Inhalations for dry cough to a child and adult: whether you can do, what kind, recipes

Many of us, when a cough appears, resort to the help of a well-known folk remedy - inhalations. Inhalations for dry coughs can be different: you can breathe over steam, inhale fumes from herbal decoctions, or use a modern device - a nebulizer. Inhalations can be carried out for adults and children, using affordable and time-tested means for this.

Is it possible to do inhalations for dry cough?

With the help of inhalations, you can deliver almost any medicine directly to the affected mucous membranes of the respiratory system. Cough is a consequence of irritation of the same mucous membrane. In particular, with a wet cough, the mucous membrane is irritated under the mechanical influence of sputum, and with a dry cough, irritation occurs due to increased dryness of the surface tissue. Inhalation helps to moisten the mucous membrane, due to which the dry cough softens and more quickly passes into the stage of productive, or wet cough. With a wet cough, inhalation helps to speed up the removal of sputum secretions and prevents the transformation of an acute process into a chronic one.

A specific therapeutic effect is achieved after the use of special medications in the form of inhalations - this speeds up recovery and does not cause as many side effects as taking medications orally.

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Do inhalations help with dry cough?

Inhalations can be steam (dry and wet action) and hardware. Both procedures are suitable for use with dry cough.

Steam exposure is the inhalation of heated steam. In this case, the medicine is dissolved or mixed with water, and during the evaporation process it enters the respiratory tract.

Hardware inhalations are carried out using such devices as inhalers or nebulizers. The essence of these devices is to divide the medicine or active substance into tiny particles, which enter the respiratory organs with the air flow, settling on the mucous surface.

For diseases that are accompanied by a dry cough, all of the listed procedures are suitable - they are equally effective and significantly speed up the onset of recovery.

Indications for the procedure

Any treatment procedure, including inhalation for cough, must have its own specific indications:

• acute or chronic inflammatory process in the upper respiratory tract, pneumonia, bronchiectasis, purulent diseases of the pulmonary system;
• pulmonary tuberculosis;
• allergy to certain oral or injectable cough medicines, digestive disorders that make it impossible to deliver the medicine orally;
• pre- and postoperative period during surgery on abdominal organs.

Inhalations for dry cough and fever

Inhalation is often problematic, because most respiratory diseases are accompanied by an increase in body temperature. Agree, it rarely happens that a normal body temperature is maintained during a cold or acute respiratory viral infection.

Steam inhalations are not allowed if the body temperature exceeds 37.5°C. But what to do if the temperature does not go down, and the medicine needs to be administered to the body by inhalation? For this, there is a nebulizer - a device that divides the medicine into tiny particles and sprays them, after which the medicine easily enters the respiratory tract. A big advantage of the nebulizer is that the cloud of steam it produces does not lead to heating of the body, thus, does not affect the overall temperature readings.

Therefore, if the patient has a high temperature or fever, then only inhalations with a nebulizer can be used - but only if absolutely necessary.

The full article about inhalations for fever is here.

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Preparation

Before the inhalation procedure, it is necessary to carry out some preparatory measures:

• You can eat one and a half hours before the procedure, or one and a half hours after the session.
• Before inhalation, you need to measure your body temperature. If it is high, then steam inhalation should not be performed.
• Smoking and inhalation are incompatible: it is advisable to give up this bad habit for the entire period of treatment.
• If you use an inhaler, wash your hands with soap before use and only then assemble the device.
• Pour the medicinal solution into the inhaler reservoir. It should be at room temperature, or between +40 and +50°C.
• Before the procedure, clear your nasal passages and cough.

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Technique dry cough inhalations

• Sit comfortably: you should be relaxed and your back straight so that the vapors penetrate well into the respiratory system.
• Apply the mask or take the mouthpiece with your lips, inhale slowly and deeply. Breathe through your mouth. You can hold your breath for a few seconds, and only then exhale.

A typical inhalation procedure lasts 5-15 minutes. After inhalation, you need to wipe your face with a towel. If a hormonal component was used as a medicine, you can rinse your mouth with warm water.

It happens that during inhalation the head starts to hurt or spin. In such a situation, you should stop the procedure and rest. During the next session, you can try to breathe more slowly - if the symptoms recur, you will have to see a doctor.

