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Preparations for inhalation for runny nose

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Above we looked at inhalation treatment of a runny nose with folk medicine recipes and aromatic oils. But what can official medicine offer in this regard? What inhalation medications for a runny nose are usually prescribed by therapists and pediatricians?

First, let's pay attention to those drugs whose composition is close to the recipes of folk treatment, which many consider safer than therapy with synthetic drugs. This opinion has become entrenched in people, even despite the fact that during inhalation treatment, the absorption of the latter is minimal, which means that the risk of developing side effects and negative impact on the body is small. In addition, natural and herbal drugs are considered more preferable for the treatment of children and pregnant women.

Saline solution

A physiological solution is a 9% sodium chloride solution. In essence, it is a saline solution with an optimal concentration based on purified water. In case of a runny nose, its effect will be identical to the effect of a homemade salt solution, but at the same time, the inhalation solution will not contain unnecessary additives present in tap water.

For inhalations for a runny nose, sodium chloride solution is used in pure form (undiluted), as well as with the addition of essential oils, "silver water", known for its antibacterial properties, or other components. In principle, saline solution can be considered as a basis for the preparation of various solutions for inhalations.

What is the benefit of saline solution? This composition, due to the content of water and salt, helps to effectively moisturize the nasal mucosa, preventing drying and crust formation, relieves swelling of the mucosa, stops inflammation and reduces the amount of secreted inflammatory exudate, prevents the development of complications of the common cold.

Saline solution is a liquid that is safe for the skin and mucous membranes and does not cause tissue irritation. The concentration of salt in it corresponds to its content in human blood, therefore, inhalations with saline solution do not cause swelling, irritation, or drying of the nasal mucosa, which are observed during procedures with plain water or a more concentrated saline solution. The safety of the product allows it to be used to treat children and pregnant women.

You can use saline solution for inhalation regardless of the type of procedure. It is suitable for treatment over a saucepan. And for use in various inhalers. However, steam inhalations (a saucepan, a teapot or a steam inhaler) have a greater effect, which ensures complete settling of the substance particles on the nasal mucosa.

By the way, it is not necessary to buy a physiological solution for inhalation for a runny nose at the pharmacy. It can be prepared at home by taking 1 teaspoon of salt per 1 liter of water and carefully stirring the resulting mixture. In this case, it is better to take purified water, without foreign impurities. You can also take slightly alkaline mineral water as a base for a homemade saline solution.

Some authors recommend using ready-made saline solutions for inhalations, purchased at pharmacies (Salin, Aquamaris, etc.). But how justified is such treatment? A bottle of solution with a nozzle for rinsing the nose, despite its small size, has a fairly high price. It is easier to prepare a 95-proof saline solution for inhalations based on purified water, using calcined or sea salt, and use the above-described medications as directed.

Inhalations with Kalanchoe juice, which should be added to the prepared saline solution, are more effective. The juice of this indoor plant has a good local irritant and anti-inflammatory effect. In its pure form, it quickly causes sneezing, which helps remove mucus from the nasal passages. To reduce irritation of the mucous membrane during inhalations, Kalanchoe juice is used in combination with a sodium chloride solution.

Juice for inhalation for a runny nose using a nebulizer can be squeezed out independently and 3-5 drops can be added to 4 ml of saline solution. If you do not have this useful plant with anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties at home, Kalanchoe juice can be purchased at a pharmacy.

The pharmaceutical preparation for inhalation is recommended to be diluted as follows: one ampoule of the preparation, containing 5 ml of juice, is diluted with a 9% solution of sodium chloride in a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2. For one inhalation, take 4-5 ml of the finished composition. The remaining solution is stored tightly sealed in the refrigerator, warming up to a temperature of no more than 37 degrees before use.

Balm "Zvezdochka"

Perhaps now not many people know about the existence of such a medicine, which in Soviet times was considered a first aid drug for colds and headaches. A penny remedy based on medicinal herbs quickly dealt with the first signs of colds, noticeably easing the patient's well-being.

If you carefully read the instructions for the drug, you can see that runny nose and headaches are only a small part of the indications for which this effective remedy can be used. But we will discuss this issue next time, and now let's talk about treating a runny nose.

