component.

The prepared solution of "Ambrobene" for inhalation for adults should have a volume of 4 ml, regardless of what we dilute the drug with. At the same time, doctors recommend as the optimal solution, in which the drug makes up half the volume. Thus, "Ambrobene" with saline for inhalation is taken in equal quantities (2 ml each), then the total volume will be 4 ml. According to the instructions, adult patients can use 2-3 ml of the drug for one procedure, diluting it with the same amount of 9% sodium chloride solution (total volume 4-6 ml).

Saline solution is an inexpensive sterile preparation that can be purchased in pharmacies in 5-10 ml ampoules. But if this is not possible, purified water (doctors categorically do not recommend tap water due to its questionable composition) or mineral water can be used for inhalations.

Among mineral waters, the most popular is the sodium bicarbonate water with a mild effect, "Borjomi", which is extracted in the valley of the same name in Georgia. It contains only natural minerals and no harmful additives. "Borjomi" is often used for single-component inhalations or instead of saline in combination with medications.

Inhalations of Ambrobene with Borjomi are carried out in the same way as those in which saline solution is used. The components are mixed in equal proportions. The total volume for adults is 4 ml. But it is important to remember that bottled water is enriched with carbon dioxide, and carbonated water cannot be used for inhalations. In order for the gas to come out, it is worth preparing the water in advance, for example, open the bottle in the evening and periodically stir the water until all the gas comes out. Otherwise, the cough may only get worse, the risk of bronchospasm and hypoxia increases.

Some doctors are categorically against using mineral water for inhalation. This is explained by two factors: the lack of sterility (water from underground sources is initially considered clean until it comes into contact with air and above-ground microorganisms) and the presence of non-volatile acids, which are easily removed from the gastrointestinal tract, but not from the lungs, where they can accumulate and themselves cause inflammation. So, whether to use Borjomi and other mineral waters for inhalation or give preference to a sterile saline solution is already a question of health, and not just taste preferences and availability.

Combination inhalation therapy

Despite the proven effectiveness of the German drug, used internally and for inhalation, in search of more effective treatment regimens for inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system, doctors prescribe Lazolvan for inhalation along with Ambrobene. This combination should not be taken literally. They are not mixed to obtain a more effective inhalation solution, because both drugs have one active substance (ambroxol), the only difference is in the auxiliary components.

Most often, Ambrobene is prescribed for inhalation procedures, and Lazolvan is offered to be taken in the form of syrup or solution orally. These drugs are interchangeable, so the scheme can be made up vice versa, or one of the drugs is prescribed for both internal use and inhalation.

With such combined treatment, it is important to consider that the maximum dose of ambroxol for patients over 12 years of age is 120 mg, i.e. the amount of active substance entering the body during oral administration and inhalation treatment should not exceed this figure. But ideally, it is better for it to be within 60-90 mg (2 ml of Ambrobene solution contains 15 mg of ambroxol).

Ambroxol preparations may not often, but may cause bronchospasms if used for inhalation. This happens in children, as well as with increased sensitivity of the bronchi, bronchial asthma, hereditary predisposition. In these cases, as well as in the treatment of obstructive diseases (pathology of the respiratory tract with impaired patency), "Ambrobene" for inhalation is prescribed together with the bronchodilator "Berodual", which is also available as an inhalation solution.

There are 2 treatment regimens using both drugs. In case of existing bronchial obstruction or predisposition to it (if there have been cases of bronchospasm during inhalations in the anamnesis), the procedure is first carried out with Berodual, diluting it with saline 1:2, and after 15-20 minutes, they move on to inhalation with Ambrobene and saline (1:1).

"Berodual" relaxes the walls of the bronchi and widens their lumen, preparing them for treatment with ambroxol. The same treatment is also effective in cases of exacerbation of bronchial asthma.

In case of increased sensitivity of the bronchi caused by severe inflammation, as well as in the case of treating children who are more prone to bronchial spasms, doctors recommend using Ambrobene and Berodual for inhalation simultaneously, combining both drugs and saline solution.

The dosage of the Ambrobene solution in combination with Berodual and saline for a nebulizer is as follows: for 2 ml of ambroxol solution, take the same amount of 9% sodium chloride solution and 10-20 drops of Berodual. This will help prevent bronchospasm during inhalation in adults. The children's dose, accordingly, will be less.

Technique Ambrobene for inhalation

Once the solution and inhaler are prepared, it is time to begin the treatment procedure, which doctors recommend performing 2-3 times a day until the cough becomes less painful and more productive. It is important to know how to perform inhalations correctly so as not to worsen your condition.

