Bronchitis belongs to the category of serious diseases accompanied by cough. It occurs in both children and adults. When treating it, the most important thing is to diagnose it in time based on the key symptom – cough. A sure sign of bronchitis, regardless of the patient’s age, is a severe and prolonged cough.
There are many methods of treating cough with bronchitis, both medicinal and folk. Some patients practice the old “grandfather’s” method - putting mustard plasters on. However, their benefit for this disease is sometimes questioned. Today you will find out whether it is possible to place mustard plasters for bronchitis, how to do it and where exactly they should be placed.
Cough with bronchitis
With bronchitis, there are several types of cough - wet and dry .
Dry throat is more common, it irritates the throat and is unpleasant because it is superficial and the person cannot cough up the throat. A number of experts say that over time it turns into wet, but this does not mean that it cannot be treated. With a dry cough, sputum accumulates, which actively spreads bacteria during bronchitis. With a wet cough, the cough is deep and phlegm is produced. But treatment for cough with bronchitis should be regardless of its type. Some types of therapy involve the use of medications, but in some cases traditional methods of treatment can also be prescribed. In particular, the use of mustard plasters for bronchitis.
What is mustard plaster (photo)
Mustard plasters are considered one of the most effective methods of treating bronchitis, which not only warms up the bronchi area, but also reduces coughing attacks . Naturally, many are interested in how to apply mustard plasters for bronchitis and whether it can be done at all, because not all doctors accept this type of therapy.
What is mustard plaster? This is paper that is impregnated with a special mixture of mustard powder, which, unlike regular powder, does not crumble. On sale there is a more modern type of mustard plasters in the form of paper with pockets where the powder itself is located. They are more effective because they are not processed.
Contraindications
Whether mustard plasters are used for bronchitis, we have already figured it out. However, it is necessary to consider contraindications for which their use is prohibited.
It should be said right away that if a person has a high temperature, then mustard plasters should not be applied. It is not advisable to warm children under 7 years old.
This procedure is completely contraindicated for children under 3 years of age. It should be noted that in young children, as a rule, obstructive bronchitis occurs. Because of this, any warming up of the body will only lead to a worsening of the condition.
This procedure will be contraindicated for adults and children who have cancer, allergies, wounds, scratches, eczema, asthma, tuberculosis, varicose veins, psoriasis. Pregnant women are also prohibited from taking mustard plasters for bronchitis.
Is it possible to put mustard plasters on for bronchitis?
Mustard plasters for bronchitis are a folk remedy, since there is no proven evidence of their effect on the internal organs of a person, and accordingly, they are not classified as medications. This is why some doctors are skeptical about them .
However, it is certainly known that they have an anti-inflammatory and warming effect. When the powder reacts with the skin, it generates heat. This remedy has practically no side effects, so for bronchitis, mustard plasters are often recommended for both children and adults.
It is not recommended to put them on yourself without first consulting a doctor, since in some cases mustard powder causes irritation. Sometimes the use of the powder is accompanied by burning and redness of the skin at the site of application, but such a reaction is considered normal.
Mustard powder has the following effect:
- warms up the body;
- relieves inflammation during bronchitis;
- relieves pain.
Its advantage is the localization of the impact, which is achieved due to the small size of the mustard plaster.
Are there any contraindications to the use of mustard plasters?
The use of this type of therapy also has its contraindications:
- cancer;
- tuberculosis;
- asthma;
- allergy;
- pregnancy;
- psoriasis and eczema;
- varicose veins;
- skin inflammation, wounds and scratches;
- children under 6 years old.
For obstructive bronchitis, this type of therapy should be carried out with great caution, since mustard plasters can aggravate it or provoke an allergy. However, everything is purely individual, which is why you need to consult a doctor before using this type of therapy.