Not everyone knows, but despite the emergence of many effective modern drugs similar in indications to "Zvezdochka", the balm is still being produced. This means that it can be purchased at a pharmacy. The composition of the medicine includes camphor, menthol, cinnamon, clove, mint and eucalyptus oils, which provide the drug with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action.

The drug is available in the form of an ointment (the most popular form), a paste, and a solution. For a runny nose, the ointment "Zvezdochka" is most often used, lubricating the wings of the nose with it, inhaling the vapors from an open jar when the nose is stuffy, or using it for steam inhalation procedures.

Inhalations with "Zvezdochka" are carried out as follows: for 1 liter of hot water take a small pea of ointment, no more than 1 g, and, covering the head with a towel, inhale the medicinal vapors through the nose. The inhalation procedure is carried out for 10 minutes.

Despite the natural composition of the balm, you need to be careful with it. The camphor content limits the use of the product in children under 3 years of age and pregnant women.

"Sinupret"

This is an effective herbal remedy for colds. For inhalations, you should take not tablets, but a homeopathic solution (drops) with this name, which contains gentian roots, elder and primrose flowers, sorrel and verbena grass. The active ingredients of the drug facilitate the discharge of mucous secretions from the nasal passages, relieve inflammation and swelling of the nasal mucosa, and help fight bacteria and viruses. It can be used for inhalations for a runny nose (ARI, flu, sinusitis, sinusitis) and cough.

Most often, the drug is used for inhalation in nebulizers, diluting it with saline. Since Sinupret is considered an officially registered drug, but its instructions do not contain dosage instructions for inhalation treatment, the issue of proportions should be discussed with the attending physician.

Most often, therapists recommend sticking to a 1:1 ratio, i.e. taking Sinupret and saline in equal quantities. Pediatricians recommend inhalations for children over 6 years old with a composition containing 1 part of the drug and 2 parts of saline. And for children under 6 years old, 3 parts of saline are taken for 1 part of the medicine.

Inhalations with Sinupret are recommended to be performed three times a day. Usually 3 procedures are enough for the patient to sleep normally at night, giving up vasoconstrictor nasal drops.

As for restrictions on the use of the drug, it is not recommended for children under 2 years of age and people with increased sensitivity to its components. Other contraindications to the drug (oral administration) are: diabetes, alcoholism, head injuries, epilepsy, liver failure. In these pathologies, the possibility of using the drug should be discussed with a doctor. Pregnant women should do the same.

Side effects described in the instructions for the drug (headaches, dizziness, convulsions, visual disturbances, respiratory disorders and digestive system problems) occur very rarely with inhalation treatment.

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"Rotokan"

This is another herbal remedy that is effective for runny nose and colds. Usually, the drug is prescribed for internal use or for gargling a sore throat. But "Rotokan" can be used for runny nose and inhalation. For such procedures, which use herbal compositions, a nebulizer is well suited, preferably a compressor type.

Like the previous drug, Rotokan is a water-alcohol infusion of herbs. It contains extracts of yarrow, chamomile and calendula. Chamomile provides the drug with a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, and calendula and yarrow help fight pathogens, while facilitating the discharge of sputum from the nasal passages.

Despite the fact that the instructions for the drug do not contain information about its use in inhalation procedures, doctors agree that it is the inhalation administration of the drug for coughs and runny noses that has the greatest effectiveness and quick results.

Before inhalation, Rotokan, like Sinupret, is diluted with saline, but the dosages are slightly different. Adult patients, pregnant women and children are recommended to dilute the medicine with saline in a ratio of 1:4. The procedure can be performed 2 to 3 times a day.

For children under two years of age, inhalations with Rotokan should be performed by qualified medical personnel who can prevent bronchospasm, the likelihood of which is significantly higher in young children.

Contraindications to the procedure include hypersensitivity to the components of the drug and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. In this case, there is a high probability of developing allergic reactions of varying severity.

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Calendula alcohol tincture

This is also a pharmaceutical preparation that can be used in inhalation procedures. Calendula has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect, useful for runny nose caused by bacteria and viruses. True, the alcohol composition will have to be diluted much more strongly (for 40 drops of saline, take 1 drop of the preparation).

