Inhalation for laryngitis with a nebulizer - what medications are needed?

A nebulizer has become an indispensable home appliance for metropolitan residents. It moisturizes the mucous membranes, helps to quickly deliver the medicine to the farthest corners of the nasal and oral cavities and even to the lungs and bronchi. Nebulizers have especially taken root in families with children.

The photo shows the use of a nebulizer

And there are also logical explanations for this fact. First, in general, children suffer from respiratory diseases more often than adults. Secondly, babies do not know how to swallow powders and tablets - it is easier for them to breathe in airborne droplets. Thirdly, a nebulizer is an ideal remedy for the treatment of a terrible disease - laryngitis, which, according to statistics, affects children 3 times more often than adults!

Using a nebulizer

Inhalation with a nebulizer, in combination with other components of laryngitis therapy, gives a pronounced therapeutic effect. To avoid harming yourself, be sure to consult a doctor before starting any treatment.

Using a nebulizer as recommended by a doctor

Causes and symptoms of laryngitis

Laryngitis in acute or chronic form can develop in adults and children under the influence of many factors, which include:

severe hypothermia, both local and general;
excessive strain on the vocal cords that occurs from talking loudly, shouting, or singing frequently;
acute infectious diseases.

The causes of chronic laryngitis are slightly different; they can be distinguished as follows:

frequent acute laryngitis;
bad habits – smoking and alcohol abuse;
professional changes in the vocal cords, which is often observed in speakers, singers and teachers;
prolonged inflammatory processes occurring in the nasopharynx.

The symptoms of laryngitis are varied, some of them can only be determined by a doctor, but there are clear signs by which this disease can be suspected:

dry, painful cough that becomes wet at times;
severe pain in the throat when swallowing;
slight increase in body temperature;
labored breathing;
voice change;
discomfort in the throat.

Upon examination, the doctor may notice redness and swelling of the mucous membrane of the throat, with red dots visible on the mucous membrane. Typical changes are observed in the patient's blood test.

In the chronic form of laryngitis, a person’s voice changes greatly, there is a tickling in the throat and frequent coughing.

Nebulizer inhalation and preparations for

The therapeutic effect of inhalation using a nebulizer, as a rule, occurs very quickly. In this case, the medicine is applied topically, therefore the list of side effects on the body is significantly reduced. The nebulizer sprays the medicinal composition into tiny particles, which quickly penetrate to the source of inflammation, eliminating the pathology.

Adrenalin

Inhalations with adrenaline are not indicated for all patients with laryngitis, but only for bronchospasm (a breathing disorder in which muscle spasm prevents free exhalation).

Adrenaline (as well as epinephrine) is strictly prohibited to be used without a doctor's prescription.

To prepare a solution for inhalation, the drug is diluted with saline in a ratio of at least 1:6.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are hormonal drugs that reduce the severity of the inflammatory process by suppressing the immune system. Inflammation itself is possible only if the immune system is active, which increases blood circulation in the area of pathology or damage, while an increase in vascular permeability provokes fluid effusion from the bloodstream - edema.

Corticosteroid drugs block this process, so the unpleasant symptoms in the throat decrease. But hormones cannot overcome the root cause of the disease, with the exception of cases of allergic laryngitis, therefore such therapy is only symptomatic and should be carried out in conjunction with etiological therapy. Only the attending physician should include drugs from this group in the therapeutic plan; they have many contraindications and features of use.

Inhalations with dexamethasone are carried out three times a day, 1 ml for adults and 0.5 ml for children, with the obligatory dilution of the drug in saline in a ratio of 1:6. Immediately after the procedure, which lasts no more than 10 minutes (recommended duration is 5 minutes), a person gets rid of a dry cough and discomfort in the throat when swallowing.
Inhalations with hydrocortisone for laryngitis have a therapeutic effect similar to dexamethasone: anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and decongestant. The procedures support general and local immunity, preventing the removal of interferon from the body. For inhalation, dilute 25 ml of the medicine by adding 3 ml of saline solution.

