Acute respiratory infections in children are not uncommon. They can be easily picked up in kindergarten or school, especially if the immune system is weakened. In this case, recovery can be accelerated with the help of inhalations, which simplify treatment, make it more effective. And in order to properly conduct the procedure, do not do without an inhaler.
What types of inhalers exist
Experts identify three types:
- compressor;
- steam;
- ultrasound.
They act according to a single principle: transform drugs into an aerosol or into steam for deeper penetration into the respiratory tract.
The use of inhalers when coughing or running nose will allow therapy with the use of a minimum amount of medicines.
And before you buy a device, you need to know their characteristics, how they differ from each other.
Steam
Such products are most often used in the treatment of the upper respiratory tract. Such inhalers are somewhat reminiscent of an improved method of "breathing over potatoes" in a saucepan. Its action is based on the inhalation of vapor. Works inhaler with volatile substances with a boiling point of not more than +100 degrees, for example with herbal infusions or essential oils.
The necessary solution is heated to +45 degrees, is converted into steam and enters the mouth and nose through a special mask.
This product has its drawbacks:
- Small children find it difficult to inhale hot air jets.
- When heated, some drugs are destroyed substances.
- The concentration of the drug in the steam inhaler is less than necessary for effective treatment.
- A small range of solutions for filling the inhaler.
Such products are considered the cheapest on the market - on average, they cost about $ 20. The most well-known inhalers: Cow, Puppy and Miraculous.
Compressor
Such devices create a powerful air flow, feeding it through a small "window", as a result of which an aerosol cloud is formed that is inhaled by patients through a mask.
The advantages of such a device is the fact that you can spray almost all drugs. The disadvantages are too high a level of noise, which can frighten some babies. Therefore, many inhalers are made in the form of steam trains, elephants, which will make it attractive to the child.
The most famous models: Dolphin, Omron. Average cost: 50 dollars.
Ultrasonic
Such products according to the method of drug delivery to the respiratory tract are very similar to compressor ones, however, they are notable for noiselessness. It is considered the most effective in the treatment of cough and rhinitis. When using it, the baby can breathe through the mouth or nose.
When choosing this device, you need to pay attention to the dispersion - this is the particle size of the sprayed medication. It is worth remembering that only up to 10 microns can penetrate into the bronchi, and if the instruction says that the inhaler generates larger particles, it should be discarded.
Known manufacturers of such inhalers include: Omron, AND, Beurer, the average cost is $ 40.
How to choose the most effective device
There are many nuances that must be considered when choosing a device, but the main thing is that it should be 100% consistent with the goals set. For example, for effective inhalation, the particle diameter of the drug should be around 2-6 microns - in this case, you can quickly and effectively cure the child.
Compressor and ultrasonic devices meet similar requirements, but inhalers may have other tasks, which should also be taken into account when choosing.
For example, choosing a device for children, it is undesirable to stop at steam inhalers, because in them the medicine heats up to almost 40 degrees - such temperature is contraindicated for children, and most of the useful substances will simply collapse.
Much depends on the disease. For example, if the device is required to stop the attacks of allergic cough, asthma, ultrasound and steam devices should not be used, since they are not suitable for steroids.
Also, any ultrasound models are not suitable if antibiotics are prescribed for treatment. But if you need to use special saline solutions, essential oils, decoctions of herbs, the ultrasonic inhaler is best suited.
Equally important is the mobility of the inhaler, the possibility of its use in transport, that is, without electricity.
In all other cases, it is better to focus on compression devices, since they are suitable for almost all medicines, are convenient to use.
Also, when purchasing it is worth paying attention to whether the inhaler is equipped with a special mask with breathing slots, which will allow the baby to breathe normally during all procedures.
Also consider the type of medication:
- Continuous flow - the spray arrives without stopping. This method leads to cost overruns of the drug and will not allow to accurately determine the dosage.
- Manual adjustment. In this case, in order for the solution to enter the nozzle, you must press a button on the device. The advantages include the fact that the tool will be spent economically, but with frequent use of the button can fail.
- The automatic option, which is considered the most convenient - the flow of steam begins with inhalation and stops on exhalation.
Take into account the volume of the tank, which largely depends on the type:
- steam models typically have a capacity of up to 100 ml;
- at compressor - from 100 to 150 ml;
- in ultrasound models - about 70 ml.
Focusing on the volume, it is worth remembering that it should be enough for at least one procedure.
Manufacturers Rating
There are a lot of domestic and foreign manufacturers of such medical equipment, but we have identified the most famous:
- English manufacturer B.Well, which produces inhalers for the whole family. For children on sale you can find special devices in the form of steam trains that help get rid of fear. The advantages of products include high quality and affordable price.
- Japanese manufacturer Omron. Available inhalers for both professional and home use. Attract by reliability, quality, but are above average.
- A & D. Another Japanese brand that produces both professional models and those that can be used at home. The products from this manufacturer are cheaper than those of Omron.
- Microlife is a Swiss company. It is one of the world leaders in the production of medical equipment. Inhalers are of high quality, reliability, practicality.
- Little Doctor. Manufacturer - Singapore. Products are distinguished by a harmonious combination of efficiency, safety. Cost inexpensive.
Reviews
The child was often sick, especially cough, runny nose. As a result, doctors prescribed to go for inhalation. But since we did not want to visit the clinic, because there everything with temperature, viruses, we decided to buy an inhaler home. Since the child was small and had been reading that the compressor devices were very noisy, it was decided to buy as a toy. She gave a little more than 3000 for the model of the company Little Doctor.
We use infrequently, but the truth helps, most importantly, to find a good medicine - in this we consult with a doctor.
Elizaveta, 29 years old
There was always an inhaler at home, but after the child was born, I had to buy a child's option - in the form of a toy, so as not to frighten the baby. I looked between such brands as: Ergopower, Little Doctor, but decided to stay on the latter option, although it costs more, but its characteristics turned out to be better, it is safer, more practical. But with his help, colds can be overcome faster.
Inessa, 33 years old
