Inhalation during coughing

What is inhalation and can a cough be treated with inhalation

Inhalation is the process of inhaling medicines in the form of a vapor or aerosol, aimed at improving the condition of the respiratory tract and relieving cough symptoms. This method is an effective way to treat coughs, as it helps to moisturize the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, dilute sputum and remove it from the body.

There is a wide range of devices for inhalation, including compressor nebulizers and inhalers for home use. Compressor nebulizers work by using compressed air to turn the drug substance into small particles that can be easily inhaled by the lungs. This makes them convenient for use at home and in medical institutions.
Coughing is a common symptom that can occur for a variety of reasons, including colds, allergies, upper respiratory tract infections, asthma, and other conditions. Treatment of cough with inhalation can be effective depending on the cause of the cough and the patient’s condition.

Types of inhalation

Inhalation can be divided into several types depending on the methods and means used:

1. warm inhalation: This type of inhalation is performed using steam or essential oils. Steam inhalation is performed by inhaling the steam created by hot water. It helps moisturize the airways and relieve cough symptoms. Essential oils can also be added to the steam to enhance the effect. This method is especially useful in case of a runny nose and nasal congestion.
   2 Cold inhalation: This type of inhalation is performed using medications that are aerosolized and inhaled by the patient. This is usually done with the help of special inhalers or nebulizers. Cold inhalation is effective in treating coughs caused by various respiratory diseases, such as bronchitis or asthma.

How to do inhalation against cough

In case of cough, inhalation can be performed using various methods and means:

1. Dry (powder) inhalation: This method involves the use of powdered medicines that turn into an aerosol when inhaled. They are usually used with special portable inhalers.
   2) Heat-wet inhalation: This method involves inhaling vapor mixed with water, often with essential oils or medications added. These inhalations help moisturize the airways and relieve cough symptoms.
2. Wet (cold) inhalation: This type of inhalation is performed using cold water or saline, usually with medications. They help moisturize and clear the airways.
3. Air inhalation: This method involves inhaling clean, oxygenated air. It can be useful for improving the general condition of the respiratory tract and relieving cough.
4. Ultrasonic inhalation: This method involves the use of ultrasonic waves to break up drugs or water into the smallest particles, which are then inhaled. This method ensures more efficient delivery of drugs to the respiratory tract.

Benefits of inhalation

Cough inhalation has a number of benefits, including:

1. Moisturizing the airways: Inhalation helps to moisten the mucous membrane of the airways, which helps to reduce irritation and discomfort.
2. Sputum thinning: By inhaling steam or medication, sputum becomes less thick and easier to cough up, which helps clear the lungs.
   3 Facilitate sputum expectoration: Inhalation helps to facilitate the process of expelling sputum from the airways, which helps to reduce congestion and the risk of complications.
3. Reducing inflammation: Some medicines used in inhalation have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the airways and speed up the recovery process.
4. Cough relief: Inhalation helps to reduce the intensity of the cough and reduces airway irritation, making the patient feel more comfortable.
5. Accelerate recovery: By moisturizing, thinning sputum, and relieving symptoms, inhalation helps patients recover faster from cough and related illnesses.

How to do inhalation correctly

For proper inhalation, certain steps must be followed:

1. Preparation of the inhaler:
   Check the inhaler for all components and for proper operation.
   If necessary, add the required amount of medicine or essential oils according to the instructions.
   Make sure the inhaler is connected to a power source or charged, if necessary.
2. Inhalation:
   Take a comfortable sitting or standing position.
   Turn on the inhaler and start inhaling the vapor or aerosol cloud emitted by the device.
   Inhale deeply and evenly through the mouth or nose, depending on the instructions for use of the inhaler.
   If necessary, hold your breath for a few seconds after each inhalation to ensure maximum exposure to the drug.
3. Precautionary measures:
   Make sure the inhaler and all its components are clean and dry before use.

Follow your doctor’s instructions for dosing and frequency of inhalation.
Avoid eye contact while using the inhaler.
If you experience any allergic reactions or unwanted side effects after inhalation, discontinue use immediately and consult your doctor.
Properly following these steps will help maximize the effectiveness of inhalation and minimize possible risks.

Indications for inhalation

Inhalation may be recommended in such cases:

1. Colds: Inhalation helps to moisten the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and relieve symptoms such as runny nose and nasal congestion that are common with the common cold.
2. SARS (acute respiratory viral infection): Inhalations can help soothe irritation in the throat and relieve coughs caused by SARS.
   3 Bronchitis: Inhalation effectively thins sputum and promotes its discharge, which is especially important in the treatment of bronchitis.
   4) Tracheitis: Inhalation can help moisturize and soothe irritation of the tracheal mucosa, which will ease coughing and reduce discomfort.
3. Laryngitis: In the case of laryngitis, inhalation helps to relieve inflammation and irritation of the larynx, which reduces cough and voice problems.
4. Dry cough: Inhalation moisturizes the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, soothing irritation and helping to reduce dryness and intensity of cough.
5. Wet cough: Inhalation thins sputum and helps to cough it out, which is especially important for a wet cough.
6. Allergic cough: Inhalations can help reduce inflammation and irritation in the airways caused by allergic reactions and soothe coughs.

