Runny nose - a symptom of various diseases. It occurs in every person, regardless of age and gender. The main problem that appears along with this symptom is difficulty breathing, which leads to other negative sensations, such as headache, loss of appetite, weakness, swelling of the mucous membranes in the nasal cavity.
That is why people are trying as quickly as possible to get rid of a cold. One of the methods to combat the problem is inhalation. The effectiveness of the procedure depends on which methods are chosen and which drugs are used.
Is it possible to do inhalation with a cold
Doctors recommend inhalations for the common cold of various origins. This method came from traditional medicine, confirming its effectiveness. Inhalation has no side effects, there are practically no serious contraindications, but for babies it will be necessary to consult with the pediatrician before the procedure.
Inhalation is used for the following types of rhinitis:
- Dry rhinitis - congestion in the nasal cavity without secreting mucus. In the process it is possible to moisten the mucous membranes and cause leakage of the contents.
- Thick runny nose - the formed congestion gradually disappears, thickened discharge recedes, which prevents the inflammatory process and problems in the nasal sinuses.
- Allergic rhinitis - allergens come out naturally, swelling is removed.
Used inhalation and ARVI. In this case, it is possible to achieve:
- rapid removal of the virus from the body;
- reduce nasal dryness;
- alleviate the general condition.
For each disease, a specific composition is selected that is most effective in each particular case.
Rules of the procedure
In order for the effectiveness of the technique to be high, there are no complications, it will be necessary to follow the rules for inhalation:
- Choose a suitable tool.
- Observe the exact dosage (taking into account the disease, the severity of the symptoms and age).
- Repeat the procedure for a day - at least 3 times.
- Before and after inhalation is not recommended to eat for 30 minutes.
- Use the selected tool directly at the time of the procedure (you should not prepare it in advance or refill the inhaler).
- Talking during the procedure is impossible.
- Inhalation of vapors must be slow and deep.
- The temperature of the used liquid should not be higher than 60 degrees.
- A procedure performed with a head cold and cough implies that inhalation will be carried out through the nose and mouth simultaneously.
- Steam technique is carried out no more than 15 minutes (recommended 5-10 minutes).
- Essential oils are added in a small amount (2-3 drops are enough).
- Before the procedure can not produce physical activity.
- Inhalation is carried out while sitting.
To increase the efficiency, you need to use special devices with masks that help more efficiently deliver vapors or aerosols to the nasal cavity.
What to do with inhalation with cough and runny nose
Inhalation of cough and runny nose can be carried out using the following compositions:
- pure water - 250 ml (without gas);
- validol - 1 tablet;
- baking soda - 1 tsp;
- Iodine tincture - 7 drops.
All components mix, dissolve. Pour the composition into the appliance or an ordinary kettle. After that, inhale the vapors for 10 minutes. Repeat for 3 days.
Another simple recipe:
- onion (juice);
- garlic;
- grated radish;
- essential oil - 2-3 drops.
Inhalation is cold (you need to inhale the vapors).
If you want to treat a wet cough, you should use a simple recipe.
- clear water - 1 l;
- potatoes - 4 pcs.
Wash unpeeled potatoes, then place in a container with water. Boil until cooked. Cool to 55-60 degrees, then inhale, inhaling the vapors.
Good use and the use of herbal infusions or decoctions from the pharmacy. For this purpose will require:
- Herbal - 1 tbsp. l .;
- clean water - 1 cup.
Infusion of the liquid should be at least 30 minutes, after which it will need to be heated to 40 degrees for inhalation of therapeutic vapors.
A good therapeutic effect has a composition prepared from:
- essential oil - 12 drops;
- pure water - 200 ml (without gas).
The preparation process is simple: you need to warm the water until boiling, then cool to 85 degrees. The next step is the addition of essential oil and mixing. Inhale the resulting steam will take 10 minutes a day. The tool will help not only to remove nasal congestion, eliminate runny nose and cough, but also relieve sore throat during a cold.
Recipes for nebulizer
Nebulizer solutions are different in composition, which helps to find the best option in each case. To prepare you need to take:
- a mixture of flowers of calendula and St. John's wort - 1 tbsp .;
- water - 200 ml.
Boil water, pour herbs. Infuse the liquid should 40 minutes. After that, you can pour the infusion into the apparatus and carry out the procedure. Quick effect can be achieved if you brew chamomile. For this you need to take 1 tbsp. plants and 1 glass of water.
