The use of inhalations to treat allergic cough

March 17, 2020 | No comments | Allergy

Unfortunately, every year the percentage of children prone to allergies is rapidly increasing. It is quite difficult to avoid this, since the main causes of its occurrence, genetic predisposition and environmental factors, are almost impossible to influence. Most people associate the word “allergy” with a rash and do not attach the proper meaning to it. But it should be remembered that allergies also manifest themselves with other symptoms, worsening the child’s quality of life and even leading to disability. One of these symptoms is an allergic cough. You will learn about its features, how dangerous it is for a child and how to deal with it correctly from our article.

• 2 What are the signs of an allergic cough?
• 3 Differential diagnosis

  3.1 Table: differences between allergic cough and other types

• 3.2 Diagnostic methods

Types of devices

Inhalers (from the Latin Inhalo - “to inhale”) are devices that operate by converting drugs into a suspended form. In this case, steam or drip introduction is provided.

The inhaler is:

• steam. The principle is that a medicinal infusion (herbal, oil, sea water) is converted into steam, which is inhaled by the patient through a mask. Such devices are inexpensive, but only affect the upper respiratory tract. They are not suitable for babies, as the baby may be scared by the steam. Hot steam can also burn you;
• ultrasonic. In it, the liquid is broken up by an ultrasonic plate.

A nebulizer is a more advanced type of inhaler. It separates the liquid into microscopic aerosol particles. The structure of the drug is not destroyed. A nebulizer for allergies has an extended therapeutic effect; droplets also reach the lower respiratory tract. You can use antibiotics, cromones, hormones, etc.

The nebulizer is:

• compression The aerosol cloud is formed by a compressor;
• convection (there is a continuous flow of aerosol);
• ultrasonic;
• dosimetric (synchronizes with breathing);
• Venturi nebulizer (activated by inhalation);
• mesh nebulizer (electronic mesh). It is considered a new generation device. Medicines pass through the mesh membrane and are separated into tiny particles. It works with almost all medications, is not noisy, and can be used while sleeping. There is only one drawback - it is not cheap.

When do you need an allergy inhaler?

An allergy inhaler is needed to treat:

• allergic rhinitis (seasonal runny nose);
• bronchitis with bronchospasm;
• bronchial asthma;
• eosinophilic alveolitis (damage to the alveoli of the lungs).

Its advantages over conventional aerosol preparations (spray or metered aerosol in a can) are:

• the possibility of additional moisturizing of the mucous membrane and cleansing of the respiratory tract;
• uniform distribution of the drug over the entire surface and settling of solution droplets with a long-lasting effect on the mucous membrane;
• a precisely measured dose of the drug, you can administer a large amount of the drug at once to relieve a severe attack of suffocation;
• ease of use;
• you can conduct treatment sessions with medications and preventive courses with saline solutions;
• selecting a spray mode that allows you to deliver the solution to the affected area;
• suitable for children and weakened patients;
• no need to adjust your breathing to the spray;
• the composition that fills the inhaler does not contain freon and other additional components that increase allergies.

If we compare inhalation and oral administration of medications, then with the inhalation route of entry the maximum amount of the drug remains in the respiratory tract. This helps to avoid drug load on the liver, kidneys, and circulatory system. For allergy sufferers, it is also important to have less impact on the general state of the immune system and mechanical removal of the allergen, this facilitates the course of the disease.

Using an inhaler, you can very quickly relieve spasm and swelling of the bronchi, which is comparable to intravenous administration of the drug.

Types of devices

Several types of devices are used to treat allergies:

• compressor inhalers - convert the solution into an aerosol with small particles by pumping air with a compressor, universal;
• ultrasonic – a flow of droplets is created using ultrasound, silent;
• MESH inhalers - combine vibrations of an electronic mesh membrane with ultrasonic waves, compact.

Recommendations for selection

To select an inhaler for the treatment of allergies, take into account that compressor devices can be refilled with all types of medications, they are durable, and can be used by the whole family. The disadvantages include the fact that almost all devices require connection to an electrical outlet, they are quite bulky, suitable only for home treatment (cannot be taken with you), and are noisy.

An ultrasonic nebulizer is distinguished by its silent operation, high nebulization speed, and helps to use medicine economically. There are portable models, but hormones, antibiotics, and a number of biologically active drugs cannot be sprayed through them.

MESH inhalers are the most convenient; you can always have them with you, which is important for patients at risk of developing an attack of suffocation. Such devices are universal, suitable for all types of solutions, used in sitting and lying positions, operation is not accompanied by noise. The only disadvantage is the higher price - they cost 1.5-2 times more than compressor or ultrasonic ones.