Inhalations for dry cough at home

If you already have an inhaler or nebulizer at home, then everything is very simple: you pour the medicinal solution into the reservoir and inhale. However, it often happens that there is no such device at home. In such a situation, take any deep container, a saucepan into which you can pour hot water. You can add medicinal infusion, essential oil, soda or salt to the water.

The patient leans over the container, covers his head with a thick towel or scarf and inhales the steam. It is important not to burn yourself: to do this, you need to keep a distance between the hot solution and your face. It is especially important to carefully follow safety rules when it comes to children and the elderly.

During the procedure, it is advisable to close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply. If you feel discomfort, you can lift the towel and inhale clean air, then continue the treatment again.

What inhalations should be done for dry cough?

In case of dry cough, a certain sequence of inhalation procedures, which is desirable to adhere to, serves as a guarantee of a quick recovery. The dosage and frequency of use are determined by the attending physician: knowing the exact diagnosis, he will take into account the characteristics of the disease, its duration and other characteristics.

The sequence of inhalation administration consists of the following stages:

1. Use of agents that expand the bronchial lumen.
2. After half an hour, use mucus thinning agents.
3. After another half hour, use antiseptics.
4. Immediately after antiseptics, you need to use an anti-inflammatory agent.
5. After completing the course of all procedures, inhalation of agents that increase immune protection is used.

Inhalation preparations for dry cough

The most commonly used medications for dry cough that can be administered by inhalation are:

• Bronchodilators that increase the lumen of the airways (Berodual, Ventolin, Atrovent, Berotek).
• Mucolytic agents that eliminate the viscosity of sputum and promote its removal from the respiratory system (Acetylcysteine, Mucaltin, Ambrobene, Pertussin, Lazolvan, Bronchipret).
• Anti-inflammatory drugs that act directly on the site of inflammation (Budesonide, Rotokan, Pulmicort, Tonsilgon, propolis or calendula tincture).
• Antitussives (Lidocaine, Tussamag).
• Antiseptics, bactericidal agents (Dioxidine, Chlorophyllipt, Furacilin).
• Antibacterial agents (Gentamicin, Fluimucil, Isoniazid).
• Agents that stimulate the immune system (interferons).
• Agents that soften and moisturize the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract (isotonic sodium chloride solution - saline solution, alkaline mineral water, soda solution).

Bronchodilators are used for all types of cough: these medications relieve spasms and expand the airways, facilitating breathing and the movement of sputum.

If you are bothered by a painful dry cough, it is recommended to use moisturizing liquids for a couple of days, and only then - mucolytics, antiseptics and antibiotics (if necessary). After high-quality evacuation of sputum begins, they begin to use anti-inflammatory drugs.

Inhalations are carried out until the cough stops completely. If the disease is protracted and the cough has been bothering for several weeks, then anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating components are added to the inhalations.

• Berodual is a drug based on ipratropium bromide and fenoterol hydrobromide. This is a ready-made inhalation solution that is used for airway obstruction, asthma, bronchitis. Berodual is often used against the background of anti-inflammatory treatment.
• Ambrobene is a drug based on ambroxol (mucolytic). It is used as a secretolytic for acute and chronic diseases of the bronchi and lungs.
• Lazolvan inhalations for dry cough have a mucolytic effect: they restore and enhance bronchial secretion and weaken the removal of mucus. Inhalations are carried out 1-2 procedures for 2 ml of solution daily. As a rule, the patient's condition after such inhalations normalizes within 4-5 days.
• Dekasan is used for dry cough in the form of inhalations as an antiseptic and disinfectant. As a rule, inhalations are carried out at 5-10 ml up to two times a day. The active component of the drug is decamethoxin.

Inhalations with saline solution for dry cough

Inhalation of saline solution - or isotonic sodium chloride solution - is most often practiced at home. Saline solution is affordable and can be purchased at any pharmacy. In addition, this solution perfectly moisturizes the bronchi, relieves signs of inflammation, softens and promotes the evacuation of mucus, and softens dry, stabbing cough.

A saline solution prepared at home is not suitable for inhalation: it must be purchased at a pharmacy, where it will be sterile. The saline solution is introduced into the respiratory organs using a nebulizer. Steam inhalations with this solution will not bring any effect.

The procedures are repeated every 3.5 hours until the patient’s condition improves.

Inhalation solution for dry cough

What other solutions can be used for inhalation for dry cough?

