Inhalations for nasal congestion at home: with a nebulizer and folk remedies (+ reviews)

Features of inhalation treatment

Inhalation therapy methods are based on the fact that drugs are beneficial for the mucous membrane of the respiratory organs. The shell is moistened during inhalation, and in case of nasal congestion, swelling is relieved and inflammation stops. Pharmacists offer nasal drops, ointments and sprays to treat a runny nose. However, centuries-old practice has proven that inhalation is best done at home. Doctors recommend using a nebulizer. It helps both children and adult patients.

How to do inhalations

To carry out inhalation for nasal congestion, various drugs and recipes are used, each of which has its own mechanism of action, contraindications and indications. It is recommended to use only those recommended by your doctor. Inhalation medications may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The procedures are also carried out with alkaline and saline solutions.

The most effective treatments are the following medications, which can be used for inhalation through the nose. The procedure is carried out:

Treatment of sinusitis with an inhaler

Fluimucil;
Furacilin;
Tonsilgon;
Interferon;
Chlorophylliptom;
saline solution.

Fluimucil Antibiotic It is a combination drug with an antibiotic and is prescribed for bacterial rhinitis. The instructions for the drug require compliance with the permissible dosage for children and adults.

Furacilin solution is pre-diluted in 4 ml of water. You should not increase the volume of liquid, as this will worsen the quality and result of the procedure. Furacilin belongs to the group of antiseptic drugs and is often prescribed for a stuffy nose. It is also used to prevent re-infection.

It does not need to be specially prepared; you can purchase a ready-made solution at the pharmacy. One procedure will require 4 ml of product.

Tonsilgon is a herbal preparation used for nasal inhalation and has a complex effect on the patient’s body. Extracts of plants and herbs contained in the medicine have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, the unique composition helps to activate the body's defenses, which promotes a speedy recovery.

The drug is prescribed for the complex treatment of chronic and acute diseases of the nasopharynx. The medicinal liquid must be diluted with saline solution. For one procedure, 4 ml of Tonsilgon is enough. The proportions of the drug and saline solution are calculated depending on the age of the patient; the younger he is, the lower the concentration of the drug:

for children under 1 year – 1:3;
children under 7 years old – 1:2;
children over 7 years old and adults – 1:1.

If the disease of the nasopharynx was caused by exposure to viruses, inhalations can be done using immunostimulating agents. One of them is the liquid form of Interferon. For one procedure, it is enough to dilute one ampoule and 3 ml of saline solution. It is necessary to thoroughly stir the solution until completely homogeneous and pour it into the nebulizer tank. Inhalations with Chlorophyllipt are actively used for runny nose caused by staphylococcal infection.

The drug has a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect. To use it in a nebulizer, it must be diluted with saline solution in a ratio of 1:10. Procedures with it can be carried out 3 or more times a day. For nasal congestion in young children, when there is no agreement with the attending physician, inhalation with saline solution can be performed to alleviate the baby’s condition.

The liquid is used without combination with any medicine. The required volume is poured into the nebulizer and the procedure is carried out. Often saline solution is replaced with simple mineral water, for example Borjomi. This procedure will soften the nasal mucosa, soften dry crusts, which will significantly facilitate nasal breathing. All of the above drugs are good in properties and effect. But to obtain a therapeutic effect, it is necessary to use them correctly, without exceeding the dosage.

Drugs for inhalation are selected according to the recommendation of a doctor.

Help for children

Children can be treated with a medical device if they have a stuffy nose from the first days of life. This procedure is completely harmless. It is necessary to use special cannulas to get the medicine into the nose.

An effective procedure in the fight against childhood illness is treated exclusively with medication. Traditional medicine practices in inhalation pediatrics are prohibited. The inhalation device does not cause any disturbance to the child, as it is silent. It is good to work with it during infant sleep. Timely use of inhalation with a medical device will help avoid complications such as trachea or bronchitis.

Basic rules for inhalation for a runny nose

In order to do inhalation for a runny nose correctly, and it gives a positive result, and the device itself serves for a long time, you need to adhere to several basic rules for the use and dosage of the medicine.