Lazolvan

When inhaled, Lazolvan provides rapid liquefaction of sputum: the cough softens and the person feels almost immediate relief. But this treatment is symptomatic, so more often the doctor prescribes Lazolvan in combination with other drugs for etiological therapy.

In addition to Lazolvan, you can use other products with ambroxol (the substance ambroxol hydrochloride is an analogue of a plant alkaloid):

Ambrobene,
Flavamed,
Ambrohexal.

For inhalation, the drug is dissolved in saline in a 1:1 ratio. The therapeutic effect is achieved after 5 minutes (and with the internal example of a syrup or tablet - no less than half an hour).

Rotokan

Rotokan is a herbal preparation with a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect:

chamomile extract,
calendula,
yarrow.

It can also be used for acute inflammation, but you should always consult a doctor before using it.
For one inhalation session, about 4 ml of solution is required, which is made by mixing Rotocan and saline solution in a ratio of 1:40, respectively.

Chlorophyllipt

Chlorophyllipt is a herbal preparation made from eucalyptus, which has a pronounced antiseptic effect and is also active against staphylococcus, one of the most common causative agents of laryngitis . The product can have a mild anesthetic and decongestant effect.

The drug is used for inhalation in the form of an alcohol tincture after mixing with saline in a ratio of 1:10. The duration of the procedure and the frequency of inhalations per day are determined by the doctor.

Miramistin

Miramistin is one of the most common antiseptic drugs used in various branches of medicine, including otorhinolaryngology. The active substance of the drug is active against bacteria, viruses and fungi.

The therapeutic effect of Miramistin is sometimes higher than that of using antibiotics.

For inhalation, a 0.01% solution is used, which does not need to be diluted. About 4 ml of Miramistin is poured into the device (nebulizer), inhalations are carried out three times a day for 5-15 minutes. More precise recommendations should be obtained from your doctor.

Saline solution

Saline solution is used for inhalation as a means for diluting the medicine. But you can also use it in its pure form. This is necessary for symptomatic treatment, since after the procedure a person immediately experiences an improvement in his condition due to the softening of the laryngeal mucosa: the pain in the throat when swallowing is reduced, and the cough is eliminated.

Saline solution can be replaced with mineral water:

Narzan,
Essentuki.

The inhalation itself can be repeated up to six times a day in order to maintain normal well-being.

Methods of performing inhalations

Inhalations for laryngitis at home can be performed in three different ways:

Using a container filled with medicine.
Using a regular teapot with a paper funnel on the spout.
Using various inhalers.

When choosing a method of therapy, you need to take into account the characteristics of the disease, concomitant diseases and the age of the patient . Caution should also be exercised when choosing a drug for the procedure.

Before starting the procedure, you should definitely consult a doctor, since incorrectly performed inhalations for laryngitis can lead to a number of other problems.

Steam inhalations

Inhalation of the larynx using steam is carried out using a saucepan or kettle with hot (but not boiling) water with the addition of components with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Contraindications

This therapeutic procedure has a number of contraindications that must be taken into account:

Allergy to medications prescribed for inhalation.
Heart problems or high blood pressure.
Steam inhalation is strictly prohibited for purulent tonsillitis, sinusitis or otitis media.
Nebulizer inhalations for laryngitis are not performed if a person has a high temperature.

If the body temperature does not exceed 38 degrees, then the procedure can be carried out with caution, otherwise it is better to refuse such treatment until the condition normalizes.

Children under 4 years of age are not prescribed steam inhalation for acute laryngitis, due to the high risk of developing laryngospasm.

When procedures cannot be performed

In general, there are no clear contraindications to the use of a nebulizer for inhalation of the oropharynx. To maintain the functionality of the device, you should not use oil solutions, which also contain large particles; they can clog the device. When using herbal solutions for inhalation, you should carefully filter the resulting mixtures and wash the device each time.

Contraindications to the use of a nebulizer. What solutions should not be used to irrigate the larynx.