• Pharmacy cough mixtures, herbal remedies, extracts of anise, licorice or marshmallow root, thermopsis. Three or four milliliters of solution are required for one inhalation.
• Alcohol tinctures with calendula, chamomile, and yarrow extracts. For inhalation, 4 ml of solution is required, which is obtained after diluting 1 ml of tincture in 40 ml of saline. Frequency of administration: three procedures daily.
• Propolis tincture, honey solution. For inhalation, three milliliters of solution are required, which is obtained by mixing 1 ml of tincture or honey and 20 ml of physiological solution. Three procedures are carried out daily.
• Chlorophyllipt 1%, dilute one milliliter in 10 ml of physiological solution. Three milliliters of the resulting solution are used for the procedure.

Inhalations with soda for dry cough

Soda is a very relevant component for inhalations in acute or chronic bronchitis. Soda quickly and efficiently softens and removes mucus that has been retained in the bronchi.

To perform soda inhalation, you need to prepare a solution: take 1 tsp of soda powder and 1 liter of hot water, pour into a deep container. The patient covers himself with a towel and leans over the hot solution, inhaling the resulting vapors for 15 minutes. Do 3-4 procedures daily.

Inhalations with potatoes for dry cough

To perform a popular inhalation with potatoes, take 5-6 medium potatoes, wash them, boil them until done together with the skin. Drain the water, mash the potatoes, wrap the pot with a blanket (so that it cools down more slowly). Then the patient leans over the pot, covers his head with a thick towel or blanket and inhales the steam from the potatoes.

The standard procedure lasts 10-15 minutes. The frequency of the procedure is 2-4 times daily, depending on the indications.

You can add salt, essential oil or soda to the potatoes.

Pulmicort for inhalation for dry cough

The active ingredient in Pulmicort is budesonide inhalation suspension, which is produced for children (0.25 mg per ml) and for adults (0.5 mg per ml).

Pulmicort is effective in asthma attacks, acute and chronic respiratory pathologies, the treatment of which requires hormonal agents. Pulmicort has an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect.

For one procedure, if it is carried out on an adult patient, one milligram of the drug is enough, up to three times a day. Children from 6 months to 12 years of age are given 0.25 mg, up to three times a day.

Pulmicort is not intended for use in ultrasonic inhalers.

The product can be used undiluted or diluted with saline solution to a volume of 2 ml.

Inhalation of mineral water for dry cough

Procedures using mineral water are a good remedy for treating bronchitis, bronchiolitis and the final stages of pneumonia. Such simple procedures help moisturize the superficial mucous tissues, dissolve mucus, and remove phlegm even from the most distant and smallest bronchioles.

Inhalations of mineral water for dry cough involve the use of alkaline waters, which include Borjomi, Nabeglavi, Polyana Kvasova, Polyana Kupel, Narzan, Essentuki, etc. Four milliliters of water are enough for one inhalation. Three to four procedures are repeated daily.

Essentuki water for dry cough is inhaled every day using a nebulizer. Two types of such water are most suitable for the procedure - Essentuki No. 17 and No. 4. Still water is poured into the reservoir and the steam is inhaled for 4-8 minutes. If the procedure is carried out on a baby, the duration is reduced by half.

Borjomi inhalations for dry cough are carried out in approximately the same way: the gas is released from the bottle beforehand, water is poured into the nebulizer. The procedure should last no more than 15 minutes, and no more often than once every 1-1.5 hours.

Inhalation of oils for dry cough

For inhalation procedures for dry cough, you can use eucalyptus, pine, peach, mint, sea buckthorn, and almond oils.

The selected oil is dripped in the amount of two to three drops per 200 ml of water brought to a boil, then the resulting steam is inhaled.

Oils are ideal for relieving dry coughs: they naturally soften the mucous membrane and stop further development of the inflammatory process.

Inhalation for dry cough with an asterisk

Inhalations using the well-known “Vietnamese star” balm are a very effective remedy for treating coughs and sore throats.

For the procedure you will need: a cup, a cardboard or paper cone (its wide part should completely cover the cup), a lid, a star, a match and hot water.

A little balm is put on a match, hot water is poured into the cup, simultaneously washing the balm off the match, and the lid is closed. The patient takes the narrow part of the funnel into his mouth and covers the cup with the wide part, takes a breath (if possible, several breaths), exhaling outside the funnel.

The procedure is performed up to 4 times a day.

