Inhalations: effects on the body, indications and contraindications

Inhalation is a medical procedure that involves the introduction of a solution of medicines or their aerosols into the respiratory tract together with the inhaled air. For this, an ordinary bowl with hot water and essential oils is often used. More complex procedures require special inhalers or nebulizers.

Inhalation with an inhaler is the inhalation of hot vapors of a drug, and when sprayed with a nebulizer, a cool aerosol "mist" containing drug particles is inhaled. The use of drugs in the form of an aerosol is comfortable, non-invasive and absolutely painless. The procedure is especially often performed for infants and young children, where the drug can be quickly and effectively injected with a spray gun. Simultaneous drug and oxygen therapy is possible.

Nebulizer: types of sprayers

There are various types of such devices:

1. Pneumatic (or mechanical) – turns the medicine into a therapeutic aerosol due to compressed air flowing through the nozzle. The part of the drug that has not dispersed properly is returned to the tank.
2. Mesh (or membrane) is an electronic nebulizer. It sprays the product using a vibrating membrane that pushes it through the micro-holes.
3. Ultrasonic-converts a liquid drug into an aerosol state thanks to an ultrasonic head that creates an acoustic wave.

The use of a solution in the form of a spray allows to increase the effectiveness of its action on a specific site, improves absorption, and thanks to the use of a lower dose, significantly reduces the occurrence of both systemic and local side effects.

Indications for the use of an inhaler and a nebulizer

Inhalation procedures are recommended for respiratory and many other diseases:

• chronic rhinitis and pharyngitis;
• allergic rhinitis;
• inflammation of the lateral sinuses of the nose;
• laryngitis, tracheitis, tonsillitis;
• epiglottitis of bacterial nature;
• dry and wet cough;
• runny nose and stuffy nose;
• upper and lower respiratory tract infections;
• inflammation of the bronchi and lungs;
• recurrent bronchitis;
• chronic bronchitis;
• bronchial asthma;
• pneumocystosis;
• pneumoconiosis;
• emphysema;
• cystic fibrosis;
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Copd);
• fungal infections (mycoses) of the throat and larynx;
• respiratory problems, for example, as a result of COVID-19.

Inhalation procedures are used not only for the treatment, but also for the prevention of respiratory diseases in the autumn-winter period, as well as in cities with too polluted air. Inhalations with saline solution and hyaluronic acid are the simplest. They produce a moisturizing effect and facilitate the cleansing of the respiratory tract.

Contraindications for performing inhalations

Nebulizer aerosol spraying, like any type of therapeutic therapy, has certain contraindications. For this reason, it is advisable to consult with your doctor before using it. The most common contraindications to any type of nebulization are:

• severe heart failure;
• respiratory failure not related to the mechanism of bronchial obstruction;
• attacks of bronchial asthma;
• purulent inflammation of the tonsils and paranasal sinuses;
• very high fever (fever);
• acute inflammation of the larynx, nose, throat, accompanied by an increase in temperature;
• cardiovascular insufficiency;
• bleeding from the respiratory tract;
• chronic, severe diseases of the respiratory system (tumors, tuberculosis);
• conditions requiring surgical intervention in the nose and larynx.

When drugs intended for the treatment of respiratory diseases are administered by inhalation, they do not overload other organs and systems of the body, as in the case when drugs are administered, for example, orally and parenterally.

How to do nebulizer inhalations correctly?

How the inhalation procedure is performed depends on the type of nebulizer and on the medications prescribed by the attending physician.

1. Spraying is performed in a sitting or reclining position, since it is important to keep the inhaler upright for operation. However, some devices allow you to spray an aerosol to people who are forced to be in a supine position.
2. This procedure should not be performed when a person is asleep, because an inhalation "nebulizer" is not a device for treating sleep apnea.
3. The drug in the form of a suspension or solution should be prepared accordingly, strictly following the instructions or instructions of the doctor.
4. The nebulizer mask should fit snugly to the face. When spraying through the mouthpiece, the patient should hold it with his teeth and tightly wrap his lips. Leakage reduces the effective dose of the deposited medicine to 50-80%!
5. During inhalation, you need to take a deep breath through your mouth (but in such a way as to avoid hyperventilation), and at the peak of inspiration, hold your breath for a short time. You should breathe slowly and calmly. Crying in children makes the procedure difficult or impossible.
6. After the end of inhalation, it is necessary to wash the face, and in the case of certain medications, for example, glucocorticoids, rinse the oral cavity.
7. All plastic parts and the nebulizer bowl should also be thoroughly washed in warm water, with the addition of detergent (dishwashing liquid), and rinsed under running water. Dry the device well and fold it.

If the device is used by several people, each of them should use separate face masks, mouthpieces or nose nozzles. This is especially important when a nebulizer is used to spray medicines for upper and lower respiratory tract infections.

How often can adults be inhaled?

Spraying of the medicinal solution with a nebulizer can be carried out up to 3 times a day-in the morning, afternoon and evening. Usually one session takes 10-15 minutes. It should not be interrupted while there is a medication in the bowl. For the treatment to be effective, inhalations should be repeated for 5-7 days.

Recommendations for the use of inhalations

It is not recommended to carry out inhalation procedures during a feeling of hunger and immediately after eating (only after 1-1. 5 hours). Smokers should not smoke at least half an hour before inhalation and two hours after it. Cigarette smoke can aggravate irritation of the mucous membranes. Do not come into contact with cold air for half an hour after the procedure.

Can I use inhalations for pregnant women?

There are no contraindications to the use (for a runny nose, sore throat or cough) of nebulizer inhalation procedures, during pregnancy or during breast-feeding. Inhalations in these cases are limited only for serious respiratory tract infections (for example, purulent or bacterial), which most often require treatment with antibiotics.

You can buy a nebulizer for inhalation in the assortment, as well as other medical laboratory equipment, on the website of the online store "Medica" at the best prices. For young children, there is an inhaler in the form of a funny toy. Delivery is carried out throughout Ukraine by the services of the country's postal operators in the shortest possible time.