In acute conditions, inhalations should be carried out using a nebulizer at least 3 times a day.

Propolis tincture

A pharmaceutical preparation, the use of which is indicated for acute inflammatory pathologies of the upper and lower respiratory tract. The tincture is both an antibacterial and a regenerating agent for the nasal mucosa. The tincture is diluted with saline in a ratio of 1:20, i.e. 1 drop of the preparation is taken for 20 drops of saline.

Inhalations with pharmacy tincture of propolis are carried out 3 times a day. Such treatment is not prescribed to people with allergies to bee products. Children should be treated in this way with extreme caution.

"Chlorophyllipt"

This popular antiseptic based on eucalyptus leaf extract in the form of an oil and alcohol solution, as well as spray and tablets, is often prescribed by doctors for throat and nose diseases. And this is not surprising if you remember the beneficial properties of eucalyptus, making it the number one remedy for the treatment and prevention of colds, especially those caused by staphylococcal infection. At the same time, the remedy is suitable for the treatment of acute and chronic pathologies.

Liquid antiseptic, in addition to gargling and washing the nose, can be used for inhalation procedures. Nebulizers mainly use an alcohol solution, because not all devices are capable of spraying oil particles.

Any type of solution is suitable for steam procedures. Such a procedure lasting up to 2 minutes is recommended as an allergy test. For steam inhalation for a runny nose, take 5 ml of liquid antiseptic per glass of hot water.

The inhaler should be filled with an alcohol solution diluted 1:10 with saline. The volume of the inhalation solution for one procedure is usually 3-4 ml. We carry out the procedure for 10 minutes (inhalations for children take 5 minutes, so we take less of the ready-made solution) several times a day.

Inhalations are not performed only in case of hypersensitivity to eucalyptus chlorophylls. Particular caution is observed when treating children and pregnant women.

Another herbal preparation that doctors may prescribe for a runny nose complicated by a bacterial or viral infection is called "Ciprosept". This medicine, based on grapefruit seeds, combines the properties of an antiseptic, antibiotic, antifungal drug and immunostimulant. It is especially effective at the initial stage of the disease.

The drug is available in bottles with a dispenser, which helps to carry out inhalations. In a nebulizer, the drug is used as a solution together with sodium chloride, adding 2-3 drops of the drug to 3-4 ml of saline. Inhalations are carried out 3 times a day. Additionally, you can rinse your nose with the solution from the bottle.

The drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is approved for use in children if it does not cause allergic reactions in the child.

Before the first use of any herbal preparations, it is recommended to conduct an allergy test to avoid the occurrence of allergic reactions during and after the procedure, since some of them may even pose a danger to the patient's life.

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Synthetic medicines for inhalation for runny nose

Although herbal preparations and saline solution are effective remedies for a runny nose, doctors do not always consider their effect sufficient, so the prescriptions may also include synthetic drugs from the category of mucolytics, antiseptics and antibiotics.

So, with severe nasal congestion, which significantly complicates nasal breathing and prevents the removal of mucus from the nasal passages, inhalations with vasoconstrictors and mucolytics are indicated. The former will relieve swelling of the nasopharynx, and the latter will make the mucus less viscous, so that it is easier to blow out.

Naphthyzinum is most often used as a vasoconstrictor, but other nasal drops may also be prescribed. These drugs can be instilled into the nasal passages 1-2 drops at a time or used for inhalation, which implies deeper penetration of the drug into the respiratory tract.

Let's consider an example of inhalations with vasoconstrictor drugs using "Naphthyzinum" as an example. For use in inhalers, the drug is diluted in equal quantities with saline. Inhalations for a runny nose are carried out for 3 minutes. A two-minute procedure is enough for children. The frequency of inhalations should not exceed 3 times a day.

The use of such drugs requires strict dosages and frequency of procedures. The use of vasoconstrictor drugs in the form of inhalations is possible only as prescribed by a doctor.

Now let's move on to drugs that can be used in inhalation procedures as a mucolytic, facilitating the discharge of snot. Such procedures will be needed for severe forms of rhinitis and gatoritis.