Inhalations with eucalyptus for dry cough

Eucalyptus and herbal preparations based on it are often used to treat inflammatory processes of the respiratory system. But there are also contraindications: eucalyptus is not suitable for patients prone to allergies, as well as for bronchial asthma and bronchial spasms.

For a dry cough, three milliliters of solution will be enough for one procedure. Inhalations are repeated three times a day.

To prepare the solution, use 15 drops of the herbal preparation, which are diluted in 200 ml of isotonic sodium chloride solution.

Alkaline inhalations for dry cough

In case of uncomplicated mild respiratory pathology, when there is no need to use strong drugs and antibiotics, alkaline inhalations can be recommended.

Inhalation recipes for dry cough can be different: you can use regular saline solution or mineral water (without gas). Such treatment helps to quickly moisturize the respiratory tract and prevent mechanical irritation caused by dry mucous membranes.

If the disease is complex or long-standing, then alkaline inhalations alone will not suffice: you need to use medications prescribed by a doctor. Such medications may include Ambroxol, Ambroxol, Lazolvan or Fluimucil.

It is important to achieve high-quality expectoration: the respiratory organs must clear themselves of secretions and mucus.

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Inhalations with chamomile for dry cough

The use of chamomile flowers is welcomed in acute inflammatory processes in the respiratory system. Chamomile decoction can be combined with calendula and yarrow infusions.

For one inhalation you will need 4 ml of the solution, which is obtained by mixing one milliliter of the decoction with 40 ml of physiological solution. It is recommended to carry out three procedures daily.

To prepare a classic chamomile infusion, take 2 heaped teaspoons of dry raw material, pour 200 ml of boiling water and leave under a lid for at least half an hour. After filtering, the infusion can be used.

Steam inhalation for dry cough

Steam treatments to eliminate dry cough are done using a solution of soda, salt, as well as infusions of medicinal plants or essential oils. A little salt or soda is added to the inhalation liquid (at the rate of 1 teaspoon per 1000 ml of water), or only herbal infusion is poured in.

It is permissible to add a few drops of essential oils (approximately one drop per 100 ml).

Among the plants, chamomile, lingonberry, linden, and mint deserve special attention for dry cough.

Among the oils, eucalyptus, pine, sea buckthorn, etc. are especially popular.

Steam inhalation is carried out for 8-12 minutes.

Inhalations with herbs for dry cough

To eliminate dry cough, chamomile flowers, sage leaves, St. John's wort, calendula, raspberry leaves and shoots, wild rosemary, mint leaves and coltsfoot, eucalyptus, oregano, pine buds, and juniper are used for inhalation.

The listed plants relieve inflammation well, improve expectoration, improve the formation and removal of sputum, and inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

To perform the procedure, dry plants are poured with boiling water, infused for thirty minutes and poured into a wide container. Then the patient covers himself with a towel, leans over the container and breathes in the vapors of the infusion for about 15 minutes.

There is another way: pour the infusion into a teapot, insert a paper funnel into its spout and inhale the steam through it.

You should breathe carefully to avoid getting burned by the hot steam.

Inhalations for dry cough with a nebulizer

Inhalation is a very effective procedure that is ideal for eliminating dry cough, including in children. Inhalations often complement the main treatment, which allows to significantly speed up recovery. The medicinal components that are part of the inhalation solutions help sputum to be released, soften the cough, and reduce the duration of the disease.

Inhalations have long been recognized by doctors as a safe and effective way to treat cough. This is especially important in pediatrics, because inhalations are an excellent replacement for many tablets, capsules and even injections, which can cause a whole list of side effects.

In the absence of contraindications, in childhood, inhalations are best performed using a nebulizer. Medicines in the form of steam reach the most remote areas of the respiratory system, which directly affects the quality and effectiveness of treatment.

Inhalations for dry cough with a nebulizer for children

For children, different types of nebulizers can be used, for example:

• The ultrasound device is compact and does not make noise during operation. It is ideal for use with small children, but it cannot be used for inhalation administration of antibiotics and hormonal agents.
• The compression device is large and noisy during operation, but it effectively sprays medicinal solutions, which allows you to cure even the most advanced pulmonary processes.

When choosing an inhaler, you need to consider the age of the baby and the characteristics of his illness. It is preferable to choose a device that produces particles no larger than 10 microns.

Inhalations for dry cough are performed daily for 5-10 minutes. If your baby cannot withstand the procedure for a long time, do not force him - let him inhale as much as he can. It is better to repeat the procedure again after a while.

