Seeing our little ones having trouble breathing can be quite distressing. Stuffy nose, cough, runny nose—these are common symptoms during bouts of flu, sinusitis, and rhinitis… So many “itis” that just thinking about it can leave you short of breath! In addition to specific medications to treat these illnesses1, doing inhalation with saline or medication is a good way to relieve these symptoms.
What Is Inhalation For?
Inhalation helps to humidify the respiratory tract and nasal secretions, and truly provides relief to help improve breathing when the nose is blocked, caused by colds and so many other respiratory diseases. In winter, when it’s cold, we are usually hit by colds—especially children—and as if that weren’t enough, during dry summer weather, other respiratory illnesses are common, which also requires the use of nasal aspirators and inhalers. Having an inhaler at home, especially when we have young children, is essential. It makes it easier to care for them in these situations and helps our children breathe better and sleep more peacefully (them and us, of course).
Inhalation for Sinusitis
Inhalation is done by inhaling water vapor, medications, or the air in the environment through the respiratory tract2. Usually, an inhaler is used to ensure greater effectiveness in the absorption of the substance we want to be inhaled. It is a very effective method in the treatment of sinusitis. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, in the bone cavities around the nose, cheekbones, and eyes (as shown in the drawing below). It is caused by an infection, allergies or any other condition that causes improper drainage of the secretion located in the sinuses. It is also known as rhinosinusitis because it inflames both the nasal mucosa and the sinus mucosa. Inhalation helps precisely to improve this drainage by humidifying the airways and thinning secretions, which relieves the discomfort caused by inflammation. A nasal aspirator can also be used to help remove secretions. There are a few types of inhalation recommended for sinusitis, including some easy home remedies that are very effective, such as inhaling steam from the shower, inhalation with saline solution, and inhalation with herbal tea. Below is a video with a simple homemade inhalation recipe using eucalyptus leaves.
Sinusitis During Pregnancy
When a woman is pregnant and has a bout of sinusitis, she can no longer use the same medications as before, like anti-inflammatories and antihistamines. Many of these medications are not recommended during pregnancy because they are corticosteroid-based. But you also can’t just wait for it to pass, since breathing becomes difficult, facial pain from the inflammation is very bothersome, and inhalation is a great ally at these times. Whatever method you prefer, whether using the device or following a home remedy, what matters is improving your breathing and relieving the pain. Of course, don’t forget to let your doctor know so they can evaluate your condition and advise you on the proper treatment for you3. In addition to inhalation, it is recommended to blow your nose whenever necessary and not to sniff. Rinse your nose with saline solution, drink plenty of water, and rest so that symptoms don’t get worse. Also, avoid staying in air-conditioned places (as they dry out the nasal cavities), which are advisable steps to overcome sinusitis attacks.
Nebulizer vs. Inhaler
The nebulizer is a device that delivers medication through nebulization, that is, by inhaling vapor with medication, inhaled into the lungs through a mask connected to the device. In practice, nebulizer and inhaler are the same thing; both are devices for inhaling medication. The term “inhaler” ends up being the most used, mainly because it’s easy to associate with its purpose. The only difference, besides the name obviously, is the way the medication is turned into aerosol form (small liquid particles in a gaseous state). Using ultrasonic inhalers is more effective because the effect is faster. In this system, it’s possible to break the particles into smaller sizes, which makes absorption easier in the body. The aim of both devices is inhalation of medication and, of course, aiding respiratory treatment. Both should be used as recommended by a doctor and with great care regarding hygiene.
Types of Inhalers
Nowadays, there are various inhaler models available on the market. A huge variety of brands, modern models, and increasingly quieter devices. With technological advancement, inhalers are not only quieter but also much more effective. They can be used by anyone, from babies and children to adults.
Types of Inhalers
There are two types of inhalers: The conventional, which is a bit noisier because they are pneumatic or use compressed air, and the ultrasonic inhalers, which are preferred because they are faster, quieter, and you can do the inhalation in any position. An important point is that even though more “modern”, ultrasonic models are not suitable for some types of medication. It’s important to talk to your doctor about which device to choose and whether this model is recommended.
Information to Check Before Buying </h3
Some information is important when choosing the ideal inhaler. Check these features with the manufacturer, so you don’t make a mistake or have to buy another inhaler after only limited use (they’re not that cheap; the average price is R$160 to R$260).
- Nebulization capacity per minute – The higher, the better!
- Particle size – The smaller the particle, the better for inhalation Power – After all, it’s always good to go for the most economical
- Works both vertically and horizontally – Children generally give a little trouble at inhalation time. Being able to do it while they sleep is a great option
- Saline/medicine reservoir – Some models already come with several disposable cups!
Children’s Inhalers
Some children don’t stay still during inhalation, bothered by the mask and the noise some devices make. To please the little ones and make this sometimes hectic moment easier, some brands offer devices with animal designs, trains, cars, as well as masks specifically made for children’s faces. The operation of these children’s models does not differ from the others, with both conventional and ultrasonic options available. The real difference is just the fun design. If you’re in doubt about whether it’s worth having an inhalation device at home, you can see that sooner or later, you’ll need to give your child an inhalation treatment. And having a device like this on hand will bring you more confidence and comfort. When in doubt, ask for guidance from your pediatrician and never use medication in inhalation without a prescription, okay! Taking this space, I want to share some news for our mom readers who are planning to have another baby in the future, or know a couple trying to get pregnant. We have developed some products that help with fertility for both men and women, including the pre-conception female vitamin FamiPré and, for men, FamiUp, as well as ovulation tests, pregnancy tests, and the FamiGel lubricant. You can get them here in our online store. Also see: Bronchitis – What It Is, Symptoms, and Treatment Photos: Myriams-Fotos, Nnh_front.svg