How to properly use mustard plasters in children
In order for the treatment of bronchitis in children with mustard plasters to be successful, follow the above rules. You should be especially careful when using mustard plasters for obstructive bronchitis in children. The fact is that with this form of bronchitis, obstructive syndrome is possible. Often, if the nature of this phenomenon is allergic in nature, mustard plasters, as a rule, further aggravate the situation. There are likely cases when bronchitis turns into bronchial asthma, which is caused by the release of essential oils when using mustard plasters, which are likely to give allergic symptoms.
If the baby has a tendency to body reactions or has bronchial asthma, the use of mustard plasters is prohibited.
How to apply mustard plasters for bronchitis?
Treatment with mustard plasters is local in nature . This is why you need to know where to put mustard plasters for bronchitis. The effectiveness of treatment depends on the area of use. So, for bronchitis, mustard plasters should be placed on the back in the area of the shoulder blades, but they should not be placed on the spine. They can also be installed on the chest, but in this case, be sure to take into account the characteristics of the skin so as not to cause allergies.
When choosing a place where you will apply the powder, be sure to keep in mind that it should absolutely not be placed on damaged areas of the skin, as this may cause irritation. That is why this method of warming up the bronchi is not suitable for those who suffer from skin diseases.
Locations can be changed:
- first you can put a mustard plaster on your chest;
- then the person must turn around and be placed on his back between the shoulder blades or slightly lower;
- then they place it on the chest just below the collarbone area, leaving the heart area untouched.
Where to apply mustard plasters
First of all, check that your mustard plasters are correct so that powder does not spill out of their surface. High-quality mustard plasters must be dry and should not emit any odor, otherwise they will not give any positive effect. To date, there is no clear answer to the question of where to place mustard plasters correctly for bronchitis - on the upper back or on the chest. The correct solution would be to alternate these places, since a thermal warming effect will certainly occur when using them.
Situations will probably arise when your child refuses to use mustard plasters for bronchitis. In this case, discard them, using the medicinal properties of mustard itself. Many mothers replace the use of mustard plasters for bronchitis with mustard foot baths. The child enjoys splashing around in a bowl of water to which you add mustard. You can distract your baby by reading a book during this procedure. Fill it with warm water at a temperature of 38 degrees and dissolve 100 grams of powder in it. When the child puts his feet in the basin, cover them with a warm blanket on top and make sure he holds them for at least 10 minutes. Older children can keep their feet in water with mustard for 15-20 minutes.
Mustard plasters for bronchitis in children
Many parents are interested in whether it is possible to put mustard plasters on children for bronchitis. You can bet, but there are a number of points. Thus, it is more difficult to administer the powder to a child than to an adult, since the burning sensation that accompanies the procedure can cause particular discomfort in the child. For children, it can be replaced with a mustard-based warming bath, it is done like this:
- prepare a basin and fill it with warm water;
- add a couple of tablespoons of mustard powder there;
- Offer to steam the child’s feet in the bath for 15 minutes, and wrap their upper part.
As for the mustard plasters themselves, be sure to take into account the age of the child ; the younger he is, the less they are kept on the body.
It is impossible to warm up a child for a long time, especially if the procedure is performed for the first time. However, even adult children often cannot stand lying still for five minutes, so a mustard-based bath will be an excellent alternative. Children are prescribed mustard baths for about 15 minutes, and mustard plasters are applied for 5-10 minutes. Baths can be alternated with chest warming even for adults.
How to treat a child and an adult with mustard plasters
Treatment of babies
It is very important to know how to properly place mustard plasters on children. After all, the skin of young children is thin and very delicate. If a mustard-based product is used incorrectly, irritation may occur on the baby's skin. To protect your child from negative consequences, use a thin cotton cloth, placing it between the skin and the mustard plasters. To help your child behave calmly while warming up, distract him, for example, read a fairy tale.
Mustard plasters for coughs for children can be replaced with mustard wraps. Especially in cases where you are afraid to overexpose the product.
- To implement this treatment option, purchase dry mustard and prepare a diaper.