First, let's decide on the time during which you need to breathe in the medicinal solution. Adults can inhale for 5-10 minutes, for children under 12 years old 3-5 minutes is enough, and the younger the child, the shorter the duration of the inhalation.

As is known, cold air irritates the inflamed mucous membrane and only worsens the cough. To avoid this, it is recommended to warm up the prepared solution to a comfortable temperature (30-40 degrees), after which it can be poured into the inhaler. Steam inhalers themselves provide heating of the medicinal solution, which they turn into an aerosol, but you need to ensure that the temperature of the liquid does not rise above 40-42 degrees.

To avoid all sorts of complications, it is recommended to perform inhalations no earlier than one and a half hours after eating or physical activity. You should not take expectorants the day before, any other medications are recommended to be taken at least an hour before the procedure to avoid drug interactions.

Inhalations are carried out for a limited time, so you need to set yourself up so that during these few minutes all attention should be focused on breathing. You need to breathe evenly, trying to hold your breath for a couple of seconds after inhaling. You do not need to breathe too deeply, so as not to provoke a spasm of the bronchi.

Let us remind you once again that to treat nasopharyngeal diseases, you need to inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth, using a special nasal nozzle or mask. For diseases of the bronchopulmonary system, the medicine should enter the central and lower respiratory tract, so you need to inhale it through your mouth. When using a mouthpiece, it is more convenient and appropriate to exhale through your nose.

Doctors are categorically against talking during inhalation. You should also not be distracted by reading, which distracts the patient, and his breathing becomes more shallow.

To ensure free access of air to the respiratory tract, you need to wear loose clothing that does not compress the chest and neck area, take a comfortable position, straighten your shoulders, and relax your muscles. Inhalations are usually carried out in a sitting position, but some nebulizers allow you to carry out procedures in a semi-sitting position (the angle of the device is 45 degrees). For bedridden patients and small children, it is preferable to use a mask.

Usually, the duration of inhalation is determined by the period during which the entire solution will be used up. After the procedure, rinse your mouth thoroughly with boiled water at room temperature to remove any remaining medication, phlegm, and pathogens. When using a mask, it is advisable to wash your face. All parts of the device that come into contact with the skin and the medicinal solution should also be thoroughly washed and dried.

Inhalations with Ambrobene during pregnancy

Inhalation therapy for upper and lower respiratory tract diseases is an effective method of combating painful symptoms, promoting rapid recovery and reducing the risk of complications. In addition, this method can be called safer than oral administration of drugs, when the active substance almost completely enters the blood, and with it to the inflammatory focus. Inhalations have a local effect, which means that the concentration of the active substance in the blood with such treatment will be significantly lower.

Ambroxol hydrochloride, the active ingredient of the drug "Ambrobene", even in fairly high doses does not have a toxic effect on the body of the expectant mother, does not affect muscle activity, and therefore cannot cause miscarriages and premature births. In addition, ambroxol has not been found to have a teratogenic effect, which is the cause of fetal developmental abnormalities.

Doctors allow the use of Ambrobene for inhalation during pregnancy. But in the first trimester, when the greatest sensitivity to any external influences is noted, special caution is required in taking medications and carrying out medical procedures. True, here doctors are faced with the need to assess the risk to the mother and fetus, because a painful severe cough and infection can cause even more harm than medical procedures.

In the 2nd-3rd trimester of pregnancy, inhalations with Ambrobene are carried out according to the same scheme, which is designed for adult patients. The mucolytic is mixed with saline in equal volumes (2 ml each), the procedure is carried out from 1 to 3 times a day (as prescribed by a doctor).

"Ambrobene" for inhalation for children

Disease does not choose who it comes to. But the youngest patients with their respiratory tract structure have a particularly high risk of getting sick, while treatment options are limited. A baby will not swallow pills, and not everyone likes sweet syrup. In addition, with some metabolic disorders, the use of sweet medicines is unacceptable.

Ambrobene solution for oral administration and inhalation is the most suitable form for treating children. It does not contain sugar or alcohol, has no smell and is relatively safe, which makes it possible to use it from birth.

It is possible to force a baby to drink a tasteless medicine, but it is problematic. It is much easier and more effective to resort to inhalation treatment using a nebulizer with a baby mask, which does not interfere with the baby, but significantly facilitates breathing and coughing, helping to remove phlegm from narrow airways.