Another recipe will help get rid of cough, runny nose and nasal congestion:
- a mixture of calendula, eucalyptus and pine buds - 1.5 UF. L.;
- a glass of boiled water.
Infuse the composition should not less than 35 minutes. Use once a day for 10 minutes.
Inhalations of the common cold of any origin or of sinusitis can be made on the basis of the finished composition - sodium chloride (sold in a pharmacy). It should be purchased at a concentration of 2% or 0.9%.
Inhalations of rhinitis with saline using a nebulizer should be done 3-4 times a day. For this, the composition is enough to pour into the apparatus.
Saline solution has similar properties, for the preparation of which you will need to take:
- water (200 ml);
- salt without cooking iodine - 1 tbsp.
Components should be mixed, and then used for the behavior of the procedure.
If the runny nose is too strong, then for inhalation with a good therapeutic effect, you need to use special formulations that contain antibiotics. To prepare the composition you need to take:
- Fluomitsil powder - the amount according to the instructions (taking into account the age of the person);
- water - 250 ml.
On the day you need to do 2-3 procedures for 5 minutes.
Compositions obtained by mixing propolis and calendula are also used to combat the common cold. It will take:
- tincture of calendula (without alcohol) - 200 ml;
- liquid propolis - 1.5 tsp.
All ingredients are actively mixed, and then used for therapeutic effects 2 times a day for 10 minutes.
Nebulizer inhalation with saline
Inhalation procedures using a nebulizer with saline are effective, even if the problems are neglected. It is important to remember that formulations for procedures should be purchased, given the age of the people who will use them.
For kids
Babies need to choose special formulations that will be effective, but mild in their effects. They should not be harmful chemical components.
To prepare an effective and non-allergenic solution for inhalation with nasal congestion or runny nose, using a salt composition of low concentration (0.9%). As an alternative, alkaline mineral water is suitable.
Saline needs a little warm (up to 35-40 degrees), and then pour directly into the inhaler. The duration of the procedure in the standard version is only 3-5 minutes.
With a gradual but deep inhalation, the vapor will clear the nasal cavity from accumulated mucus well, and the infection will be released. Will be able to get rid of the formed crusts.
For adults
For the treatment of patients older than 15 years old (adults), you will need to purchase Ambrobene or Lasolvan, which are convenient to use for inhalation. They must then be mixed in equal proportions with saline. The duration of the procedure - 10 minutes, repeat during the day, 2 times.
This composition is also suitable for the treatment of children, in this case, you need to take into account the concentration of funds. For babies up to 2 years - 1 ml of the composition, then for growing up - 2-6 years - 2 ml of the composition and from 6 years - 3 ml. Course duration should not exceed 5 days.
How to get rid of a cold in pregnancy
A runny nose may also occur during pregnancy. Inhalation procedures are effective for its treatment. Alkaline mineral water can be selected as the main therapeutic drug.
Before use, it is required that all the gas out of it. Then, using boiled cooled water, it is necessary to dilute mineral water (the proportions of liquids are equal).
Inhalation of the resulting composition should be carried out 1-2 times a day. The recommended duration of one procedure is 5-7 minutes. In this case, the nebulizer increases the impact efficiency and saves time.
Another recipe that is suitable for use during pregnancy:
- Purified non-carbonated water - 980 ml;
- table salt - 7 g;
- essential (better to exclude citrus variants) oil - 3 drops (choose one that is not allergic).
Water must be heated, but not boiled (optimally up to 50 degrees). Then add the remaining ingredients - essential oil and salt. Inhalation of the resulting composition will need to be carried out 2-3 times a day, the duration of one procedure should not exceed 5 minutes. As a result, you can achieve removal of mucus from the nose and improve the overall condition.
Contraindications for inhalation
It is necessary to refuse the procedure if:
- body temperature above 37.1 (for hot options) and 37.7 (for cold);
- blood or pus is present in the nasal cavity;
- there is congestion or pain in the ears;
- severe diseases of the respiratory system;
- allergic reactions to the drug used;
- there are problems with the heart and blood vessels;
- vomiting is present.
Other restrictions are set in the process of preliminary diagnosis by a specialist.
Carrying out inhalations is a good way to get rid of the common cold and other manifestations of allergies or catarrhal conditions. Various options are used as therapeutic compositions - herbal preparations, ready-made saline solutions, mineral water or table salt.
It is necessary to apply the technique, observing the rules and taking into account the available contraindications. The positive aspects of the procedure: ease, accessibility, the possibility of use by children and pregnant women, high efficiency.