"Lazolvan" and "Ambrobene" are two fairly well-known drugs that we are accustomed to using in the treatment of unproductive cough, when the discharge of morkora is obstructed due to its increased viscosity. Not many people know that these same drugs based on ambroxol (a mucolytic with a strong and fast effect) can be used to treat a runny nose with thick snot and sinusitis. In this case, the drugs are used by inhalation in nebulizers. Such inhalations allow patients to breathe normally through the nose and prevent congestion.

The above preparations are diluted with saline in a 1:1 ratio. Only the amount of solution required for inhalation at different age periods differs. For children under two and a half years old, 2 ml of the inhalation composition is enough, older children will need to take 3-4 ml of the ready-made solution, adults can be prescribed 5-6 ml.

Inhalations are carried out twice a day. The prepared inhalation solution should have a temperature of approximately 37 degrees. The duration of the procedures for children is no more than 3 minutes, adults can breathe in the medicinal solution for about 5 minutes. Treatment continues for 3-6 days.

Ambroxol-based preparations have few contraindications. Inhalations are not prescribed in case of hypersensitivity to the preparation. Expectant and nursing mothers should consult a doctor about the safety of such procedures.

To facilitate the discharge of mucus from the nasal mucosa, such a popular mucolytic as Fluimucil can also be used. The main indications for the use of the drug are pathologies characterized by difficult discharge of sputum from the bronchi and lungs. However, the official instructions also indicate sinusitis, sinusitis, otitis, i.e. pathologies of the ENT organs, in which there is a risk of congestion.

Inhalations with Fluimucil are rarely prescribed for common colds in adults. However, in case of complications in small children who cannot blow their noses well yet, the drug will bring real benefits, making it easier for parents to remove mucus from the child's nose.

The drug is available in ampoules. Each ampoule contains 3 ml of ready-made solution for inhalation. For 1 procedure, you will need to take from 1 to 3 ampoules. If a compressor nebulizer is used, which is more effective for treating a runny nose, since it produces larger particles, usually 6 ml of solution is taken.

The number of inhalations per day typically ranges from 2 to 4. The duration of the procedure is from 10 to 20 minutes.

In pharmacies you can also find a drug with a similar name, which is directly intended for the treatment of rhinitis. It is called "Rinofluimucil". Like "Fluimucil", it has the active substance acetylcysteine. But the action of the mucolytic in the drug "Rinofluimucil" is enhanced by the vasoconstrictor component tuaminoheptane, which reduces swelling and redness of the nasal mucosa, facilitates nasal breathing.

The drug is available in a bottle with a spray, which is very convenient for inhalations prescribed for various forms of rhinitis, sinusitis and sinusitis, accompanied by the release of thick mucous secretion from the nose. For children, 1 dose of the drug is enough for inhalation, adults are prescribed 2 doses in each nostril. The procedures should be carried out 3 or 4 times a day. The course of treatment should not exceed 7 days, otherwise there is a risk of developing drug-induced rhinitis.

Inhalations of the drug can also be carried out using a nebulizer, which ensures the penetration of drug particles to a depth inaccessible with conventional spraying in the nasal cavity, which is especially important for sinusitis. One dose of the drug contains 1 ml of medicinal solution. For inhalations in a nebulizer, another 3 ml of saline solution must be added to this amount of drug. Inhalations using a nebulizer are sufficient to be carried out twice a day.

According to the manufacturer's instructions, the drug "Rinofluimucil" can be used for inhalation treatment of rhinitis in patients over 3 years of age. Studies of the drug's effect on the body of younger children have not been conducted.

Sometimes, for the treatment of a runny nose, doctors prescribe another drug, which is usually used for inhalations in case of severe cough and obstructive bronchitis. We are talking about the drug "Berodual", which combines the action of antispasmodics and mucolytics. It is clear that such a drug can be prescribed only in case of a complicated course of the disease with a difficult cough and nasal congestion, which carry the risk of hypoxia.