Inhalation of soda into the throat causes irritation of the mucous membrane. When the substance gets into inflamed areas, it stimulates coughing and swelling increases. Table salt can be used instead of sodium carbonate.
If the body temperature is above 37 degrees, inhalation cannot be carried out.
If you are prone to nosebleeds.
Purulent sore throat.
People suffering from heart pathologies.
In case of allergy to the components of the solution.

The above contraindications require strict adherence. The main goal of inhalations is a powerful therapeutic effect, accelerating recovery, and not causing harm to the body. Before undertaking this event, it is better to consult a doctor. It should be remembered that inhalations are not an independent method of treating inflammation of the vocal cords. In addition to these manipulations, complex therapy is required.

Therapeutic effect

Inhalations with a nebulizer for laryngitis give a good therapeutic effect and have the following effects:

reduce the viscosity of mucous contents in the larynx and facilitate its removal;
moisturize the mucous membrane of the throat, thereby reducing coughing attacks;
reduce inflammatory processes;
regulate vascular tone in the capillaries and reduce swelling of the walls of the larynx;
promote rapid restoration of the mucous membrane.

In addition, thanks to drugs, there is a mucolytic, preventive and antimicrobial effect.

Medicines and their dosage should be selected exclusively by a doctor, not only for children, but also for adults.

Using a nebulizer

Inhalation for laryngitis with a nebulizer is not only an effective method, but also very convenient. Especially when treating diseases in children.

It is often very difficult for parents to get their child to stand over a container of hot steam. And with the help of such a device, you can perform procedures even while your baby is sound asleep.

The main principle of operation of a nebulizer is to spray tiny particles of the drug and ensure its penetration directly to the source of inflammation.

Another important positive point is that the use of air ionization models enhances the effect of many medications, which significantly speeds up the healing process.

The drug has a number of other advantages:

painless administration of medications;
easy to use;
absorption of the drug into the blood occurs faster;
the concentration of beneficial properties lasts twice as long as with other methods;
does not lose useful substances at the moment of their breakdown into an aerosol.

Features of the procedure

For the procedure to be as effective as possible, certain rules must be followed:

The duration of inhalation of drugs should not exceed 20 minutes.
During the day, you cannot perform inhalations with the same medicine more than 3 times.
If several medications are prescribed for inhalation, then bronchodilators are inhaled first, then mucolytics, and only after that can antibacterial drugs or antiseptics be used.

Inhalations for laryngitis in children are carried out using a mask of the appropriate size . It should fit tightly around the baby's respiratory organs.

To dilute medications, you can only use pharmaceutical saline solution.

Rules for inhalation

To achieve good results, you need to adhere to a number of recommendations:

The procedure is carried out 30 minutes after eating . It can be done only an hour after physical activity.
After inhaling the medicinal solution, it is permissible to go outside only after 1 hour . At the same time, you should avoid eating and talking.
During inhalations, breathing should be normal - excessively deep or shallow breaths are contraindicated.
When laryngitis develops, inhale through the mouth and exhale through the nose..
If several different inhalations are used, you need to take a break of 20-30 minutes between them . First, it is recommended to use a bronchodilator, then a medicine to thin and remove mucus. Only after this is it permissible to use antibacterial and anti-inflammatory substances.
At elevated temperatures, the procedure is prohibited.
It is not recommended to talk during the session.
The optimal duration of inhalation is 5-10 minutes.

How to properly perform inhalations through a nebulizer

A nebulizer is a portable and easy-to-use device. To perform inhalation correctly, you must follow the following algorithm:

The container for the medicine is filled with the prepared solution for inhalation; the volume per procedure usually does not exceed 5 ml.
A tube and mask are attached to the filled container.
Put on a mask and turn on the device. If the nebulizer has an adjustment, then set the medium spray level.

It is necessary to breathe shallowly during the procedure so as not to provoke a coughing attack. Breathing is not held, since the medicine does not need to get deep into the lungs.

The procedure is performed for 15-20 minutes.
After the procedure is completed, the medicine container and mask are washed with water or a special disinfectant solution and then dried in air. In this case, rinsing the tube is strictly prohibited.

