In the autumn and winter, infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract (such as colds, flu, bronchitis, sinusitis and lung infections) are often diagnosed.
During an infection, it is recommended to use seawater nebulization in an appropriate concentration, which reduces inflammatory swelling of the nasal mucosa and sinuses, increases the activity of the mucociliary system of the respiratory epithelium and supports the removal of mucus by thinning it, which accelerates the patient’s recovery.
How Do Respiratory Infections Go?
Each infection manifests itself with inflammation, which is the body’s natural defensive reaction to the intrusion of pathogenic microorganisms into it.
As a result of inflammation, the mucosa (such as the nose) becomes swollen. The mucosa begins to produce more mucus secretions designed to trap pathogens and remove them outside.
The excess secretion produced in the airways is a well-known symptom: a runny nose and a wet cough. Respiratory infections caused by viruses cause this inflammation and damage the cells of the ciliary epithelium.
The task of the ciliary epithelium is to clean the respiratory tract of impurities (pathogenic microorganisms or allergens) and excess mucus secretions. Disorders of the mucociliary mechanism increase the symptoms of infection and delay the healing process.
What is Nebulization?
Nebulization is a method of inhalation therapy consisting of delivering the drug to the patient’s respiratory tract in the form of an aerosol, i.e., a system of tiny particles of a liquid substance suspended in a gas.
Nebulization is recommended in the treatment of acute and chronic respiratory diseases, but also prophylaxis. Pediatricians also recommend it because giving the child the drug in the form of nebulization (while the child is breathing normally) allows it to be delivered to the body in a well-absorbed form of an aerosol.
The advantage of nebulization is the direct action of seawater itself or seawater with a medicinal substance on the respiratory tract. If a medicinal substance is used during nebulization, it directly reaches the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, or bronchi.
Depending on the needs, nebulization can be performed with various medicinal substances (e.g., allergies, asthma, or COPD). Nebulization is also suitable for infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract.
Then you inhale saline, or just seawater – richer in health-promoting ingredients, i.e., elements and minerals. The pharmacies offer the medical device Marimer Inhalation 100% natural seawater for nebulization at home, intended for children from the first day of life.
When Is Seawater Nebulization Used?
- Acute or chronic rhinitis and pharyngitis,
- Allergic rhinitis,
- Acute or chronic sinusitis,
- Laryngitis and tracheitis, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, lungs,
- Cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, ciliary dyskinesia syndrome,
- COPD
Principles of Properly Conducted Inhalation:
- In children, we perform nebulization immediately after a meal,
- The patient should have: a) a relaxed, correct sitting position with a slightly tilted head backward, b) non-binding clothes, c) clear, clean nose.
- Gradual accustoming the child to the procedure – lower solution density and blowing force, initially shorter treatment,
- Proper breathing during nebulization – at the beginning, breaths should not be deep,
- After the end of the procedure, if necessary, perform rehabilitation procedures (tapping, breathing exercises, positioning in a drainage position),
- Observe the child for 10 minutes
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Nebulization?
Nebulization is a type of therapy that patients readily use due to its convenience and effectiveness. This mainly applies to young children, but adults also do not shy away from inhaling. However, this is not a flawless method. What are the pros and cons of nebulization?
Advantages of Nebulization?
- Effectiveness – Nebulization immediately moisturizes and unblocks the respiratory tract, reduces coughing attacks caused by irritation of the respiratory tract and discharge,
- Can be used in small children, in non-cooperating patients (e.g., handicapped), because it is easy to administer,
- It allows you to inhale a specific drug/preparation without the need to administer excipients
Disadvantages of Nebulization?
- Expensive – The nebulizer device is not cheap, but it is a one-time cost,
- Time-consuming – Administration of the preparation takes several minutes, which in the case of small patients is sometimes difficult to implement,
- Noisy Equipment – The nebulizer requires electrical power and is quite loud.
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