Inhalation for a runny nose or cough is carried out only when the body temperature does not exceed 37.5 °C.
Inhalation procedures are carried out 1 hour after a meal, or 1 hour before a meal.
The water, medicine, or solution in the inhaler container should be at room temperature.
When you have a runny nose, steam is inhaled through your nose; it is better to use a special nozzle.
The duration of inhalation should not exceed 15 minutes, for children 5–6 minutes.
It is necessary to strictly adhere to the ratio of the medicinal solution.
If the doctor prescribes several solutions, inhalations should be done one at a time with a fifteen-minute break.
Before breathing the solution, be sure to read the instructions for use.

An inhaler for a runny nose quite simply and effectively treats sinusitis and snot; it can be used by both children from 6 months and adults. You should not self-medicate, because each of the solutions or recipes has its own contraindications and side effects that can be harmful to health. Only a doctor, after collecting a medical history, can prescribe treatment for a runny nose with inhalations.

Inhalation with a nebulizer

A severe runny nose worsens your health: breathing through your mouth, sore throat, poor sleep. Acute respiratory illness may occur. If your nose is stuffy, you need to use a nebulizer. It is more effective and safer than tablets or ointments. Our medicine has been using this medicinal drug for quite some time. However, he managed to earn the trust of his patients. It is recommended to use it for self-medication, because with a nebulizer it is easy to eliminate nasal problems. The unique device is designed so that the medicine acts throughout the entire mucosa. The source of inflammation goes away and the person recovers.

Using an inhalation device, the therapeutic effect occurs faster than nasal drops. They do not linger in the nasal cavity and flow down the throat. The device evenly distributes the medicine to the mucous membrane.

The action of a nebulizer is based on the breakdown of medications, solutions of which turn the liquid into an aerosol. Inhalation ensures the delivery of a special solution to the immediate site of the disease.

How do inhalations help with a runny nose?

The effect of drug vapor on the nasal mucosa can improve the patient's condition. If you have green snot, you cannot warm up the nasal cavity, as this causes accelerated development of the virus, especially in children. Therefore, the use of a nebulizer is considered more preferable. When inhaling drug vapors, the following processes occur in the nasopharynx:

Complete hydration of the mucous membrane. The microflora is normalized, dried mucus softens and begins to leave the nasal passages naturally. As the nasal cavity is freed from mucus, the painful burning sensation disappears and breathing becomes more even.
The drug is quickly and abundantly sprayed over the surface of the mucous membrane, covering the source of infection with a wide front. This becomes possible due to the finely dispersed structure of the mixture. The active components of the drug begin to fight infection over the entire spray area.
With the correct selection of components for the inhaler, the procedure is safe for the body and does not cause complications. The vapors of the active substance are at room temperature and are safe for the patient’s respiratory system.

Solutions for inhalers

The inhaler must be approved by the doctor. There are cases when medications cannot be made independently. Uncontrolled treatment can worsen the condition.

Solutions for inhalation manipulations, as a rule, must be made in consultation with doctors. There are different opinions about mineral water. Is it correct to make formulations based on it, and does the raw solution contain bacteria? For safety's sake, it doesn't hurt to boil the mineral water.

For the device, take saline solution without additives. It moisturizes the mucous membrane, ridding it of germs.

Recipes are made up of medications:

chlorophyllipt;
furatsilin;
tonsilgon;
interferon;
miramestin.

Dosage and method of administration

Tolzingol

for adults and for children over 7 years old, dilute with saline 1/1;
infants up to one year - 1/3:
from one year to 7 years – 1/2.

Interferon most effectively fights rhinitis of a viral nature. Three ampoules of the product are diluted in warm saline and poured into the inhaler. It is recommended to give the medicine even to infants.

Miramistin relieves severe runny nose with purulent effect. Children's runny nose in adolescents and adults can be cured with 0.1% of the drug. For severe purulence up to 12 years, a medicine in a 1:1 ratio with saline solution is suitable.

Inhalations for green snot with a nebulizer, solutions for inhalation

A runny nose accompanied by green snot indicates an infection of the respiratory tract.
This condition requires mandatory consultation with an otolaryngologist, especially if there is a tendency to develop sinusitis and in pediatric practice.

Inhalations for green snot can be prescribed by a doctor at an early stage of the disease, without warming up. An independent decision to carry out this procedure can have negative consequences.

Inhalation with a nebulizer

Whether it is possible to do inhalations with green snot, the doctor determines. Usually this procedure is welcome provided there is no heating. Such procedures promote rapid recovery and easier breathing.