Inhalation for dry cough, wet cough and allergic cough

1. Inhalation for dry cough is aimed at softening and moisturizing the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, as well as reducing irritation caused by dryness. Usually, warm-wet inhalation with steam or essential oils is used. This type of inhalation helps to moisturize the mucous membrane, soothe irritation and relieve cough, making it less intense.
2. Inhalation for wet coughs helps to moisten the airways, reduce sputum viscosity and facilitate its expectoration, which helps to clear the lungs and improve the condition of wet coughs. Unlike a dry cough, a wet cough is accompanied by the formation of sputum. This helps to thin the sputum and improve its expectoration. Sometimes cold wet inhalations with the addition of medications or saline are used.
3. Inhalation for allergic cough is aimed at relieving inflammation and irritation in the airways caused by allergic reactions. Inhalation with glucocorticosteroid drugs or antihistamines is often used. These drugs help to reduce mucosal swelling and suppress the allergic reaction, which ultimately leads to a decrease in cough. Compressor nebulizers are often used for inhalation in case of allergic cough, as they ensure effective delivery of drugs into the respiratory tract. This method allows medicinal substances to quickly and effectively act on the affected areas of the mucous membrane and relieve cough symptoms associated with an allergic reaction.

Pharmacy inhalation products (available in Ukraine)

Various inhalation medicines are available in pharmacy chains in Ukraine. Some of them include:

1. Berodual (phenoterol + ipratropium bromide) is used to relieve bronchospasm and facilitate breathing in respiratory diseases such as asthma and obstructive bronchitis.
2. Pulmicort (budesonide) is a glucocorticosteroid medicine used to reduce inflammation in the airways and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
3. Flixotide (fluticasone) is another glucocorticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation in the airways and improve asthma symptoms.
4. Saline solutions (e.g., saline) – used to moisten the airways and thin sputum.
5. Atropine – sometimes used to relieve airway spasm and facilitate breathing in diseases such as bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis.

Medicinal product	Dosage.	Approximate price (in UAH)
Berodial	Adults: 2-4 doses (100-200 mcg) 3-4 times a day. Children: 2 doses (100 mcg) 3-4 times a day.	100 to 200 UAH per inhaler
Pulmicort	Adults and children over 12 years of age: 200-800 mcg 1-2 times a day. Children from 6 to 12 years old: 200-400 mcg 1-2 times a day.	From 200 to 400 UAH per inhaler
Flixotide	Adults and children over 16 years of age: 100-500 mcg 1-2 times a day. Children from 4 to 16 years old: 100-200 mcg 1-2 times a day.	From 150 to 300 UAH per inhaler
Salt solutions	Take 3-4 ml of the solution for inhalation 1-3 times a day.	from 20 to 50 UAH per bottle
Atropine	The dosage depends on the patient’s individual characteristics and the doctor’s recommendations.	The price may vary. A doctor’s consultation is necessary.

Folk remedies for inhalation

1) Herbal decoctions: Decoctions of medicinal herbs such as celandine, chamomile, eucalyptus, or mint are added to boiling water and steeped for several minutes before inhalation. These decoctions help moisturize and soften the airways and have anti-inflammatory properties.
2 Essential oils: A few drops of essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender are added to hot water for inhalation. These oils have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to ease breathing and relieve inflammation.

3. Garlic: Crushed garlic cloves are added to boiling water to make a decoction. Garlic-flavored vapor helps reduce inflammation and clear the airways.
4. Baking soda: A small amount of baking soda is added to hot water before inhalation. Baking soda helps to thin sputum and make it easier to cough up.
5. Honey and lemon: Honey and lemon juice are added to hot water before inhalation. This solution helps moisturize the airways and relieve coughing.
6. Decoction of potatoes: Potato broth can also be used for inhalation, especially for colds. Potato broth helps to moisturize and soften the airways, as well as relieve inflammation and reduce coughing.
   These folk remedies can be useful in the treatment of cough and other respiratory diseases. However, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before using any product, especially if you have any medical problems or allergies.

How to choose an inhaler

The choice of inhaler depends on individual needs and doctor’s recommendations. Let’s look at the main types of inhalers:

1. Compressor nebulizer: This type of inhaler is suitable for treating respiratory conditions in both children and adults. It works on the basis of compressed air, which converts the drug solution into small droplets for inhalation.
2. Ultrasonic inhaler: Ultrasonic inhalers provide a finer atomization of the drug, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the airways. They can be useful in the treatment of more serious diseases.
3. Steam inhaler: Steam inhalers are a simple and affordable option for treating coughs. They use hot water to create steam, which they then inhale.

Recommendations for use of the inhaler:

• Before using the inhaler, it is important to read the instructions for use to ensure proper use of the device.
• Only sterile solutions should be used for inhalation to avoid possible infections and complications.
• The duration of inhalation is usually 5-10 minutes, but you should follow your doctor’s recommendations.
• After inhalation, it is recommended not to go outside and not to talk for 30 minutes to ensure optimal effect of the drug on the respiratory tract.