When purchasing an inhaler for allergy sufferers, you should also pay attention to:

• brand of device (trusted manufacturers include Omron, Microlife, Little Doctor, Rotor);
• the size of aerosol droplets when sprayed is for allergic rhinitis from 5 microns, for bronchospasm 3-5 microns, patients with allergic alveolitis need a grinding mode of up to 0.5-3 microns;
• possibility of changing the operating mode;
• the capacity of the nebulizer chamber (liquid is poured into it) and the residual volume (the smaller it is, the lower the consumption of the medicine);
• shape – for a small child it is better to choose a nebulizer in the form of a toy;
• equipment - for the treatment of a runny nose, nasal cannulas are needed, a mask is selected according to size for a newborn and a child, a mouthpiece is required for the treatment of asthma and pulmonary pathology.

Indications

First of all, the procedures are carried out for allergic rhinitis. The big plus is that when allergies are complicated by a bacterial infection, antiallergic and antibacterial drugs can be used together.

The procedure is also carried out in case of an allergic reaction, when there is a cough, bronchial obstruction (the flow of air into the respiratory tract is difficult). Indications are swelling of the nasal mucosa, shortness of breath, sore nose and throat.

How do the symptoms appear?

If help is not provided in a timely manner and treatment is not started, the child’s allergic cough will develop, progress, and as a result may become chronic. Unfortunately, this is often exactly what happens for the reason that it is not easy to distinguish it from a cold cough and parents begin to independently treat their child for the wrong disease, wasting time. Despite the great similarities in allergic cough, some distinctive features and symptoms can still be identified:

• it is preceded by attacks of suffocation, when it becomes very difficult for the child to breathe;
• one of its main characteristic features is the complete absence of any other symptoms of a cold - no headaches, no chills, no increase in body temperature, etc.;
• such a cough is always dry - no sputum is produced;
• very often sneezing begins at the same time;
• there is severe itching in the nose and the skin turns red, and any drops for a runny nose are powerless;
• the greatest number of attacks occur at night and early in the morning;
• significantly increases when in contact with any substance or object, which, in turn, is the same allergen.

It is especially difficult to find such differences in very young children and infants, since they cannot yet explain that they have difficulty breathing and describe all the characteristic symptoms. In this regard, if the baby has a dry cough very often, parents should be as careful as possible and prevent the development of negative consequences.

Methodology

For allergies, a few drops of saline solution are dropped into the inhaler. Distilled water is not used. Then up to 5 drops of medication are added. The pharmacy chain sells medicines specially packaged in small quantities. Use the solution at room temperature. A solution with a temperature of up to 35-45 degrees is poured into the steam inhaler.

You need to wait at least two hours after eating or exercising. Before the procedure, you should not take any medications or treat mucous membranes with antiseptics.

You need to sit down comfortably and remove any clothes that are interfering with the procedure. The mask is applied to the face so that the nose and mouth are closed. If the nasal cavities are affected, you need to breathe through your nose, measuredly and calmly. Don't open your mouth. If dizziness begins, therapy should be interrupted for 1-2 minutes. If the nasopharynx and bronchi are affected, you need to inhale through your mouth, hold your breath for a couple of seconds, then exhale through your nose.

Inhalation time for allergies is 3-10 minutes. Then it is advisable to talk as little as possible for at least an hour. You should rinse your throat with warm water. It is forbidden to smoke shortly and immediately after the process.

If inhalation is performed on a small child, parents should thoroughly wash their hands before applying the mask. This is done so that germs do not get on the baby’s mucous membranes.

Therapy is prescribed by an allergist or pediatrician (for children). He will recommend the necessary medications, their dosage, the number of inhalations per day and the duration of the course. It is necessary to strictly follow the sequence of medications that were prescribed. Any solution is good for no more than a day, provided that it is in the refrigerator.

Comments (4)

• Ira

  04/09/2018 at 23:22 |
  Diazolin is really a very good, effective medicine for any allergy, my mother drinks it sometimes, and it relieves allergy symptoms very quickly. He was recommended to us, and now we recommend him to everyone.

  Answer

  Expert Marina Rusetskaya

  08/23/2019 at 09:19 pm |

  Irina, Diazolin helps relieve the symptoms of allergic manifestations, but the drug is not curative for allergies.

  The main method of treating allergies is eliminating the allergen and specific therapy, which also includes antihistamines.

  If your mother has an allergic reaction to any factor, consult an allergist and do not self-medicate.

  Regarding your statement “we now advise everyone” - be careful. Diazolin has serious side effects:

  1. The drug causes drowsiness and is not advisable for drivers to take.

  2. In children, the drug can provoke paradoxical reactions, so it is better for children to choose another medicine.

  3. The drug is not prescribed for those with lactose intolerance and malabsorption syndrome.

  By recommending a drug to people, you do not know who has what concomitant diseases and what medications the person is taking, thereby you will cause serious damage to the health or lives of other people.