Inhalations are carried out using a nebulizer, as in the case of cough treatment, but you need to breathe through your nose. Like the above-described products, it is pre-diluted with saline in a volume of 3-4 ml. The dosage of the drug itself should be prescribed by the attending physician, usually 1-2.5 ml. The children's dose is calculated from the ratio of 1 drop for every 2 kg of the baby's weight.

Inhalation procedures are carried out no more than 4 times a day for 3-7 days. The duration of the procedure usually does not exceed 5 minutes. The medicinal solution is not used again; the composition is prepared immediately before the procedure.

In case of severe inflammation in the nasal passages, inhalations with the hormonal drug " Pulmicort " based on the glucocorticosteroid budesonide may be prescribed. The drug relieves spasms of the muscles of the upper and lower respiratory tract, effectively combats inflammation and swelling of the nasal mucosa, and reduces the production of mucous secretion. In childhood, it is used at 6 months in acute respiratory pathologies.

"Pulmicor" is most often prescribed to adult patients for allergic and vasomotor rhinitis.

For inhalations, it is most convenient to buy Pulmicort not in powder, but in nebulas containing a ready-made solution. Doctors recommend additionally diluting this solution with saline. For 1-2 ml of Pulmicort, 2 ml of saline are usually added.

Inhalation is carried out for 5-10 minutes 2-4 times a day. The duration of treatment is determined by the attending physician. It is better not to use "Pulmcort" in ultrasound devices that disrupt the structure of the drug.

Since a runny nose usually occurs against the background of viral and bacterial infections, there is a need for effective cleansing of the mucous membrane from pathogens, which is possible with the help of antiseptics. The same substances are used to prevent the development of a secondary infection in allergic rhinitis, because an allergy indicates a malfunction of the immune system, and against this background, even opportunistic microorganisms, which are almost always present in the body, can actively multiply and support the inflammatory process.

Most often, Miramistin is used in inhalation procedures. This relatively safe antiseptic with a minimum of contraindications and side effects is used to combat fungal, viral and bacterial infections.

Doctors prescribe inhalations with Miramistin for rhinitis and sinusitis, as well as for severe runny nose caused by viruses that have entered the respiratory system. The antiseptic is not an antiviral agent, but it prevents the addition of bacterial and fungal infections.

The drug is usually used to rinse the nose. And many doctors consider this treatment more effective than inhalations, because hot water destroys the structure of the drug, and nebulizers do not allow particles to settle on the nasal mucosa, pushing them into the lower respiratory tract.

Other doctors say that you just need to choose the right nebulizer, which will break the composition into particles larger than 5 microns. They advise inhaling with an undiluted solution or a composition consisting of half saline. One procedure requires from 1 to 3 ml of the prepared solution.

Inhalations are carried out with a composition at room temperature for 5-10 minutes 2 to 3 times a day.

The possibility of inhalation with Miramistin for children under 1 year of age should be discussed with a pediatrician. For older children, inhalation is carried out for 5 minutes, pouring 1-2 ml of solution into the nebulizer.

Another popular antiseptic with a pronounced antimicrobial effect that can be used for inhalations for infectious and inflammatory diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract is Furacilin. For steam inhalations, tablets are used, dissolving them in hot water and cooling the liquid to the desired temperature (1 tablet per 1 glass of water). Inhalations in a nebulizer are carried out with an undiluted ready-made 0.02% aqueous solution of Furacilin.

An aqueous solution for a nebulizer can be prepared independently by dissolving a tablet or the contents of a capsule with an antiseptic in 80-100 ml of saline or distilled water. The solution is mixed well and infused until the drug is completely dissolved, after which it is additionally filtered through gauze folded in several layers.

Inhalations are carried out 2-3 times a day for 10-15 minutes. If after 5 days there is no relief, you should think about changing the medicine. "It is not advisable to use Furacilin for a long time, because there is a risk of developing neuritis and disruption of the microflora in the nasopharynx.

If the mucus accumulating in the nose is thick and greenish or yellow-green, then it is a bacterial infection. To combat it, both antiseptics and antibiotics can be prescribed. The latter are usually used for complicated pathologies and sinusitis.

