Medical expert of the article
New publications
Inhalations for adenoids: solutions
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

In childhood, one of the most common causes of ENT diseases are adenoids. They are an overgrowth of the unpaired tonsil, which is located on the back wall of the nasopharynx.
The nasopharyngeal tonsils perform several functions at once: hematopoietic and protective. However, their enlargement causes discomfort and can provoke a number of serious pathologies, including hearing loss. With enlarged tonsils, the child has difficulty breathing through the nose.
Today, the most effective and accessible method of treatment is inhalation for adenoids.
Technique inhalations for adenoids.
In order for inhalation for adenoids in children to be successful, it is necessary to take into account the existing rules:
- It is important that the child is in a sitting position during the procedure;
- The child should be instructed to inhale and exhale air slowly, using a special mouthpiece;
- the procedure lasts on average 10-15 minutes. If necessary, the doctor can extend it or vice versa;
- Avoid using essential oils as they may clog the inhaler;
- Do not go outside immediately after the procedure.
How does inhalation work?
The procedure has a symptomatic effect. It prevents the progression of the disease, thereby improving the child's condition. It is carried out not only during the calm course of the disease, but also during exacerbations.
Experts distinguish four stages of the disease. Many are interested in whether it is possible to do inhalations with adenoids if the disease has been neglected. The procedure will be most effective at the first or second stage. During this period, adenoids are amenable to conservative treatment. If the disease has reached the third or fourth stage, surgical intervention is inevitable. Therefore, at the first symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
At the initial stages, inhalation has the following effect:
- reduce swelling of the tonsils;
- contribute to the improvement of blood microcirculation and lymph drainage;
- strengthen the protective function of the immune system;
- prevent the development of inflammation.
Types of inhalations
The main goal of therapeutic inhalations is to reduce the size of adenoids. Today, there are three main types of procedures:
- Steam inhalations for adenoids. Modern medicine does not recommend this procedure for children. An unpleasant consequence after the procedure may be a burn of the baby's thin mucous membrane. Also, high temperature provokes vasodilation and increases swelling;
- Dry inhalations for adenoids. You will need essential oil to perform the procedure. You can use fir, sea buckthorn, cypress, eucalyptus or mint. To make breathing easier, you need to drip 3-5 drops of oil onto a dry handkerchief and let the baby breathe. To prevent enlarged adenoids from interfering with the child's sleep at night, a handkerchief soaked in a small amount of essential oil can be left next to the pillow in his crib;
- Salt inhalations for adenoids. Only sea salt is used for the procedure, as it contains a large amount of minerals and iodine. 1 kg of salt should be well heated in a dry frying pan, you can use another container. Then add 3-5 drops of essential oil (eucalyptus, fir or mint). Next, pour the warm sea salt into a bowl or cup and give it to the child so that he can breathe in the steam. You should explain to the child that the breaths should be deep.
Using a nebulizer for adenoids
According to pediatricians, the most effective and absolutely safe for children are inhalations with a nebulizer for adenoids. This method has a number of undeniable advantages:
- no risk. Unlike steam inhalations, a nebulizer prevents the risk of burning the mucous membrane. Its design is also quite simple and clear, so there will be no difficulties with the procedure;
- high efficiency. The inhaler dissolves medicinal substances into fine dust and facilitates the entry of a large number of useful substances into the body. This accelerates the healing process;
- the ability to use effective medications that are much more efficient.
In order for the procedure to produce the desired effect, special attention should be paid to preparation:
- Perform the procedure approximately one hour after eating;
- Monitor temperature. If body temperature is elevated, it is advisable to avoid inhalation;
- Prepare the medications. If they are stored in the refrigerator, they should be taken out an hour before the procedure so that they warm up a little;
- Choose loose clothing that will not interfere with the child’s breathing.
What solutions are used for inhalation with a nebulizer for adenoids?
For inhalation with saline solution for adenoids, only liquid medications are used. Saline solution acts as a solvent. It is important to ensure that it is sterile. It can also be replaced with mineral water without bubbles.