Inhalations for dry cough in pregnant women

Inhalations are not prohibited during pregnancy. However, if you are going to add medications to the water, they must be approved for pregnant women and approved by your doctor.

During pregnancy, it is preferable to use a nebulizer rather than steam inhalation. The following inhalation solutions are allowed:

• alkaline mineral waters;
• isotonic sodium chloride solution;
• saline solution;
• soda solution (iodine should not be added);
• expectorant Lazolvan;
• decoctions of linden blossom, thyme leaves, plantain;
• decoctions of lingonberry leaves, succession;
• honey solution.

Decoctions of medicinal herbs are used only for steam procedures. You can also use such an old folk remedy as inhaling the steam of boiled potatoes. To do this, cover yourself with a towel and inhale the steam that forms above the tubers.

Contraindications to the procedure

Inhalations for cough are physiotherapeutic methods and have their own list of contraindications. If there is at least one contraindication, you will have to abandon the idea of inhalation:

• cerebral circulatory disorder;
• severe heart failure;
• hypertension;
• myocardial ischemia;
• pulmonary edema;
• nosebleeds;
• hypersensitivity to the entry of vaporous substances into the respiratory tract;
• allergy to the drug required for inhalation.

Steam inhalations are not performed on children under one year of age, but modern nebulizers can be used to treat even newborns. However, it is forbidden to use aerosols and sprays on children under two years of age, as they can lead to the development of reflex laryngospasm.

It is also not recommended to do inhalations at high temperatures – above 37.5°C.

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Consequences after the procedure

The use of a nebulizer rarely leads to any adverse effects. Such inhalations are usually well tolerated even by small children. Rarely after the first procedure, a sore throat, dry cough and difficulty breathing may be observed. All these are temporary symptoms, since sometimes inhalations cause some increase in symptoms. Then relief and recovery will follow.

A dry cough after inhalation may also be caused by an allergy to the drug used for the procedure. In this case, you should consult a doctor and undergo treatment with antihistamines.

Other unpleasant consequences arise if the patient self-medicates and "prescribes" inhalation medications for himself. Such carelessness can lead to the development of allergies, the transition of bronchitis to a chronic form, the aggravation of the process and the development of pneumonia. Therefore, the recommendation to see a doctor is not just words. It is a way to prevent unfavorable health complications and consequences.

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Complications after the procedure

Complications after inhalations may arise if the patient does not take into account the presence of contraindications to the procedure, as well as if the session is carried out carelessly.

So, complications may include:

• increase in body temperature;
• nosebleed;
• heart rhythm disturbances;
• allergic reactions;
• steam burns, respiratory tract burns;
• bronchospasm.

In order to prevent complications from developing, you should not self-medicate. Even such a seemingly popular method of treatment as inhalation should be prescribed by a doctor.

Care after the procedure

After inhalation, special care is usually not required. But there are a number of rules that must be followed after the procedure.

• You should not eat food until at least an hour and a half after the procedure.
• After the procedure, it is not advisable to breathe through the mouth, talk, make sudden and intense movements, or go outside.
• It is great if after the procedure the patient covers himself with a blanket and sweats. Therefore, it is recommended to do inhalations at night.
• If it is not possible to lie down under a blanket after the procedure, then it is necessary, at the very least, to wrap your chest and neck with a warm scarf, shawl, or blanket.

If the inhalation was carried out with a nebulizer, then it is necessary to thoroughly rinse its reservoir from the medicinal solution, and also wash and dry all removable parts. The mask is additionally treated with a disinfectant - for example, an alcohol solution.

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Reviews

If you believe the reviews about inhalations - and they are usually only positive, then the greatest therapeutic effect for dry cough is provided by ordinary saline solution and mineral water. These products are available, safe and effective. In addition to them, a good and quick therapeutic effect can be achieved by using infusions of sage, calendula, chamomile flowers, propolis.

It is recommended to add to the inhaler only those medications that have been prescribed by the doctor.

You can enhance the effect by adding a little essential oil to the inhalation solution: this should be done carefully, as many ethers cause allergic reactions. It is not advisable to use essential oils for treating children.

It is also important to remember that inhalations for dry cough are not the main treatment method. They are only a type of physiotherapy that creates favorable conditions for other types of treatment: for example, for oral medication. Therefore, you should not rely only on inhalations and treat the cough on your own, without the participation of a doctor.