After inhalation, the patient should not eat or drink for about an hour, which helps to increase the effectiveness of the procedure.

How to choose an inhaler

Inhalations are an excellent treatment for rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, laryngitis, tracheitis and asthma. The main thing is to choose the right device

Types of inhalers

Inhalation is a therapeutic procedure during which a drug enters the nasal or respiratory tract in the form of small particles.

The simplest inhalation is spending time over a saucepan of hot boiled potatoes. However, the process of inhaling potato vapors is miserably inferior to inhalations, which are carried out using modern inhalation systems.

Today there are four types of inhalers:

steam, or heat-moist;
ultrasonic;
compressor;
mesh inhalers.

The simplest devices among this family are steam (heat-moisture) inhalers. The remaining three types are quite complex inhalation systems, often referred to as “nebulizers”. This term comes from the Latin word nebula, which means cloud or fog.

Remember: if a doctor recommends buying a nebulizer, he means an ultrasonic, compressor or mesh inhaler, and not a steam one. All modern inhalers are designed for inhalation of the nasal cavity and respiratory tract and are equipped with a set of attachments for the nose and mouth.

Steam inhalers

The steam generated by steam inhalers enters the nasopharynx along with the current of inhaled air and helps to dilate the vessels of the mucous membrane. As a result, blood supply improves, and therefore metabolism in the mucous membranes of the nose and upper respiratory tract.

Read also: Sore throat: how to treat

A primitive heat-moisture inhaler is a closed plastic container with a front and nasal nozzle. To carry out inhalation with its help, you will have to constantly monitor the temperature of the working solution. It is much more convenient to use electric steam inhalers, which stably generate steam at a certain temperature and automatically turn off. However, you will have to pay a little more for this comfort.

Advantages:

Warm-moist inhalers are very economical in price.

Flaws:

1. The inability to carry out inhalations with most medications that are destroyed when heated. Only salt or soda solutions, decoctions or infusions of medicinal herbs and essential oils are suitable for steam inhalation. 2. The large size of the particles of the medicinal solution (about 20 microns) does not allow them to penetrate further than the upper respiratory tract (oropharynx or nasal cavity). 3. Steam inhalations are contraindicated for certain cardiovascular diseases, acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, tuberculosis and general weakening of the body.

Intended use:

Hot inhalations with essential oils or herbal infusions are carried out for diseases of the nasopharynx and upper respiratory tract.

Nebulizer Therapy: Particle Size Details

Nebulizers, unlike steam inhalers, can convert a solution into an aerosol consisting of fine particles. The smaller the particle size, the easier they penetrate into the deep areas of the nasopharynx or respiratory tract. Thus, particles with a size of 5–10 microns are deposited in the larynx and nasopharynx, 2–5 microns reach the lower respiratory tract, and miniature specimens with a diameter of 0.5–2 microns penetrate into the most distant areas - the alveoli.

Nebulizer manufacturers always indicate what size particles a particular device produces, often accompanied by the vague acronym MMAD. It “encodes” the English phrase “mass median aerodynamic diameter” - the median mass aerodynamic diameter of particles. This indicator reflects the "average temperature in the hospital": half of the particles in the aerosol have a diameter corresponding to the MMAD, and the second can have a size of either a larger or smaller diameter.

Nebulizers: similar and different

Clinical studies have confirmed that all types of nebulizers are equally effective. Yet there are significant differences between them.

Ultrasonic nebulizers work by vibrating a piezoelectric element on the surface of the solution.

Advantages:

1. Quiet operation. 2. Compactness (small size and weight).

Flaws:

1. The impossibility of using antibiotics, hormones, mucolytics and other drugs that are destroyed when heated. 2. Inability to use suspensions, oils and other viscous liquids (the piezoelectric element only works in solutions).

Intended use:

Inhalation of the upper and lower respiratory tract using saline, mineral water, essential oils and herbal infusions, including for a child.