Inhalations with cycloferon for adenoids. The drug in the form of a solution intended for injections is suitable for the procedure. Dosage for one procedure: 4 ml of saline and 1-2 ampoules of the drug. The drugs should be thoroughly mixed and poured into the nebulizer. The procedure lasts about seven minutes. It is important for the child to inhale slowly through the nose and exhale through the mouth. The child's general condition will improve after 2-3 procedures.
Inhalations with fluimucil. The drug can be used for inhalations for children under one year. It helps reduce inflammation in the nasopharynx. The drug contains the mucolytic agent acetylcysteine.
To prepare a solution for inhalation, you should prepare the medicine. Fluimucil is sold in the pharmacy as a powder, and the kit includes water for injection. The powder mixed with water should be added to the saline solution at a rate of 1.25 medicine per 1 ml of saline. The duration of inhalation is 6-10 minutes.
Inhalations with miramistin for adenoids. Miramistin is an antiseptic drug and is widely used in modern medicine. It is non-toxic, so it is suitable for inhalation by children. The drug helps to destroy bacteria and prevents them from spreading throughout the body.
Preparation of the solution: for children under 12 years of age, the dosage is 2 ml of saline and 1 ml of Miramistin. The procedure lasts an average of 10 minutes. It should be done two/three times a day.
Inhalations with aminocaproic acid for adenoids. The drug is non-toxic and is quickly eliminated from the body. It helps relieve swelling and improve the patient's condition. Inhalation is carried out using a nebulizer. To do this, a mixture of saline and ACC (1:1) must be placed in a special container of the inhaler. For a single inhalation, 2 ml of the drugs is enough. One session lasts 5 minutes.
Inhalations with Derinat for adenoids. Derinat is an immunomodulatory drug that strengthens the immune system's protective function and allows the body to fight harmful bacteria. It helps restore the mucous membrane, relieves swelling, and provides protection to healthy cells. According to patient reviews, the drug not only helps destroy infections, but also helps the child's body resist other diseases.
Inhalations with this drug can be done even for infants. In a special container of the inhaler, a couple of drops of the drug should be diluted with saline. The duration of the procedure is from 5 to 7 minutes. The course of treatment is determined by a specialist.
Pulmicort for inhalation for adenoids. The drug improves breathing and relieves swelling. To perform the procedure, the medicine must be dissolved in saline. The duration of the first procedures is approximately 3-4 minutes. Later, they can last up to 7 minutes. Inhalations can be performed for a week.
Eucalyptus inhalation for adenoids. To perform the procedure, dissolve 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil in 1 ml of saline. It is enough to perform the procedure once a day. Eucalyptus will remove unpleasant symptoms, relieve swelling and make breathing easier.
Interferon inhalations for adenoids. Interferon is an immunomodulatory drug. It strengthens the immune system and improves the general condition of the little patient. For 2 ml of saline, take 1 ampoule of interferon. The standard course of treatment lasts two weeks. Depending on the child's condition and the stage of the adenoids, the attending physician can extend it.
Contraindications to the procedure
Inhalation is a type of treatment for adenoids. The procedure has a number of advantages and disadvantages. Despite the fact that inhalations with a nebulizer are absolutely safe, there are a number of contraindications to the procedure:
- pathology of the cardiovascular or respiratory system;
- neoplasms that are found in the brain;
- frequent nosebleeds;
- bronchial asthma;
- 3 or 4 stage of the disease;
- high temperature.
If the child has the first symptoms of the disease, he/she must be shown to a doctor immediately. The sooner parents start treatment, the greater the chances of defeating the disease with conservative methods.
Complications after the procedure
To avoid complications after the procedure, do not perform it when the child has a fever. It is also necessary to consult a specialist. After assessing the patient's condition, the doctor will be able to prescribe effective therapy.
Complications include:
- frequent headaches;
- difficulty breathing through the nose;
- hearing impairment;
- decreased immunity.
If the treatment was carried out incorrectly at the initial stages, there is a risk of further development of the disease. It can go to stage 3 or 4. In such cases, the only way out is surgical intervention.
[ 9 ]
Care after the procedure
Post-procedure care consists of ensuring the child is on bed rest. Do not give him food or drink for 30 minutes. Make sure the baby does not take deep breaths. You can go outside 30-40 minutes after the inhalation.
Particular attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the inhaler. After each procedure, it must be washed and dried.