Contraindications to inhalation:

• Elevated body temperature.
• Nosebleeds.
• Cardiovascular diseases.
• Pulmonary insufficiency.
• Individual intolerance to inhalation components.

Frequently asked questions about cough inhalation (FAQ)

1. Can I do inhalation at a fever?
   Inhalation at high fever is not recommended, as it can lead to fever.
2. Do inhalations help with a runny nose?
   Yes, inhalation can help with a runny nose. Moisturizing the airways helps to thin mucus and facilitate its removal.
3. Can Berodual be used for inhalation?
   Berodual can be used for inhalation, but only as prescribed by a doctor.
4. Do inhalations help with bronchitis?
   Yes, inhalation can help with bronchitis. They moisturize the airways, thin sputum and make it easier to expectorate.
5. What are the folk remedies for cough?
   There are many folk remedies for coughing, for example:
   Honey: has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
   Milk: softens cough and helps to sleep.
   Onion: has antibacterial and expectorant effects.
   Garlic: has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
6. How to cure a cough with folk remedies?
   There are many recipes for folk remedies for coughing.
7. What are the folk remedies for dry cough?
   They will help with dry cough:
   Honey and milk: mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 glass of warm milk.
   Inhalation with essential oils: use essential oils of eucalyptus, tea tree or fir.
   Chamomile tea: chamomile has anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.
8. How to cure a dry cough quickly reviews folk remedies?
   There are many folk remedies for dry cough.
9. What are the folk remedies for a wet cough?
   They will help with a wet cough:
   Inhalation with baking soda: dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 glass of warm water.
   Decoction of herbs: use herbs with expectorant effects, such as coltsfoot, plantain, or elecampane.
   Mineral water: alkaline mineral water helps to thin sputum.
10. Komarovsky on inhalation for wet cough:
    Dr. Komarovsky believes that inhalations for wet coughs are not always effective.
11. How to make inhalation for cough for adults?
    It can be used for cough inhalation for adults:
    Compressor nebulizer: this is the most effective way to perform inhalation.
    Steam inhaler: a simple and affordable option for home use.
    Ultrasonic inhaler: provides a finer atomization of the medication, which allows it to penetrate deeper into the airways.
12. How to do inhalation for coughing at home?
    To perform inhalation at home, you will need:
    Inhaler: compressor, steam or ultrasonic.
    Medicines for inhalation: saline, mineral water, essential oils or medicines.
13. How to quickly cure a cough with folk remedies?
    Folk remedies can help relieve cough symptoms, but they cannot always cure it completely.
14. What are the folk remedies for dry cough?
    They will help with dry cough:
    Honey and milk: mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 glass of warm milk.
    Inhalation with essential oils: use essential oils of eucalyptus, tea tree or fir.
    Chamomile tea: chamomile has anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.
15. What is the danger of a dry cough?
    A dry cough can be a symptom:
    Bronchitis: inflammation of the bronchi.
    Pneumonia: inflammation of the lungs.
    Allergies: an allergic reaction to various substances.
    Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): the throwing of stomach contents into the esophagus.
16. When do I need to see a doctor?
    If the cough persists for 3-5 days, intensifies, is accompanied by high fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, you should consult a doctor.
17. What complications can be caused by coughing?
    In case of untimely treatment, cough can lead to:
    Bronchitis: inflammation of the bronchi.
    Pneumonia: inflammation of the lungs.
    Shortness of breath: difficulty breathing.
    Pulmonary insufficiency: the inability of the lungs to provide the body with oxygen.
18. How to do inhalation correctly?
    Before inhalation, read the instructions for use of the inhaler.
    Only sterile solutions should be used for inhalation.
    The duration of inhalation should be 5-10 minutes.
    After inhalation, you should not go out and talk for 30 minutes.
19. What precautions should be taken during inhalation?
    Do not inhale at high body temperature.
    Do not inhale in case of nosebleeds.
    Inhalation should not be performed in case of cardiovascular diseases.
    Inhalation should not be performed in case of pulmonary insufficiency.
    Inhalation should not be performed in case of individual intolerance to the inhalation components.
20. Where to buy an inhaler?
    The inhaler can be purchased at a pharmacy or online store.
21. How much does an inhaler cost?
    The price of an inhaler depends on its type, manufacturer, and configuration.
22. What kinds of inhalers are there?
    Compressor inhalers: this is the most effective way to deliver inhalations.
    Steam inhalers: a simple and affordable option for home use.
    Ultrasonic inhalers: provide a finer atomization of the medication, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the airways.
23. Which inhaler is better?
    The best inhaler is the one that is right for you in terms of features and price.
24. What are the reviews of inhalers?
    Reviews of inhalers are mostly positive. People report that inhalation helps them relieve cough symptoms and speed up recovery.
25. Where can I find reviews of inhalers?
    Reviews of inhalers can be found on online shopping sites, social media, and forums.

It is important to note that this article is not a substitute for consulting a medical professional. The information provided here is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a basis for self-treatment. Before starting any treatment, including inhalation, you should always consult a qualified doctor or respiratory specialist. Only professional medical advice and an individualized approach can ensure proper treatment and prevent possible complications.