Inhalations for cough relief: effect and recommendations 

Highlights: 

• When and how to do the inhalations for the best effect  

• what solutions to choose and when to consult a doctor  

If you have a small child, then you probably already know – there is no more effective method of relieving a cough than inhalations. Whether we’re talking about a dry one or a wet one, we always reach for the inhaler for help.

Inhalations act directly on the airways, hydrating the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and helping to expel secretions. It is thanks to this direct action that their effect can be felt immediately after using the inhaler – symptoms are instantly relieved, and this is very important if the cough is accompanied by difficulty breathing and wheezing.

Thanks to the inhalations, discharged from the medications and solutions reach the local inflammation very quickly. Thus, their action is direct, without burdening the whole organism, compared to, for example, taking medicines orally. And the good news is that they are suitable for all ages, from babies to the elderly. Of course, in the youngest children, treatment should be tailored to the recommendations of a pediatrician.

What solutions are suitable for cough?

First of all, the choice here should be tailored to its type – whether it is dry or productive (with phlegm). Most often, inhalations are made with a saline solution that moistens the airways, soothes irritated mucous membranes and helps clear secretions. It is a first step in mild forms of cough (before drug treatment is undertaken) and is safe to use even in newborn babies.

When we talk about persistent cough and more severe conditions, doctors prescribe treatment with medications that are added to the saline solution when inhaled. They can be:

• Mucolytics (ambroxol, acetylcysteine) – break down thick phlegm and facilitate expectoration. 
• Bronchodilators – dilate the airways in spastic cough or asthma. 
• Corticosteroids – in severe inflammation of the respiratory tract.  

How to do inhalations correctly?

In addition to the right medication, proper inhaler use is essential to quickly relieve coughs and other respiratory problems. One of the reliable and easy-to-use inhalers on the market is the  Zano Inspire, a compressor inhaler suitable for both children and adults. With the Zano Inspire, inhalations can be made with saline solution alone as well as with the already mentioned treatment medications.

Preparation for inhalation:

1. Choose the right place: place the inhaler on a stable and level surface, away from heat or moisture sources. 

2. Hygiene: wash your hands thoroughly before preparing the appliance and the solution. 

3. Assembling the unit: connect the air tube to the compressor and inhalation cup. Make sure all parts are properly attached. 

4. Solution addition: open the inhalation chamber and add the prescribed amount of saline or medication. Do not exceed the maximum volume.  

5. Attaching a mask or mouthpiece: choose the appropriate tip – a mask for children or adults, or a mouthpiece – and attach it to the inhalation cup.  

Performing the inhalation:

• Position: sit comfortably, keeping your back straight. This helps the aerosol penetrate the airways better. 
• Breathing: Breathe slowly and deeply through the mouth, holding the breath for a few seconds after each inhalation to allow the medicine to reach the deeper parts of the lungs. 
• Duration: inhalation usually lasts between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the doctor’s prescription and the amount of solution used. 
• After inhalation: switch off the appliance, disassemble the parts and wash them with warm water. Let them air dry before next use. 

Zano Inspire – the quiet compressor inhaler

The inhaler features quiet operation – with a noise level of just 55 dB, no louder than a standard home refrigerator. This makes it extremely suitable for children who are often frightened by the masks and buzzing of inhalers. You can take it with you anywhere as it is lightweight and compact – weighing just 200 grams – and has a handy bag to store it in, along with the rest of the parts.

Zano Inspire  ensures high efficiency by producing particles with an average size of 3.8 µm, ensuring optimal penetration of the drug into the airways. Additionally, the inhaler comes with a complete set of accessories as well as a set of 16 fun stickers that allow customization of the device and make inhalations more fun for little ones.

Using an inhaler like Zano Inspire can significantly improve the effectiveness of inhalation therapy for coughs and other respiratory conditions. Always follow your doctor’s or pediatrician’s instructions regarding the frequency and duration of inhalations, as well as the solutions used.

When to consult a doctor?

Although saline inhalation is an easy and affordable method of treatment that can aid in a faster recovery and prevent the condition from worsening, there are cases where a doctor’s intervention is still needed. If the cough does not improve, but on the contrary, worsens, or the following symptoms are observed:

• Cough is accompanied by fever above 38°C. 

• Wheezing or difficulty breathing. 

• Prolonged cough for more than a week. 

• Blood in sputum or chest pain.  

In children, especially under 3 years, any persistent cough should be treated at the discretion of a pediatrician. He may recommend specific treatment and prescribe inhaled medication. Self-medication without a doctor’s recommendation runs the risk of complications and improper treatment of the condition.

Conclusion

Inhalers are becoming an increasingly necessary device in the home medicine cabinet – especially for children and people with chronic respiratory diseases. Inhalations are a safe and effective method of cough relief that acts directly on the airways. When used correctly and with appropriate solutions, they can significantly improve a patient’s condition and speed recovery. Medication treatment must necessarily be coordinated with a specialist. Timely action and consultation with a doctor can prevent complications and provide faster relief of symptoms.