It is difficult to explain to children under 2-3 years old how to breathe correctly during the procedure, so a mask that covers both the mouth and nose of the child is preferable at this age. Older children can undergo inhalations with special attachments, after first explaining in a playful way how to inhale and exhale correctly.

"Ambrobene" for inhalation in children can be used after a similar procedure with a bronchodilator (after 20-25 minutes) or by mixing the two solutions together. The practice of the first method involves the use of a mixture of ambroxol solution and saline. Both components are taken in equal proportions (1-2 ml), the total volume of the composition for inhalation for a child under 6 years old will be 2-4 ml, for children over 6 years old - 4-6 ml.

Inhalations with Ambrobene can be combined with taking this medicine orally, or another mucolytic with an expectorant effect can be used.

"Berodual" does not belong to the category of mucolytics. This medicine dilates the bronchi and prevents their spasm, which often happens during inhalation in children. That is why doctors, prescribing inhalations with "Ambrobene", recommend adding 5-10 drops of "Berodual" to the ready solution. This composition is also safe for asthmatics.

Usually, inhalations are carried out until the entire solution is used up, so do not overdo it with the doses. According to the official instructions, 1 ml of Ambrobene is enough for inhalation for a baby under 2 years old. The duration of the procedure, which is carried out 1-2 times a day, in this case is unlikely to exceed 3 minutes. But even these minutes the child should be under the supervision of a doctor.

Children aged 2-6 years old are given inhalations 1 or 2 times a day, using 1-2 ml of the drug, patients over 6 years old can take 2-3 ml of the Ambrobene solution. Children aged 2 years and older can have inhalations at home. The frequency of inhalations with a mucolytic is the same for any age of the patient.

Stationary inhalers allow the procedure to be carried out lying down, which is relevant for newborns and children up to 2 years old. They can even be used during sleep. When using a portable nebulizer, the child is comfortably seated and given a semi-recumbent position, otherwise the nebulizer container will have to be tilted strongly, which should not be done.

The baby needs to be explained that he will have to be patient for a while (usually the procedure takes 3-5 minutes), not to fidget, not to play around, not to talk, try to breathe calmly, but not to inhale too deeply. An interesting fairy tale or mother's lullaby will help to calm the fidget.

It is very important that the child also remains calm after the procedure. It will be better if he sits or lies quietly in bed, listening to his mother's fairy tale or looking at pictures in a book. Talking loudly, playing emotional games accompanied by conversations, reading poetry and active movements, and especially going outside is highly undesirable. After inhalation, the child needs a quiet rest.

Contraindications to the procedure

Inhalations are undoubtedly an effective treatment for respiratory diseases. But the main condition for the effectiveness of treatment is its safety. If the medicine does not help, it is half the trouble, but if it worsens the patient's condition, then this is a real disaster.

To prevent this from happening, you need to know that any treatment method can have its own contraindications, and inhalations are no exception. Whatever type of inhaler is chosen for the procedure, you need to remember that:

• inhalations are possible at temperatures not exceeding 37.5 degrees,
• they cannot be carried out if a person is not calm, is worried, is in a serious condition,
• if the child cannot be calmed down before the procedure (he is afraid, capricious or just playing around), the inhalation will have to be rescheduled for another time,
• inhalation procedures should not be carried out earlier than 1 hour after eating, so as not to provoke vomiting and spasms,
• "Ambrobene" for inhalation is not used in case of hypersensitivity to the drug; if the solution is multicomponent, it is necessary to take into account the tolerance of all drugs included in the inhalation composition (aerosol).
• in case of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, taking ambroxol preparations orally is not advisable, but in reality doctors prescribe them, and often; when inhaled, only a small part of the preparation gets into the gastrointestinal tract, which is unlikely to cause serious exacerbations, although caution should still be observed,
• Epilepsy and many other diseases of the brain are also considered contraindications to treatment with ambroxol preparations (a specialist consultation is required),
• Relative contraindications include severe liver and kidney pathologies that disrupt the functioning of the organs; in this case, treatment is carried out under the supervision of a physician with possible dose adjustments,
• You should consult a specialist if you have weak blood vessels in the nose and atherosclerosis of the cerebral vessels, people who have recently suffered a stroke or myocardial infarction, or severe cardiovascular pathologies (the possibility of performing inhalations at home for such patients remains questionable),
• inhalations should not be performed in cases of hemoptysis associated with lung diseases and gastric bleeding,
• In case of bronchial motility disorders, secretion and accumulation of large amounts of bronchial secretions, bronchial obstruction caused by foreign bodies in the respiratory tract, treatment is carried out only in a hospital setting.