Inhalation for green snot with a nebulizer is recommended twice a day for diseases of the respiratory system of any etiology. If you have a device, you can carry out the procedure yourself, without leaving your home.

Such inhalations allow the patient to eliminate the source of inflammation, reduce nasal congestion, and restore freedom of breathing and the sense of smell.

The harmlessness of the procedure with the correct selection of the medicinal substance allows the technique to be used in the treatment of even young children and pregnant women.

An inhaler for nasal congestion helps solve a number of problems that alleviate the patient’s condition, namely:

moisturize the nasal mucosa that has been aggressively affected by infection,
soften crusts formed in the nose,
eliminate itching and burning that accompany this disease,
improve secretion discharge due to its dilution,
deliver the drug to the site of inflammation thanks to the fine dispersion,
It is easily tolerated by people of all categories and is an absolutely painless procedure.

Inhalation for green snot in a child with a nebulizer is carried out using mineral water, herbal decoction or saline solution. When choosing a herbal decoction, you should take into account the tendency to an allergic reaction.

Mineral water is harmless and helps improve the discharge of accumulated exudate and moisturize the nasal mucosa. The doctor will determine what to use in each case.

Inhalations for green snot in a child should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist while monitoring the condition during and after the procedure.

The tendency to develop sinusitis in children is very high, so heating is not allowed, as it can accelerate the spread of infection and the formation of a focus of infection.

Before each procedure, the child must be examined by an otolaryngologist. Considering the prevalence of the pathological process, the doctor decides whether it is possible to do inhalation for green snot in a child or whether this carries a risk of complications of a more serious disease.

Progress of the procedure

Inhalations for a stuffy nose make breathing easier. The procedure should not be carried out immediately after eating and before going outside.

Inhalation time takes 10-15 minutes for adults and 7-10 minutes for young children. You should breathe calmly, talk, and distractions are not recommended. After the session, it is better to put drops into your nose and drink tea with honey.

Progress of the procedure:

Assemble the nebulizer, connect it to the power supply, fill in the selected substance for inhalation (as prescribed by the doctor).
Wear an inhalation mask, the size is selected according to age (adult or child), the mask should fit snugly to the face.
Breathe calmly for the specified time.
After inhalation, lying down and vigorous physical activity are not immediately recommended.

Inhalations for severe nasal congestion are carried out after cleansing the nasal passages.

To increase the effectiveness of the procedure, it is necessary to breathe calmly and measuredly, inhale and exhale through the nose when carrying out the procedure for prevention. If there is severe nasal congestion, inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth.

Whether it is possible to do inhalation with nasal congestion is decided by the otolaryngologist, especially in pediatric practice. High body temperature or the formation of a purulent focus does not allow the procedure to be performed; this can aggravate the condition and provoke serious complications.

Solutions for inhalation

To treat a runny nose in children, mineral water is most often used; in adults, herbal decoctions and special solutions are also used.

Tonsilgon diluted with saline solution: 1:3 children under one year old,
1:2 up to 6 years old,
1:1 over 6.

Accepted for chronic and acute processes.

Interferon is effective in cases of viral etiology of the disease; it is prepared in heated saline solution (3 ampoules) per procedure. In addition to being effective against viral infections, interferon stimulates natural immunity.
Miramistin 0.1% is prescribed for the treatment of purulent snot in adults and children over 12 years of age.
Alkaline solutions.

If you have frequent colds in your family, it makes sense to purchase a nebulizer for home use; the device will especially make treatment for children easier. Inhalation procedures bring relief after the first uses, are easy to use and do not cause discomfort.

The steam from the nebulizer is not hot, so it is safe if the child is fidgety. The choice of drug and the decision on inhalation treatment should always remain with the doctor; illiterate therapy or an error in diagnosis can harm health instead of the expected healing.

Source: https://za-rozhdenie.ru/lor/gajmorit/ingalyaczii-pri-zelenyh-soplyah-kogda-sleduet-primenyat-v-detskoj-i-vzrosloj-praktike

Contraindications and side effects

Inhalation therapy should be prescribed by physicians. Each procedure has its own rules. Therapeutic manipulations are prohibited:

body temperature above 37 degrees;
cardiovascular diseases;
nose bleed:
allergies to medications or herbs:
hypertension of any stage;
after myocardial infarction;
during pregnancy;
weak blood vessels;
cancer diseases.