Fluimucil-IT can be used as an effective antibiotic for inhalation. Unlike the mucolytic Fluimucil, this drug contains 2 components: acetylcysteine (the active ingredient of Fluimucil) and the antibiotic thiamphenicol, which inhibits the growth of most bacteria that can cause inflammation in the nasal passages and paranasal sinuses.

The drug is available in vials with powder, which are accompanied by an ampoule of water for injection. The contents of the vial and ampoule are combined, shaken thoroughly and poured into a nebulizer. If necessary, a quarter of the water for injection is replaced with saline. The finished solution should have a temperature of about 20 degrees, it cannot be heated any more, nor should it be kept in the open air for a long time.

For 1 procedure for an adult, half of the prepared dose is enough, and for a child, ¼ of the dose is enough, so it is better to mix the drugs in a sealed container, pouring water for injections with a syringe into a hermetically sealed bottle with powder, removing only the metal shell from the lid. The remaining solution should be stored in the refrigerator, warming up to room temperature before the procedure.

Usually doctors prescribe 1 or 2 inhalation procedures per day, but in severe cases even 3-4 procedures may be required, which is permissible with the permission of the doctor.

Another antibiotic that is often prescribed for infectious and inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs with the release of purulent sputum is "Dioxidine". The drug has a wide range of antimicrobial activity, covering almost all pathogens of inflammatory pathologies of the respiratory system, so it is used when a bacterial infection is suspected.

In case of a runny nose, the drug is used for instillation and rinsing of nasal passages, as well as for inhalation in case of complicated course of the disease and sinusitis. The drug is one of the strongest, therefore it is prescribed in the absence of a good effect from the use of more gentle antibiotics. Such treatment is possible for patients over 2 years old (unofficially, because the instructions say that this drug is for adults), but it should be prescribed by the attending physician.

For inhalations, use a solution of the drug, which is prepared as follows: 1 ml of "Dioxidine 0.5%" is diluted with 2 ml of saline, to dilute a 1% solution of the antibiotic, take 4 ml of sodium chloride. This will help reduce the toxic effect of the drug when administered by inhalation.

Adults use 3-5 ml of the prepared solution for one inhalation in a nebulizer, for children 2 ml is enough. Inhalations with "Dioxidine" in children are best done under the supervision of a doctor.

The duration of antibiotic procedures should be increased gradually. The first sessions should last no more than 3 minutes, then you can inhale the drug vapors for 6-7 minutes. Procedures are usually performed once a day.

Inhalations with "Dioxidine" can be combined with such drugs as "Berodual" and hormonal agents ("Dexamethasone", "Hydrocortisone"). Glucocorticosteroids are taken in the amount of 0.5 ml per procedure, adding to the ready-made composition of saline and antibiotic. Such treatment will be effective in case of allergic nature of the disease complicated by bacterial infection.

However, treating allergic rhinitis with local remedies alone is useless. It is important to identify and remove the allergen that causes irritation and swelling of the mucous membrane, as well as to reduce the body's sensitivity to the effects of allergens, which is only possible by taking antihistamines (Tavegil, Diazolin, Loratadine, etc.).

But it is important to understand that inflammation and swelling of the nasal mucosa under the influence of an infectious factor is also a kind of allergic reaction, because in the case of pathogens and in the situation with allergens, we are talking about the reaction of the immune system to an irritant. This explains the fact that even with an infectious nature of the disease, doctors prescribe inhalations with mucolytics, antiseptics and antibiotics in parallel with Tavegil or another antihistamine.

Thus, "Tavegil" in tablets is prescribed 1 piece 2 times a day (morning and evening). For children over 6 years old, the doctor may prescribe ½-1 tablet twice a day. For children from 1 year to 6 years old, the drug can be prescribed in the form of intramuscular injections.

The drug is used in complex therapy of inflammatory pathologies of the upper respiratory tract, but not the lower respiratory tract. During pregnancy and lactation, other means should be selected to treat allergic reactions.

But let's return to our antibiotic. "Dioxidine" is a strong antibacterial drug that can have a toxic effect, so inhalations with it are not carried out in pregnant women and nursing mothers, people with severe kidney and liver pathologies. Special care must be taken when treating children.