When using Ambrobene for inhalation, it is necessary to take into account drug interactions. The drug is perfectly compatible with antibiotics, and even improves their absorption, which has a positive effect on the effectiveness of treating bacterial infections and complications of viral and fungal diseases. This property of the mucolytic is often used in practice by doctors.

But Ambrobene cannot be combined with antitussives. Medicines that suppress the cough center (for example, codeine) have an effect opposite to that of ambroxol. Ambroxol will increase mucus production, but it simply will not be excreted, which will cause congestion in the respiratory tract and only worsen the patient's condition.

Consequences after the procedure

Usually, inhalations with Ambrobene or with Ambrobene and Berodual are well tolerated by children and adults, without causing allergic reactions, laryngeal edema, or anaphylaxis. But in people with sensitive mucous membranes (hereditary feature, result of frequent inflammations, unfavorable conditions of production, ecology) and children, inhalations can cause bronchospasm - a life-threatening condition.

With bronchospasm, the patient finds it difficult to breathe: he cannot inhale or exhale normally, and without professional help, he can die from respiratory failure. And since not everyone knows how to provide it, it is better to prevent such a dangerous condition by inhaling both a mucolytic and a bronchodilator (for example, with Berodual). This is especially important if the procedure is carried out on children, patients with bronchial asthma or allergic status, as well as in cases where the patient has previously had attacks of spasm of the respiratory muscles.

If Ambrobene for inhalation is used reasonably and the rules are followed, the procedure helps to make a dry and unproductive cough less painful, easing the patient's condition, improving the removal of sputum, and along with it infectious agents, increasing the effectiveness of the antimicrobial agents used and accelerating recovery.

Complications after the procedure

Inhalations are a therapeutic procedure designed to improve the patient's condition. However, this improvement is not always noted and not immediately. For example, during inhalations with Berodual and Ambrobene, an increase in temperature is sometimes noted, which frightens patients and those who care for them. In fact, if these were not steam inhalations carried out against the background of an elevated temperature, its increase is usually associated with the activation of the body's defenses and is temporary, after which an improvement necessarily occurs. That is, the temperature is caused not by the drug itself, but by active treatment. [ 4 ]

The drug "Ambrobene", used for inhalation, has a certain list of side effects, which can also affect the patient's condition and be perceived as complications. For example, after inhalation, weakness and dizziness are possible, especially if you breathe deeply. Some patients note dryness in the mouth, and sometimes in the respiratory tract after expectoration. Increased salivation and mucous discharge from the nose are possible, which quickly pass.

Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, bowel disorders are usually associated with either gastrointestinal diseases (possibly exacerbation of the disease) or with improper preparation for inhalation. For example, if the procedure is carried out within the first hour after eating.

Allergic reactions cannot be ruled out if the patient was unaware of such a possibility or ignored the warning that the drug should not be used in case of hypersensitivity to it. The same can be said about isolated cases of anaphylactic shock.

Dangerous complications are also possible if inhalations with Ambrobene and taking antitussives are combined during treatment. This provokes congestion in the respiratory tract, bronchial obstruction, and respiratory failure. By increasing the secretion production in the lungs, ambroxol involves its removal; if this does not happen, the inflammation intensifies and can spread to the pleura and lungs, acquiring purulent forms.

Care after the procedure

The patient's condition is also worsened by improper care after the procedure. Let's start with the fact that all parts of the inhaler that come into contact with the aerosol and the patient's skin must be thoroughly washed and, if possible, disinfected. Before using the device, you need to make sure that the mouthpiece, nozzles, and mask are clean and cannot be a breeding ground for infection, because it is a sin to treat one infection when one is removed and another is welcomed.

But the device is a device, and you also need to take care of yourself. After inhalations, the best activity for the patient is rest. The nebulizer, of course, makes the treatment procedure easier, but it still represents a certain burden for the body. In addition, the effect of the medicine is not limited to the removal of phlegm. It activates the body's forces to fight the disease, which means that they should be saved during this period and not wasted in vain.

Physical exercises, active games, housework, and especially work at work will have to wait 1-1.5 hours. During this period, it is better to rest: sleep, read a book or watch a movie that does not cause strong emotions (they also require strength). Although, sleep, of course, is the best healer.

You should not talk after inhalation. Firstly, with your mouth closed, the medicine remains in the respiratory tract for some time and continues to act. Secondly, talking is a burden on the inflamed, irritated mucous membrane of the throat and vocal cords, especially with laryngitis, so it only reduces the effectiveness of the fight against inflammation.