Inhalations with folk remedies without a nebulizer

Folk remedies help relieve pain. It is possible to arrange inhalation at home without a nebulizer. A well-known method is to breathe in the steam of boiled potatoes. It is not recommended to give inhalations to a child under three years of age due to a possible burn to the larynx.

Inhalations carried out at home should also be agreed with a doctor.

Advice. During pregnancy, steam inhalation can harm the expectant mother. In this case and in chronic rhinitis, a nebulizer effectively helps.

Soda

One tbsp. l. dissolve soda in boiling water and breathe, covered with a towel, for 20 minutes.

Onion and garlic

Grate one large onion and garlic, pour 0.5 liters of hot water. The procedure takes 10 minutes. Do not cover yourself completely as you may damage your eyes.

Peppermint essential oil

Dilute 20 drops for steam inhalation in a glass of hot water. Inhale carefully, without covering yourself with anything, due to the risk of burning.

Oil treatments

Nasal congestion can be saved by a couple of oils:

olive;
mint:
eucalyptus.

Simple nebulizer solutions

For the treatment of a runny nose during the recovery period and the prevention of seasonal exacerbations, one-component solutions for inhalation are used. Despite the safety of the procedure, you should consult a doctor.

Saline solution

Has an antiseptic effect and destroys pathogenic microbes. Helps thin nasal mucus, relieves congestion and swelling of the mucous membrane. To prepare it, mix 1 tbsp. l. sea salt per 200 ml of boiled or mineral water.

The procedure is carried out up to 4 times a day throughout the entire treatment period, as a preventive measure.

Essential oils

Essential oils help improve nasal breathing and have a weak antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. Eucalyptus, mint, peach and thuja oils are suitable for treating a runny nose. To obtain a working solution, mix 2-3 drops of the product in 100-150 ml of clean water. Before the procedure, you should make sure that there is no allergy or hypersensitivity. The recommended frequency is 3-5 times a day.

Soda solution

Has a liquefying effect and helps relieve congestion. Improves nasal breathing, accelerates the healing process against the background of traditional therapy. Suitable for the treatment and prevention of rhinitis in children. To obtain a working solution, you need to mix 1 tsp. baking soda in 250 ml of mineral water, saline solution. The product should not be stored for more than 1 hour. The product is optimal for long-term treatment and prevention.

Do not inhale with a strong soda solution. It can cause burns to mucous membranes.

Saline solution

An isotonic solution similar in composition to tears and blood plasma. Made from water and sodium chloride in a concentration of 0.9%. Normalizes metabolic processes in the mucous membrane, improves nutrition and accelerates recovery. Cleanses and moisturizes the respiratory tract.

For inhalation using a nebulizer, it is used in its pure form, suitable as a solvent for medicine.

Herbal decoctions and solutions are used to treat mild runny nose and prevent respiratory diseases. Suitable: chamomile flowers, oak bark, sage, yarrow leaves. They have anti-inflammatory, decongestant and thinning effects, promote regeneration. Before use, you should consult a doctor to check for allergies. Inhalations should be carried out no more than 3 times a day.

The use of aloe for rhinitis is written in this article.

Mineral water

It is used in its pure form as a solvent. It’s also suitable if you don’t know what to put in the nebulizer. The product cleanses and moisturizes the mucous membrane, improves nasal breathing. One procedure requires no more than 7 ml of pure mineral water without gas. Frequency for children – 2-3 times a day, for adults – 6-8. The course of treatment is not limited; inhalations can be carried out for prevention.

Recipes for inhalations

It is recommended to make the medicinal composition from a decoction of olive and eucalyptus oil with the addition of one tablespoon of calendula:

pour 200 ml of water over the calendula and boil for 15 minutes.
Cool.
Pour 1 tbsp into the solution. l olive oil.
Add 12 drops of eucalyptus oil.
Without covering yourself, inhale the healing steam for 15 minutes.

Sea salt and iodine

Swelling of the mucous membrane goes away with the help of inhalation of sea salt (1 tablespoon) and iodine (5 drops), dissolved in a glass of water. In this treatment, you need to cover yourself tightly for 10 minutes.