The addition of a secondary infection may be a reason for prescribing inhalations with the drug "Isofra", which is less toxic than "Dioxidine", therefore it is officially approved for use in patients over 1 year old. The antibiotic is available as a spray. It can be used to irrigate the nasal passages, making only 1 spray in each nostril. But if the infection has crept deeper, it is better to resort to inhalations in a nebulizer.

In this case, you need to prepare 2-3 ml of saline and add the antibiotic there in the amount released during one injection. The duration of inhalation of the antibiotic can be from 5 to 10 minutes, the course of treatment is no more than 1 week. The frequency of the procedures is the same as for irrigation - 2-3 times a day.

The combined drug "Polydexa" has an identical use for inhalations. It is a combination of vasoconstrictor (phenylephrine), anti-inflammatory (corticosteroid dexamethasone) and antibacterial (neomycin and polymyxin) components. The drug is prescribed for acute and chronic rhinitis associated with bacterial infection, for nasal irrigation.

As in the case of Isofra, for use in a nebulizer, it is diluted with saline in the same proportions. Adults can inhale the drug up to 5 times a day, children are given the procedure three times a day. The course of treatment ranges from 5 to 10 days.

Inhalations with the drug "Polydexa" are not carried out if there is a suspicion of closed-angle glaucoma, proteinuria, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. They are also not indicated for children under 2 and a half years old, pregnant women and nursing mothers. If there is a suspicion of a viral nature of the disease, "Polydexa" is not prescribed.

If mixed microflora in the nose (bacteria and fungi) is suspected, inhalations for a runny nose with the drug "Bioparox" may be prescribed. The drug is available in a bottle with a nozzle that allows for inhalation treatment without the use of special equipment. The instructions recommend that adult patients administer 2 doses (2 presses on the cap of the nozzle) into each nostril, children - 1-2 doses. When administering the medicine, you need to inhale air deeply through the nose. In this case, the mouth and the second nostril should be closed.

The drug can cause laryngospasm in children under 2.5 years old, so it is not used to treat such children. It is also not suitable for patients who have increased sensitivity to the components of the drug.

Inhalation immunotherapy

A runny nose, especially a chronic one, like any other health problem, is a strong blow to the patient's immunity. It takes strength to fight the disease, and the longer this fight lasts, the less strength remains, the weaker the body's immune defense against bacteria and viruses becomes. That is why doctors recommend taking special drugs during illness - immunostimulants that maintain immunity at a high level. In this case, the body will try to defeat the disease itself, and the drugs prescribed by the doctor will only help it, accelerating the recovery process.

But we were talking about general immunity. But what about local immunity, the protective function of the skin and mucous membranes? Things are not the best. The mucous membrane becomes very inflamed during a long-term runny nose, changes occur in it that do not allow it to perform protective functions at the previous level, and the disease progresses.

How can local immunity be restored to make the fight against the disease more effective? Of course, by local application of immunostimulants as inhalation compounds. To increase local immunity, you can use the drugs "Interferon", "Derinat", "Laferobion", etc.

"Interferon" is a drug used to prevent and treat acute viral infections of the respiratory system. Its active substance is produced in the human body. It is interferon that helps fight viruses. If the immune system is weakened or requires help when a virus "attacks", interferon is prescribed in the form of a pharmacy drug.

It is believed that at the first signs of acute respiratory viral infections, flu and other viral diseases, inhalation treatment will be the most effective. The sprayed particles of the drug will settle along the entire mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and increase local immunity, preventing the introduction of the virus into the blood.

For inhalations in nebulizers, make a solution of 3 ampoules of dry interferon powder and 10 ml of purified water or saline (1 ampoule per 3 ml of water). The water must be preheated, but its temperature should not exceed body temperature (37 degrees). Inhalations should be carried out 2-3 times a day with an interval of at least 2 hours.

Such inhalations are considered effective in the first 3 days of the disease, while the pathogen is mainly on the mucous membrane of the nasal passages. In this case, the nebulizer should be selected so that the size of the particles sprayed by it is not less than 5 microns. If there is no suitable device, the drug should be instilled into the nose diluted 5 drops in each nostril. It is diluted as follows: for 1 ampoule of medicine take 2 ml of water or saline.