Compressor nebulizers generate an aerosol using compressed air supplied to a chamber under pressure. Depending on how much aerosol settles in the lungs, there are:

1. Direct-flow (convection) nebulizers (deposition in the lungs 10–15%), in which the amount of incoming aerosol does not depend on the depth of inspiration. They are characterized by a fairly high loss of the drug substance.

2. Breath-activated or Venturi nebulizers (deposition 30–35%). The deeper the inhalation, the more aerosol penetrates the nasopharynx or respiratory tract.

3. Synchronized with breathing (deposition 60%). Drug delivery is activated by inhalation, and output losses are minimal. These devices are used to treat pulmonary cystic fibrosis.

Advantages:

Can be used with any medications.

Flaws:

1. Noise during operation. 2. Bulky.

Intended use:

Diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract in children and adults.

Mesh inhalers create an aerosol by sifting the medicine through thousands of small holes in the mesh membrane.

Advantages:

1. Versatility (the ability to use many medicinal substances). 2. Quietness. 3. Simplicity and ease of use (can be used at various angles, including lying down). 4. Portability.

Flaws:

High price.

Intended use:

Treatment of various diseases, including in infants and bedridden patients.

Compressor inhalers are considered universal devices that combine reasonable price and quality. Despite the noise and other shortcomings, they are in the greatest and, most importantly, well-deserved demand. But whether it is advisable to buy very expensive mesh nebulizers or quite economical, but not universal enough ultrasonic ones, everyone decides for himself.

What medications are used for inhalation?

Preparations for inhalation with a nebulizer for laryngitis in children and adults can be different, the choice depends only on the nature of the disease:

Agents that reduce the viscosity of sputum are Lazolvan and saline; they are often taken in equal proportions.
If your child has a hoarse voice, you can inhale with soda, which is dissolved in saline solution.
Antiseptic solutions - Miramistin, Hexoral and other similar drugs.
Natural preparations with a clear anti-inflammatory effect - Rotocan or Chlorophyllipt.
Hormonal medications - Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone, Flixotide and Pulmicort.

Sometimes doctors prescribe adrenaline for inhalation through a nebulizer . You can breathe this drug for only a few minutes.

Before inhalation, any hormonal drugs must be diluted in the proportion specified by the doctor, otherwise shock may occur.

When is adrenaline indicated?

For inhalation, a synthetic analogue of adrenaline, Epinephrine, is most often prescribed. This drug is prescribed in critical situations when a sick child may develop laryngospasm. Inhalations with adrenaline can prevent such a serious complication of laryngitis as false croup. To prepare a solution for inhalation, you need to take an ampoule of Epinephrine and dilute it in 5 ml of saline solution. This medication should not be used frequently as it increases heart rate.

If your child is bothered by a debilitating cough before going to bed, and in his sleep he begins to choke, then you need to urgently call an ambulance. Before the doctor arrives, the child is treated with inhaled adrenaline.

Inhalations with Dexamethasone

This hormonal drug is characterized by pronounced antiallergic, anti-edematous and anti-inflammatory effects . A solution of this hormonal agent is used for inhalation if there is a risk of severe swelling of the larynx, which can lead to suffocation. For inhalation, a solution is prepared in which one part of Dexamethasone goes to 6 parts of saline solution.

When is Hydrocortisone indicated?

Inhalations with hydrocortisone are indicated if there is a risk of laryngospasm . The drug Hydrocortisone-Richter, which in addition to the hormone also contains icecaine, has proven itself especially well. This pain-relieving medicine can also be inhaled separately, especially for dry and hacking coughs.

Inhalations with Prednisolone

In some cases, Prednisolone is prescribed for inhalation.
This medication has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effect on the human body .

This hormone takes an active part in metabolism and also promotes fluid retention in the body.

Prednisolone is prescribed only in exceptional cases, and it is strictly forbidden to exceed the dosage and course of treatment.

Application of Lazolvan

Lazolvan is recommended for dry cough, which is caused by an inflammatory process in the larynx . Most often, this medicine is prescribed for bronchitis, for easy discharge of sputum. To treat laryngitis by inhalation, Lazolvan is diluted with saline in the same proportion.