Recipes with fir oil effectively relieve severe pain in the nose. The procedure is done using an aroma lamp or a hot battery, on which a bowl of oil is placed. Inhalation is successfully used at night and has no time restrictions.

Non-traditional methods of treating a problem nose must be approved by a doctor. First of all, this concerns childhood illnesses. If a child suffers from allergies, self-inhalation of the nose is prohibited.

Advice. If you urgently need to use a physical solution, but you don’t have it at hand, then you should prepare it from simple products. A teaspoon of salt is diluted in 1 liter of boiled water. The brine can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than a day.

Folk remedies for steam inhalation against nasal congestion

Traditional treatment is carried out mainly using steam inhalation over any container convenient for this purpose and has been going back hundreds of years. This method of therapy is not recommended for children under 3 years of age. For them, it is tiring, since during the procedure it is required, covered with a towel and without changing position, to remain in a stuffy cloud of steam for quite a long time, which affects not only the nasal cavity.

Soda inhalation copes well with nasal congestion, including allergic ones. In order to carry it out, you need to take 1 heaped tablespoon of baking soda and pour it into 1 glass of hot water at a temperature of 85 degrees. After the powder has completely dissolved, the composition is poured into a wide bowl, over which inhalation is carried out, covered with a towel (like a tent). The duration of inhalation, depending on the speed of removal of nasal congestion, is from 10 to 15 minutes. It is important not to take deep breaths during the procedure, as this may cause a coughing attack.
Onions and garlic will help eliminate swelling of the nasal mucosa. Taking 50 g of onions and garlic each, chop them using a fine grater and add 2 cups of hot water. Inhalation of this composition lasts for 10 minutes. The patient should be covered with a towel like a canopy. If you cover yourself completely, there is a risk of irritation to the mucous membranes of the eyes, since the substances rising with steam from vegetable juice are quite caustic for it.
Inhalation of peppermint essential oil quickly pierces the nose. For treatment, add 20 drops of essential oil to 200 ml of very hot (but not boiling) water and, sitting next to the container in which the drug is located, inhale the rising steam. You should not cover yourself with a towel during such inhalation, as in this case you can easily get acne.
It is recommended to use dry inhalation using mint oil. It is especially good because it can be carried out throughout the night and will help ensure proper sleep. For it you just need to rub a few drops of essential oil into the area of the paranasal sinuses. Slowly evaporating under the influence of heat emanating from the body, they make it possible to constantly inhale medicinal substances that do not allow edema to develop. The only drawback of this type of inhalation is that it cannot be carried out for more than 4 days in a row, as this can cause the development of an allergic reaction.
Inhalation of vapors of olive oil, calendula flowers and eucalyptus essential oil copes well with nasal congestion. In order to prepare the medicinal composition, you need to pour 1 tablespoon of calendula into 1 glass of water and, putting it on fire, boil for 10 minutes. Next, after removing the medicine from the heat, cool it for 15 minutes at room temperature. Then add 1 tablespoon of pure olive oil and 10 drops of eucalyptus oil into the broth. You need to breathe the steam from this composition for 15 minutes under a towel, making a tent out of it.
Inhalation with sea salt and iodine also perfectly relieves swelling of the mucous membrane. For this treatment, dissolve 1 dessert spoon of sea salt (necessarily food grade) and 5 drops of iodine in 1 glass of water at a temperature of 75 degrees. The patient should inhale the steam, tightly covered with a towel, for 10 minutes. If discomfort in the throat occurs during inhalation, the procedure should be completed ahead of schedule. The effect of inhalation lasts for 12 hours, and therefore it can be used before bedtime instead of vasoconstrictor drugs.
Fir oil very quickly relieves nasal congestion. For treatment, they need to undergo passive inhalations. To do this, add 10 drops of oil to the aroma lamp, which is placed in the room where the patient is, or pour 15 drops into a small bowl with 10 ml of water and then place it on a hot radiator. For night inhalation, it is better to use the second method, since it does not require open fire. There are no restrictions on the duration of such therapy.

Summarizing

Modern medical technology provides effective assistance in the treatment of many diseases. To relieve nasal congestion, nebulizer inhalation is used. It is recommended for any age. Two main conditions must be taken into account: choosing the right recipe and observing precautions during the procedure.

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