The drug has no contraindications, so this treatment is suitable for both adults and children.

"Laferobion" is another analogue of human interferon, which has the same antiviral effect. This drug also has a suitable form of release and can be used in the form of inhalations, and a nebulizer will help deliver the medicine directly to the affected area.

Inhalations for a runny nose with "Laferobion" promote simultaneous moisturizing of the mucous membrane and increase of its protective properties. But the drug, like "Interferon", is used for inhalations in a diluted form. To dilute 3 vials of the drug, 5 ml of purified water or saline solution is required. For inhalation, 4 ml of the finished composition is enough.

The procedure usually takes 10-15 minutes, during which time the entire solution is used up. The use of solutions containing human interferon is allowed even in ultrasonic nebulizers.

"Derinat" is a drug of a slightly different plan. Its active substance is sodium deoxyribonucleate. This substance stimulates the processes of cellular and humoral immunity, helps fight viruses, bacteria and fungi, and also promotes the regeneration of mucous tissues.

The medicine is produced in the form of a solution used for local treatment. For a runny nose, it can be instilled into the nose or inhaled in a nebulizer with a pre-diluted solution. If you take drops for external use, which are indicated for infectious diseases of the respiratory system and have a concentration of 0.25%, then they are diluted with saline in equal proportions. An injection solution with a concentration of 1.5% is prescribed for viral pathologies, diluting 1 ml of the drug in 3 ml of saline.

Doctors recommend inhalations with Derinat 2 times a day for 5 minutes. The duration of inhalation therapy is usually 5-10 days. If we are talking about sinusitis, then you will need to instill 3-5 drops up to 6 times a day for 1-2 weeks. As a preventive measure for ARVI, the doctor may prescribe instillation of the drug into the nose 2 drops 3-4 times a day for a month.

Sometimes, for colds and runny noses, doctors prescribe medications whose effects may somewhat confuse patients who are not familiar with some aspects of drug use. One such unusual medication is "Aminocaproic acid", which many know as an effective hemostatic agent, often used in surgery. But what does a runny nose have to do with it?

The fact is that the ability to stop bleeding is not the only useful property of the drug. A good immunostimulating effect was found as such a side effect, due to which the drug began to be used in the treatment of colds, acute respiratory viral infections, flu, and allergies. The drug prevents the interaction of viruses and sensitive cells of the body, due to which the virus cells die, not finding a host cell in which they could parasitize.

In parallel, aminocaproic acid reduces capillary permeability, which means that swelling and inflammation of tissues gradually go away, and the formation of ulcers on the nasal mucosa is prevented. The antiallergic effect of the drug also helps relieve swelling and tissue irritation.

Another useful effect of the drug is its ability to remove toxins formed as a result of the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms. This facilitates the course of bacterial and viral pathologies, relieving the symptoms of intoxication.

A 5% solution of the drug, sold in bottles, is suitable for inhalation. The solution for inhalation in a nebulizer is prepared by mixing 2 ml of the drug with the same amount of saline.

Inhalation treatment with this drug is suitable for both adults and small children, since the medicine is considered quite safe and, if the recommended doses are followed, does not cause negative side effects.

It should be said that not all doctors support the idea of using aminocaproic acid to treat colds and runny noses, because the drug initially had a completely different purpose. However, the instructions for the drug clearly indicate its benefits in the treatment of respiratory viral pathologies. At the same time, the manufacturers note that in addition to inhalation treatment, you can instill the drug into the nose or put turundas soaked in a solution of aminocaproic acid into it.

According to the instructions, the drug can be used to treat children even in the first year of life. However, its use by women during pregnancy and breastfeeding is considered undesirable. Other contraindications to treatment with aminocaproic acid are: a tendency to thrombosis, increased blood clotting, impaired renal function, hematuria, cerebrovascular accident, severe coronary heart disease, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

As we can see, the possibilities of inhalation treatment for rhinitis and colds are quite wide, but any, even the most effective inhalations for a runny nose, require a certain amount of caution during preparation and implementation of the procedure.

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