  Answer

Procedure for allergic rhinitis

Prescribed medications:

• drugs that thin sputum and have a mucolytic and anti-inflammatory effect - Fluimucil, Abroxol, Lazolvan, Ambrobene, Atrovent, etc.;
• to relieve swelling and destroy pathogens - Rotocan, Eucalyptus, etc.;
• cromones (drugs with decongestant effect) - Cromohexal, Beclazone, etc.;
• antibacterial agents when complicated by infection - Furacilin, etc.;
• immunomodulators (when allergic rhinitis is accompanied by a viral infection) - Leukinferon, etc.;
• hormonal agents for advanced rhinitis - Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, etc.;
• saline solutions that relieve swelling, nasal congestion and burning - saline solution, solution with sea salt. Soda solution and alkaline mineral water (Borjomi, Essentuki) are also suitable. The mineral water must first be kept open for 2 hours to allow the gases to escape;
• inhalations for allergic rhinitis with a nebulizer can be carried out using essential oils - mint, eucalyptus, lemon, rosemary. They have a cleansing, antiseptic effect and reduce swelling. A few drops are mixed with saline solution.

Important! Oils are used only in the treatment of the upper respiratory tract and the particle size should not exceed 10 microns. Only a compression nebulizer with the ability to control the size of molecules is suitable.

Otherwise, the development of oil pneumonia with the possibility of death cannot be ruled out. When purchasing, pay attention to whether this model is intended for aromatherapy.

Mechanism of action

The main task of cough syrups is to prevent the production of histamine. Upon contact with an allergen, the body's immune system recognizes it as a harmful substance. IN

As a result of this process, receptors begin to actively work, causing the development of an allergic reaction.

Allergy syrup, like any other antihistamine, blocks histamine and other components that contribute to the onset of the disease.

A large accumulation of mast cells, basophils and platelets are found on the skin and mucous membranes. When exposed to allergens, histamine is produced from them. Penetrating into the extracellular space, it leads to the development of negative reactions from the body.

Antihistamines inhibit the production of antibodies, blocking the appearance of disorders of the nervous and respiratory systems. They prevent histamine from attaching to nerve receptors. Medicines of this type actively eliminate itching, burning, and have antiseptic and anti-edematous properties.

Today, there are three main generations of antihistamines. The latest developments are especially popular due to the absence of adverse reactions and a more gentle effect on the body.

Procedures for allergic laryngitis and tracheitis

Usually these diseases are accompanied by a cough. Most often, warmed saline solution is recommended for therapy.

The following may also be prescribed:

• mucolytics - ACC, Ambroxol, Lazolvan, etc.;
• cough suppressants - Tussamag, Acetylcysteine, etc.;
• bronchodilators that relieve spasm and swelling - Berodual, Atrovent, Ventolin, etc.;
• if laryngitis is combined with bronchitis or pneumonia, spasms of the bronchi and larynx are observed, breathing is severely difficult - Epinephrine and Adrenaline are prescribed as emergency aid;
• antiseptics – Chlorophyllipt, Miramistin;
• glucocorticosteroids, if the disease develops in a severe form - Budenit Steri-Neb suspension;
• humidifiers – mineral water.

The doctor will prescribe the frequency of use, but usually drug therapy is carried out 2-3 times a day. Procedures with NaCl can be done many times.

Treatment of wet cough

For a strong wet cough, you can perform steam procedures with eucalyptus, essential oils, coltsfoot decoction, wild rosemary. These procedures are best done with a steam inhaler.

Ensuring such procedures are carried out for a child is much more difficult. This should be done under the supervision of his attending physician.

Inhalations for children are done:

• Bronchodilators;
• Mucolytics;
• Antiseptic solutions;
• With anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Treated with immunomodulators.

To get rid of mucus from the respiratory tract, doctors often resort to prescribing inhalation with ACC. This drug is safe and therefore not contraindicated for children over three years of age.

Medicinal herbs

Often decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs are poured into an allergy inhaler. Before using them, get advice from a specialist so as not to aggravate the disease.

Throw a spoonful of dry herbs into a liter of boiling water, boil for 8-10 minutes, again bring the volume to a liter. Pour into the inhaler when the temperature of the decoction is about 45 degrees. You can use chamomile, oregano, eucalyptus, lavender, raspberry leaves, thyme, sage.

Inhalations are a popular effective remedy for eliminating signs of allergies. Just remember that uncontrolled prescribing of drugs to yourself can lead to disastrous consequences. Always consult your doctor.

Prevention

It is possible to avoid the development of allergic cough in children with the help of preventive measures that must be followed during pregnancy. It is recommended to take your baby outside more often and carefully monitor the condition of his skin. At the first signs of diathesis, you should consult your pediatrician as soon as possible.

You should do a wet cleaning at home every day and, if possible, isolate the animals at least for a while. It must be remembered that any occurrence of allergies in childhood is considered a dangerous symptom, which in the future can turn into a serious illness.