- Pour mustard (1-2 tablespoons of dry product) with warm water, after steeping for some time, cover the container with a lid and leave to stand for another 20 minutes.
- Then dilute the prepared infusion with water (1 liter), dip a diaper in it, squeeze it lightly and wrap it around the baby’s body, namely the chest.
- Additionally, wrap your baby in a blanket.
- Depending on how much mustard powder you used, remove the diaper 10-15 minutes after the start of the procedure if the child begins to behave restlessly and you notice redness of the skin.
- After removing the diaper, rinse the skin with warm water and wrap the baby in a blanket.
If you are treating a newborn in this way, be sure to take care of protecting the groin area.
Are you sure that the baby will react normally to the effects of mustard? Then apply a terry towel over the mustard plasters, and then wrap the baby with a blanket. After washing the skin, treat the skin with baby cream. The best time for the procedure is evening. Just before going to bed, you need to warm up. Before applying mustard, it is recommended to keep the baby under a warm blanket for an hour.
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Treatment for adults
It should be remembered that after drinking alcohol, mustard plasters can be applied no earlier than 3 hours later. Smoking is prohibited during the period of such treatment. There is no need for additional skin protection; mustard plasters can be applied directly to the skin. As with the treatment of children, an adult must adhere to bed rest. For a dry cough, treatment will take longer, up to 7-10 days.
Procedure algorithm
The effectiveness of the procedure depends not only on the location of the mustard plaster, but also on how correctly you place them. We present you with step-by-step instructions:
- Soak the mustard plaster in hot water (recommended temperature is up to 60 degrees so that the powder does not lose its healing properties). Keep it in water for about 30 seconds;
- then place it on the selected area of skin and press firmly;
- The mustard mustard must be even so that the powder can cover the maximum affected area and does not concentrate in a certain place. When you have placed as many as you need, wrap yourself up;
- for a warming effect, an adult needs to hold mustard powder for about 20 minutes, a child – up to 10. If the procedure is accompanied by severe pain, then it is better to stop it and consult a doctor. If the patient’s skin is too sensitive, before using this product, place a sheet of thin paper or a napkin on the selected area of skin;
- For children, they should be placed through a layer of gauze bandage, previously soaked in vegetable oil, or through a paper layer. If it is necessary to warm up a child aged 2-4 years, it is better to make mustard-based wraps. The fabric is soaked in a thin layer of mustard solution, then such a compress is placed on the desired area of the body and wrapped on top;
- When the procedure is completed, the mustard plasters are carefully removed, and the place where they stood is wiped with a dry towel to remove any remaining mustard. Pay attention to the condition of your skin. It may be slightly red and this effect may last for several hours. At the end of the manipulation, the patient should dress warmly so that the warming effect lasts longer and lie in bed for some time.
Also, after completing the procedure, it is not recommended to take a bath . If you or your child have a high temperature due to bronchitis, then before installing mustard plasters you should definitely bring it down so as not to overload your body with heat.
The use of mustard plasters for bronchitis is a procedure that is generally well tolerated by patients, but it is better to coordinate it with a doctor, this is especially important when it comes to treating a child.
Mustard plasters for bronchitis
How long to keep on skin
How long should you keep mustard on your skin? When treating young patients, it is necessary to focus on age.
- If the baby is more than a year old, but not more than three years old, do not leave the mustard plaster on the body for more than 2-3 minutes.
- In cases where the child is no more than 7 years old, from 3 years old the warming effect on the skin should last from 3 to 5 minutes.
- For children over 8 years old to 12 years old, the recommended procedure time is 5-10 minutes.
- If complaints are noted, such as a severe burning sensation on the skin and pain, severe redness and irritation, the procedure is stopped, and the doctor is informed about the reactions that have occurred. To relieve your child of a cough, you should first consult a doctor.
- To cure a cough in an adult, you need to keep mustard plasters for 10 to 15 minutes. However, application within 20 minutes is allowed.
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