How to refill an inhaler for a cough and runny nose

The effectiveness of inhalation procedures for wet cough

When a wet cough occurs, the sputum located in the mucous layer is produced quite actively, which causes the constant development of attacks. If it comes off easily, which is quite often observed in the patient, it does not cause unpleasant symptoms of the disease.

But sometimes sputum is actively produced, but is not separated from the walls of the respiratory organs - this leads to a frequent and prolonged cough. To avoid this and quickly normalize the health of a sick child or adult, inhalations are prescribed to remove sputum, which reduce its viscosity and thickness - this allows the fluid to leave the lung cavity faster.

Inhalations for wet coughs are considered the safest and most effective method of combating the symptoms of the disease, however, in order for them to help quickly overcome it, the doctor needs to choose the right remedy, as well as determine the correct dosage of the drug.

The patient, in turn, needs to familiarize himself with all the rules of the procedure - then it will go quickly and successfully, which will allow the patient to better expectorate.

There are a variety of known options for performing inhalations for wet coughs, which involve performing the procedure in a hospital or at home. The main difference between this treatment method is the effect of the substance on the respiratory system - it can be steam, ethers or nebulas.

Which inhalation method to use depends on the cause of the cough and the type of sputum (it can be easily discharged or difficult to separate).

Attention! Using a nebulizer is considered the most effective treatment option for cough.

The device allows you to spray small particles of medication into the respiratory organs - they quickly settle on the mucous membrane, and this helps to quickly get rid of phlegm and restore the patient’s breathing. However, patients are not always allowed to use a nebulizer - this is prohibited during the course of these diseases:

• brochitis;
• rhinitis of allergic etiology.

In this case, the device can increase swelling of the mucous membrane, which will negatively affect the patient’s health.

Correct use of the inhaler ensures the following actions:

• relaxes the muscles of the respiratory organs;
• antimicrobial;
• antibacterial;
• expectorant.

If you use the inhaler correctly, following the instructions for the device, you will be able to:

• soften cough;
• moisturize the mucous membrane;
• liquefy sputum;
• eliminate swelling;
• speed up the patient's recovery;
• remove accumulated fluid from the lungs;
• enhance the therapeutic effect of other medications.

A significant advantage of inhalation therapy is the local effect on the patient’s body, which allows drugs or folk remedies to have a therapeutic effect directly in the inflammatory focus, without penetrating into the bloodstream.

What substances cannot be used to refill nebulizers?

It is prohibited to refill the inhaler with an oil solution, suspensions, or self-made decoctions. Inhalation of oils or heterogeneous solutions by a person can lead to inflammation and pulmonary edema. Antibiotics are not used in an ultrasonic type nebulizer. Devices of this type receive particles of matter due to vibrations of a piezoelectric element. The solution is heated, and many drugs are destroyed. Before using the device, carefully read the instructions for it.

Symptoms and description of wet cough

A cough that is accompanied by the release of sputum from the lung cavity is called wet. In the language of doctors, this phenomenon is called productive - containing in its composition the components of the mucous layer (for example, clots of pus) lining the respiratory organs.

Symptoms of a patient developing a wet cough include:

• frequent discharge of clear, white or greenish fluid;
• frequent coughing attacks, during which the patient may choke (this is usually observed in babies one month to one year old);
• dry throat.

Correct use of inhalations to thin sputum will help get rid of the symptoms of the disease and also make the patient’s breathing easier. The main thing is to use the device correctly, strictly according to the instructions, and also follow the advice and recommendations of the doctor.

Indications for procedures

The main indications are:

• ARVI or acute respiratory infections;
• sinusitis (inflammation of the maxillary sinuses);
• tracheitis (inflammation of the trachea);
• bronchial asthma;
• adenoids;
• nasal congestion;
• profuse runny nose;
• tuberculosis;
• bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchi);
• pneumonia;
• sore throat;
• laryngitis;
• sinusitis;
• nasopharyngitis.

Any of these diseases can cause the development of a wet cough, which leads to a number of symptoms and contributes to the development of complications. All this causes a deterioration in the patient’s general condition.

General characteristics of the device

Omron is a compressor type nebulizer. It is characterized by its small size and two-stage design. The first part of the device consists of a compressor. It is from this that the hot air is supplied. A special tube is attached to the compressor, which leads to the second part of the device. Steam is supplied through the tube.

The second part is represented by the nebulizer itself. It resembles an ordinary plastic glass with a plug. Using a tube, the nebulizer is connected to a special face mask. It is through this mask that contact between the patient and the device will occur. To make it easier to inhale steam, a special form of face mask has been developed, which is the most comfortable and effective to use.

Omron's design is considered simple and accessible to everyone. Thanks to its small size, you can take the nebulizer with you on trips, after disassembling it into two parts. The on/off system is represented by one button.

To start the nebulizer, you should select the desired medicine and fill the device’s glass with it. After this, you should connect the necessary pipes to the specified places (use the instructions to correctly connect the parts of the structure). When all preparations are completed, press the on/off button and begin therapy. Use a mask from which steam will immediately begin to come out, place it on your mouth, select the most comfortable location and inhale the therapeutic steam of the medicinal substance.