Walking in the fresh air is very important for health, but not after inhalations, especially in the cold season - the period of colds and infections. Temperature changes have a bad effect on the respiratory system even in a healthy person, not to mention a sick person. It is better to try to ventilate and humidify the air more often in the room where the patient is (in his absence).

Needless to say, eating should also be postponed for 1-1.5 hours after inhalation, allowing the medicine to take effect and preventing nausea.

Ambrobene analogues for inhalation

Sometimes it happens that two drugs have the same active ingredient in the same dosage, but act differently. The reason often lies in the auxiliary components, to which the body can react differently. In this case, in the absence of intolerance to the active substance, you can experiment.

For example, if the Ambrobene solution for inhalation is not suitable due to hypersensitivity to one of the excipients, you can try using another form of the drug (for example, tablets crushed into powder) or resort to the help of analogues (after consulting a doctor).

A complete analogue of "Ambrobene" are the drugs "Ambroxol" and "Lazolvan", which also have a release form recommended for inhalation. The procedure is performed by analogy with "Ambrobene", diluting the medicinal solution with a 0.9% sodium chloride solution and heating it to body temperature.

Bromhexine hydrochloride has properties similar to ambroxol. The drug "Bromhexine" in the form of a solution containing 4 or 8 mg of the active substance per 5 ml can be used for inhalation procedures for adults (8 mg of bromhexine per inhalation) and children (2-4 mg).

In any case, an attempt to replace Ambrobene with another drug, even with the same active ingredient, should be discussed with the attending physician. It is the physician who should prescribe another effective and safe drug, taking into account the patient's medical history and condition.

Reviews

The inhalation method of treating respiratory organs has been practiced by doctors and patients for many years. Theoretically, such treatment should give good results, quickly converting a dry cough into a wet one, facilitating the discharge of sputum, increasing immunity and accelerating recovery. But in practice, not everyone is satisfied with the effect of the drugs used and question the effectiveness of the procedure.

According to patient reviews, both Ambrobene and the popular Lazolvan have a similar effect, while the former can be found at a more affordable price in pharmacies. Both drugs facilitate the removal of phlegm with a minimal risk of side effects.

Many agree that Ambrobene for inhalation gives a better and faster result than taking the solution orally. But sometimes, in severe cases of the disease in children with their narrow airways and short duration of inhalation, it is still more appropriate to combine inhalation treatment with taking the medicine orally.

But along with positive reviews, there are many negative ones. What is the reason for the negative attitude towards the inhalation drug? Most often, the reason is the excessive demands on the mucolytic and self-medication. You cannot expect the drug to destroy the infection. Its task is to facilitate the removal of sputum along with microorganisms, but ambroxol is not able to affect their activity. An experienced doctor will prescribe antibiotics (in tablets, syrup, drops, orally or by inhalation) along with Ambrobene for a bacterial infection or complication of a disease of a different etiology. Few people think about the need for antibiotic therapy without visiting a doctor, and only a specialist can select the appropriate drug.

The second reason for the ineffectiveness of the treatment may be a misunderstanding of the essence of treatment with ambroxol. The drug should not stop the cough, on the contrary, it can intensify it by increasing the production of bronchial secretions. This is the whole point: the cough will become stronger, but softer, sputum will come off even with a slight cough. If you stop coughing, then how will the mucus and microbes leave the respiratory tract? What is the point of such treatment?

It also happens that patients simply do not understand why inhalations are needed, and practice the procedure with a normal productive cough. It is clear that if there are no changes, they begin to complain about the ineffectiveness of the drug, and if the production of sputum has become excessive - about its danger.

Often, negative reviews are associated with individual characteristics of the patient's body: insensitivity to ambroxol, addiction, intolerance to the active ingredients of the drug, as well as the likelihood of developing bronchospasm. In the latter case, it is worth paying attention to bronchodilators that prevent complications (use them before or during the procedure). In all other situations, there is only one way out - change the drug.

When using Ambrobene for inhalation for yourself or your child, you need to remember that the effectiveness of the treatment depends on the correct approach to inhalation, taking into account contraindications and possible complications. Conscious use of the drug will definitely give a positive result or the opportunity to understand that you need to change the prescription. If you do not take into account the requirements for inhalation and contraindications to the drug, you usually cannot count on a good result. It is important to understand that the drug is not a magic wand that makes wishes come true in the blink of an eye. Often, more than one procedure is needed to achieve an improvement in the condition, not to mention recovery.