How can a nebulizer help with laryngitis?

For laryngitis, inhalations are always prescribed. When using hot steam, bacteria present on the mucous membrane of the throat can be actively spread to other areas. And with cold inhalation, the purulent plaque is not transferred, but is simply irrigated, since there is no heat in the nebulizer, and to obtain the medicine it is enough to take a normal (not intense) breath.

Cold inhalation is more effective than hot inhalation

Let us remind you that a nebulizer is a device that supplies a mixture of air and microdroplets of saline solution into which the medicine is infused into a mask for inhalation.

Nebulizer inhaler

Saline solution

Due to the small particle size, the airborne composition easily penetrates the nasal passages, irrigates the larynx and the following sections of the patient’s airways. Cold inhalations of medicinal solutions using a nebulizer apparatus are an integral part of the fight against respiratory diseases, including laryngitis, in children and adults.

Inhalation with a nebulizer

Inhalations over pots, etc., unlike a nebulizer, provoke severe forms of the disease and complications (narrowing of the larynx) in children under 4 years of age. They can bring temporary relief, but due to the heating of the mucous membranes, swelling may further increase. Steam is indicated for viral and chronic laryngitis, and then only after the symptoms of a bacterial infection have been relieved. A nebulizer is practically the only home treatment if laryngitis is of an allergic nature.

If a small child is often sick and is prone to laryngeal stenosis and laryngitis, a nebulizer will provide emergency assistance for difficulty breathing before the ambulance arrives. Also, when using a nebulizer, thermal burns of the mucous membrane are excluded (relevant when it comes to treating small children).

Thermal burns are completely excluded

With timely and proper treatment, laryngitis can be eliminated in about a week. Drinking plenty of fluids and nebulizer therapy are ideal ways to quickly begin treatment at home. During inpatient treatment, inhaling medications and moistening the larynx with a physical solution using a nebulizer is also part of the general course of treatment. Cold (steamless) treatment is especially important for a combination of several diseases, when, in addition to signs of laryngitis, the patient also has a cough or shortness of breath, problems with nasal breathing (rhinitis, pharyngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, etc.).

Nebulizer therapy increases the effectiveness of treatment of respiratory diseases

For laryngitis with various types of complications, different compounds are poured into the nebulizer to help:

moisturize mucous membranes;
relieve swelling;
help the respiratory tract recover faster;
expand the bronchi;
reduce inflammation;
improve sputum discharge.

Nebulizer preparations for various situations

The principle of action of inhalation with a nebulizer for laryngitis

A nebulizer is an inhalation device that delivers liquid medications to the respiratory system in the form of an aerosol. Fine particles, entering the nose, throat and respiratory tract, have a faster effect than drugs in other forms. Inhaled particles do not enter the bloodstream and do not affect the liver or gastrointestinal tract.

The continuous supply of medicines in aerosol form effectively acts on the inflamed areas of the larynx. For laryngitis, inhaling medications through a nebulizer has a calming and softening effect on the throat and relieves cough.

Improvement from the use of a nebulizer occurs after the first procedures. Cold steam inhalations are effective for all forms of laryngitis:

The use of a nebulizer allows you to deliver medications to the affected respiratory organs with minimal loss of their medicinal properties and maximum sedimentation at the site of infection.

The nebulizer includes masks for children and adults, a mouthpiece, and a nasal tip. To treat laryngitis, you should use a mask.

Prohibited medications for inhalation for laryngitis

Medicines and other means that can damage the nebulizer and are also dangerous for the respiratory system are prohibited:

oil-based medicines;
solutions with suspensions;
medicines in the form of tablets and other solid forms;
herbal decoctions;
syrups and suspensions;
unheated medicines from the refrigerator;
solutions prepared in independent dosage;
mineral and any other water.

Liquid dosage forms for some types of nebulizers can only be diluted with saline solution, while for other types dilution with water is allowed.