Contraindications for therapy

Removing sputum by inhalation is prohibited in the following cases:

• The patient's body temperature is more than 37.5 degrees;
• there are impurities of pus in the sputum;
• arrhythmia;
• heart disease;
• emphysema;
• one-year-old children when using a nebulizer and patients under 5 years old when using a steam device;
• intolerance to the components of the solution.

If you have the above diseases, inhalations are strictly prohibited. In this case, the doctor will prescribe a more gentle therapy that will help more quickly restore the health of the lungs or nasopharynx.

Variations of solutions for use

Using a nebulizer for a runny nose may be accompanied by the choice of the following medicinal solutions:

• Salamol;
• Ambroxol;
• Ambrobene;
• Cromohexal;
• Dioxidine;
• Lazolvan;
• Fluimicil;
• Pulmicort.

For inhalations, oil drops and decoctions of medicinal herbs are not used.

Depending on the doctor’s recommendations, mix one of the above drugs with saline, pour the resulting substance into a nebulizer, and begin respiratory therapy.

Types of inhalations

Inhalations can be done only as directed by a specialist. He may prescribe one of the following procedures to the patient:

Nebulizer therapy

Inhalations with a nebulizer are considered the most effective. They are prohibited for children whose age is less than 6 months (in some cases 1 year). Komarovsky claims that nebulizers are used quite often in pediatrics, especially if children often suffer from diseases of the ENT organs. The use of the device helps to quickly deliver therapeutic agents directly to the inflammatory focus.

There are 2 types of nebulizers - compression and ultrasonic. The principle of operation of both devices is the same, so the doctor will tell you which is the best way to treat the pathology.

Effective recipes for the nebulizer

In order to remove sputum better, you need to use clean solutions that will be prescribed by a doctor. Today, many drugs are known that allow the patient to get rid of a wet cough and normalize the health and function of the lungs.

Medicines for inhalation are sold in liquid form in vials and nebulas, as well as in tablets that need to be crushed and then diluted with saline. Also, when a patient coughs, solutions can be prescribed that have a disinfectant and expectorant effect on the body.

Most often, doctors prescribe treatment for patients with the following medications:

• Mucaltin - the tablet must be diluted in 80 ml of saline solution (for children the total dosage of the solution is 3 ml, and for adults 5 ml);
• Lazolvan - before inhalation, the solution must be diluted with sodium chloride (it must be 9%);
• Fluimucil - the drug quickly removes mucus from the bronchial cavity; it must be diluted in the same proportion with saline (treatment must be carried out no more than 3 times a day);
• Borjomi – inhalations with mineral water are particularly popular today (children need to dilute the water with saline solution, unlike adults);
• Berodual - often prescribed to patients with asthmatic attacks (for one inhalation it is necessary to dilute 0.5 ml of the drug with 2 ml of sodium chloride).

Inhalations using traditional methods

When coughing with sputum, it is allowed to use traditional methods of therapy. For example, the use of potato steam, essential oils and mineral water is allowed. Particularly often, an indication for the use of alternative treatment is pregnancy occurring in any trimester, when a woman is prohibited from taking any medications orally.

Indications for use

Omron is used as an inhaler. Thanks to its mild but effective effect on inflamed areas of the nasopharynx, the following is possible:

• complex therapy of colds;
• elimination/reduction of allergy symptoms;
• treatment of respiratory tract inflammation;
• runny nose;
• therapy of bronchial asthma;
• moisturizing the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx;
• elimination of allergic cough and other manifestations of an allergic reaction;
• treatment of ARVI, rhinitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, laryngotracheitis;
• therapy of acute and chronic forms of bronchitis;
• auxiliary complex for tuberculosis, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis.

Advice: Before using the inhaler, consult your doctor. After a consultation, determining the current state of the body, passing the necessary tests, the doctor will select individual therapy for you.

If the use of inhalers is included in the list of necessary measures for treatment, the doctor will provide you with the necessary information:

• time frame of inhalations;
• prescription of medications for the procedure;
• number of procedures per day.

If after several days of use you do not notice any improvement in your condition and, on the contrary, feel decline and deterioration in your health, immediately stop using the inhaler and seek help from a specialist.

Instructions for inhalation at home

During inhalations, it is important to follow some recommendations that help achieve maximum therapeutic effect, speed up recovery time, and also reduce the possibility of side effects:

• It is forbidden to talk during the procedure;
• Before each inhalation it is necessary to dilute a fresh solution;
• when using a nebulizer, the drug needs to be diluted with only 9% saline;
• It is imperative to strictly adhere to the dosage and frequency of home therapy;
• After the procedure, it is recommended to rinse your mouth and also wash your face;
• It is advisable to carry out treatment 1 hour after eating;
• Treatment is prohibited without consulting a doctor (this is especially true for pregnant women and young children).

Before the procedure, you need to check the device - it must work properly. After this, you need to pour the diluted medicine into the container, and then begin inhalation. To do this, you need to wrap your lips around the mouthpiece and exhale slowly. Then press the aerosol and at the same time inhale the sprayed medicine. If necessary, the manipulation is repeated.

Attention! Inhalations are not considered an independent treatment option - they only complement the main treatment and also help to significantly speed it up.

Features of procedures for children

Only a doctor can tell whether a child should undergo home inhalations. Only he is able to choose the right drug for the baby, as well as strictly calculate the dosage, which depends on the patient’s weight.

Rules for choosing an inhaler and treating children:

• starting treatment is required with a minimum dose;
• maximum inhalation time – 5 minutes;
• the use of a mouthpiece or oxygen mask is a prerequisite;
• After each procedure, the nebulizer must be washed - this will avoid clogging and destroy pathogenic microorganisms;
• the time between procedures must pass at least 60 minutes;
• It is prohibited to breathe several medications at once.

Parents need to pay special attention to the dilution of the drug, where it is important to correctly observe the dosage of the drug and sodium chloride.

Inhalations during pregnancy and lactation

Carrying a baby and breastfeeding it are not considered contraindications for inhalation. However, in this case, it is imperative to choose the right medication and calculate the dosage of the medication. And the woman needs to follow the algorithm for conducting home therapy so that it does not have a negative effect on the developing baby.

Advantages of a nebulizer over a simple inhaler

The device has many strengths:

• Possibility of adjusting the dosage of medicinal substances;
• Oxygen can also be supplied simultaneously with medications, which makes the device indispensable for breathing problems;
• The patient does not require significant effort to carry out the procedures;
• Can be used for small children and weak elderly people;
• In some cases, a nebulizer is the only option when it is impossible or impossible to administer the medicine by other means;
• Safe to use in case of loss of consciousness;
• Possibility of connection to the artificial lung ventilation system;
• High qualifications are not required to use the device. Even an ordinary person can buy this device at a pharmacy and use it at home at his own discretion.

How to breathe through a nebulizer depends on the specific situation. When you cough, for example, you can inhale the aerosol vapor directly through your mouth. If the inflammatory process has spread to the nose, then it is worth using nasal attachments.

Main types of solutions

For inhalation, the following solution recipes are usually used:

With soda

Baking soda softens mucous membranes and helps thin mucus. Before the procedure, one or two large spoons of soda must be diluted in saline or a decoction based on linden, calendula or plantain. In addition, you can prepare a medicinal solution with the addition of sea salt, garlic or ethers.

From herbal decoctions

The healing properties of herbs and plants are widely known in the treatment of most lung diseases. It is permissible to prepare decoctions of the following plants: chamomile, raspberry leaves, plantain.

If you strain the broth well, it can be poured into a nebulizer. Before the procedure, it is important to make sure that the patient does not have a fever or allergies to the components of the plant. The type of herb and dosage of the decoction are prescribed by the doctor, which depends on the individual characteristics of each patient.

With drugs

Patients are often prescribed the following medications:

• mucolytics (Mukoltin, Lazolvan, Ambrobene);
• bronchodilators (Berodual, Atrovent, Berotek);
• glucocorticosteroids (Desamethozone, Cromohexal).

Dosage for adults and children

The dose of the drug depends on the type of drug, age and condition of the patient. Doctors usually prescribe 5 ml of the diluted drug for adults, and 3 ml for children.

As many reviews say, the use of any medicinal product is required only as directed by a doctor in order to avoid side effects and deterioration in general health.

How to refill an inhaler for a cough and runny nose

For inhalation using a nebulizer, you can purchase a special solution at the pharmacy, which should be inhaled for 10 minutes. The nebulizer should be selected depending on the type of cough.

A universal saline solution is often used, which is suitable for both adults and children. But this solution will not help with all diseases. Sometimes it is necessary to use other drugs.

They should be prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the picture of the disease.

It is not recommended to use these solutions for inhalation without consulting a specialist. If you are interested in how to refill a cough inhaler for children, first go to an appointment with a pediatrician, who, based on the symptoms of the child’s illness, will prescribe the right remedy.

The following products can be used as a nebulizer solution:

• dilating bronchi (Berodual, Atrovent, Berotek, Salgim);
• diluting sputum and improving its output (Fluimucil, Ambrobene, Lazolvan);
• reducing swelling of the mucous membrane (Sinupret);
• anti-inflammatory (Tonsilgon, Rotokan, Malavit);
• anti-inflammatory hormonal and antiallergic (Pulmicort, Dexamethasone, Cromohexal);
• antibacterial and antimicrobial (Furacilin, Dioxidin, Chlorophyllipt, Miramistin);
• immunomodulatory (Derinat, Interferon);
• vasoconstrictors (Epinephrine, Naphthyzin);
• antitussives (Lidocaine, Tussamag).

Only sterile saline solution is used as a drug solvent. Before inhalation, the medicine should be warmed to room temperature. Fill the device with a pipette or a special glass that comes with the kit. The face mask, compressor and mouthpiece are attached to the device after filling with the medicinal solution.

Inhalations are carried out for 7-10 minutes until the medicine is completely consumed.